Trials in Paraquat Lawsuits Slated in November 2022
Those who are suffering from Parkinson’s disease that they believe was a result of paraquat poisoning may be interested in the latest developments. Sixteen cases have been confirmed by the multidistrict-litigation paraquat judge for the opening round of bellwether tests slated to start in November 2022. The defense picked half of the cases, while the other 16 were chosen by the plaintiffs from a random computer selection out of the bellwether discovery cases. The trials are slated to be held in the Illinois Southern District.
EPA Asks to Reconsider Their Previous Decision to Allow Paraquat to Be Sold
At the end of September 2022, a California non-profit went to court to challenge the decision by the Environmental Protection Agency to allow the weed killer to remain on the market pending additional safety reviews. The response by the EPA was to request the court to remand their decision, so they could reconsider the analysis that their opinion was based on. If this request is granted, it could overturn the EPA’s previous decision to allow the weed killer to continue to be sold. This could have enormous implications concerning the pending paraquat lawsuits.
Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease
Several serious health conditions have been linked to paraquat, including Parkinson’s disease. In a number of lawsuits, paraquat manufacturers have been accused of failing to warn about its risks. A $3 million verdict was awarded to the plaintiff in the first of the lawsuits, which was tried in August 2019.
Health risks have caused paraquat to be banned in many countries, but it continues to be used in the United States. Health problems may be a result of exposure to paraquat, which can be compensated in a lawsuit. A mass tort attorney can help you if the herbicide has affected you or a loved one.
Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms
Parkinson’s disease symptoms fall into four categories:
- Tremors: Parkinson’s disease is most commonly characterized by tremors, which occur when the limbs shake involuntarily. Initially, the tremor occurs in one hand, but it can spread to the other hand and feet after some time.
- Bradykinesia: This symptom is characterized by slow movement, which complicates daily activities such as dressing and brushing teeth. People with bradykinesia may also have a hard time starting movements.
- Rigidity: This refers to muscle stiffness that makes movement difficult. Pain may also accompany rigidity.
- Postural instability: A person with postural instability has trouble walking or standing due to a loss of balance. Falling is also a possibility for those with postural instability.
Parkinson’s disease also causes the following symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Involuntary movement
- Depression
- Constipation
- Dementia
Being Diagnosed
The symptoms listed above should be discussed with a doctor if you or someone you love is experiencing them. The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease gradually worsen over time because it is a progressive condition. Treatments can help manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s, but there is no cure.
Filing a Claim for Exposure to Paraquat
Contact a mass tort lawyer if you think that paraquat may have contributed to your Parkinson’s disease. There may be a chance for you to join the class action paraquat lawsuits or file individually.
Paraquat Lawsuit Attorneys
If you or a loved one have been significantly exposed to this herbicide and have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, it is extremely important that you contact a lawyer. For a free consultation with a paraquat lawsuit attorney, please call the Diaz Law Firm. If you have any questions, you can contact us at our toll-free number at 1-800-459-2222 or by messaging us online. We represent those who have been injured by paraquat nationwide.