Tennessee Paraquat Lawyer

If you had exposure to the industrial weedkiller Paraquat and were later diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease or another serious health condition, you may deserve compensation. At Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC, our Tennessee Paraquat lawyers have over 40 years of experience helping injured individuals get the compensation they deserve. We are dedicated to fighting for your rights. Contact us today at (901) 526-2126 for a free consultation to discuss your case.

What Is Paraquat?

Paraquat is a highly toxic herbicide used in agricultural practices across the U.S. since the 1960s. The Environmental Protection Agency classifies this dangerous chemical as a restricted use pesticide (RUP), which means that only licensed professionals can apply it. Despite its toxicity, Paraquat is still commonly used on commercial farms for:

• Weed control in crops like soybeans, corn, and cotton
• Desiccating crops before harvest
• Managing vegetation in orchards and vineyards

While over 30 countries banned Paraquat, including the European Union, people in the United States continue to use it. Farmers and agricultural workers are often exposed to this herbicide through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact, potentially increasing their risk of developing severe health issues, particularly Parkinson’s disease. Paraquat exposure may also affect individuals living near farms where licensed professionals spray the herbicide.

Paraquat Brand Names

Various brand names in the United States and globally contain Paraquat. Common brand names include:

• Gramoxone: The most widely known brand, manufactured by Syngenta
• Firestorm: Produced by Chemtura Corporation
• Helmquat: Manufactured by Helm Agro US, Inc.
• Parazone: Another product from Chemtura Corporation
• Quik-Quat: Distributed by Drexel Chemical Company
• Blanco: Used in some international markets
• Bonfire Herbicide: Another name used in certain regions
• Para-SHOT: Distributed by United Phosphorus, Inc.
• Devour: A less common brand in the U.S. market
• Cyclone SL 2.0: A formulation containing Paraquat dichloride

This list is not exhaustive, and other brand names and herbicide mixtures may contain Paraquat. If you’ve worked with or been exposed to any of these products, or if you’re unsure about an herbicide you’ve encountered, consult our Tennessee Paraquat lawyers. They can help you determine whether Paraquat exposure led to your condition and guide you on potential legal actions.

The Dangers of Paraquat Exposure

Exposure to Paraquat may have serious and potentially fatal consequences. One of the most alarming dangers linked to Paraquat is its connection to Parkinson’s disease, a progressive nervous system disorder that impacts movement. Research has shown that individuals exposed to Paraquat have a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to those without exposure. Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can include tremors, slowed movement, muscle stiffness, and speech difficulties.

In addition to Parkinson’s disease, Paraquat exposure may lead to other serious health complications, such as:

• Lung damage: Inhaling Paraquat can cause severe lung damage, leading to pulmonary fibrosis.
• Poisoning: Even a small amount of Paraquat, if ingested, can be lethal. Poisoning can cause organ failure, leading to death.
• Other neurodegenerative diseases: Studies suggest Paraquat exposure may also increase the risk of other neurological disorders.

Who Is at Risk of Paraquat Exposure?

Those most at risk of Paraquat exposure include:

• Farmers and agricultural workers
• Herbicide applicators
• Groundskeepers
• Residents near farms using Paraquat
• Family members of agricultural workers

Paraquat Lawsuits

Paraquat lawsuits are typically handled as mass tort litigation. In a mass tort, many individual plaintiffs file separate lawsuits against the same defendant(s) for similar injuries caused by the same product or action. This allows each plaintiff’s case to stand on its own merits while sharing resources and information with others in similar situations.

Mass torts are sometimes referred to as class action lawsuits, but the two are significantly different. In a class action, plaintiffs are grouped together and treated as a single entity. Each participant in the class action receives the same amount of compensation. In mass torts, each person can pursue compensation based on the specifics of their individual injuries.

Many Paraquat lawsuits have been consolidated into a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. MDL is a type of mass tort that centralizes similar cases from across the country in one federal court for pretrial proceedings. This process helps streamline the litigation and can lead to faster resolutions.

How Our Tennessee Paraquat Lawyers Can Help

At Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC, our experienced Tennessee Paraquat lawyers handle complex mass tort cases. We understand the challenges victims of Paraquat exposure face, and we are committed to fighting for justice on their behalf. Our team will handle every aspect of your case, including:

• Investigation: We will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence supporting your claim. This includes collecting medical records, employment history, and the details of your Paraquat exposure.
• Building Your Case: Once we have the necessary evidence, we will build a strong case to demonstrate that Paraquat exposure caused your illness.
• Expert Testimony: We work with experts in toxicology, neurology, and other relevant fields to support your claim and prove the link between your exposure to Paraquat and your illness.
• Negotiating Settlements: Many mass tort cases settle outside of court. Our attorneys will negotiate with the responsible parties to obtain a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other injury-related losses.
• Trial Representation: If we can’t secure a fair settlement, we will take your case to trial and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Who Is Eligible to File a Paraquat Lawsuit?

Individuals who have been exposed to Paraquat and later developed Parkinson’s disease or other serious health conditions may be eligible to file a Paraquat lawsuit. People who are most at risk of exposure include:

• Farmers and agricultural workers: Those who apply Paraquat or work on farms where the herbicide is used are at a high risk of exposure.
• Residents living near farms: People living in rural areas near farms where Paraquat is sprayed can also be exposed through drift from pesticide applications or runoff in the groundwater.
• Park rangers, landscapers, and utility workers: Individuals who work in environments where Paraquat is used to control vegetation may be at risk of exposure.

How to Qualify for a Paraquat Lawsuit

To qualify for a Paraquat lawsuit, individuals must demonstrate the following:

• Exposure to Paraquat: Plaintiffs must show that they were exposed to Paraquat, either through their occupation or proximity to areas where Paraquat was used.
• Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease or other health issues: Plaintiffs must have a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease or other serious conditions linked to Paraquat exposure.
• Causal link between exposure and illness: Medical records and expert testimony will be used to establish a connection between Paraquat exposure and the plaintiff’s illness.

Even if you’re unsure whether your Parkinson’s disease is related to Paraquat exposure, it’s important to consult a lawyer who handles mass tort cases to discuss your case and your legal options.

Filing a Paraquat Lawsuit in Tennessee

In Tennessee, people have a limited time to file a lawsuit after being diagnosed with a health condition linked to Paraquat exposure. The statute of limitations for product liability cases in Tennessee is typically one year from the date of diagnosis. However, this deadline can vary based on the specifics of your case, so it’s important to consult with a Tennessee Paraquat lawyer as soon as possible to help protect your legal rights.

Our experienced Tennessee Paraquat lawyers will guide you through the legal process, from gathering evidence to negotiating a settlement or taking your case to trial. We understand the impact that Paraquat exposure can have on your health and your family, and we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Potential Compensation in Paraquat Lawsuits

If you or a loved one has been harmed by Paraquat, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses: This includes hospital bills, doctor visits, medications, and future medical care.
• Lost wages: If your illness has caused you to miss work, you may be compensated for lost income.
• Pain and suffering: Paraquat exposure can lead to long-term physical pain and emotional suffering. You may be entitled to compensation for these intangible losses.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: If your illness has significantly impacted your quality of life and caused you to be unable to participate in activities you loved prior to your illness, you may be compensated for this loss.
• Funeral expenses: In the event of a loved one’s death due to Paraquat exposure, you may be compensated for funeral and burial costs.

Contact Our Tennessee Paraquat Lawyers Today

At Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC, we are dedicated to helping victims of Paraquat exposure seek justice. Our Tennessee Paraquat lawyers have the experience and resources needed to take on large corporations and fight for the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to Paraquat and diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, call us today at (901) 526-2126 or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation. We will evaluate your case and explain your legal options.