Advocating for New Jersey’s Paraquat Victims
Paraquat dichloride, a commercial herbicide used throughout New Jersey’s agricultural regions, has been linked to Parkinson’s disease and other serious health conditions. If you or a loved one was exposed to this toxic chemical and later diagnosed with Parkinson’s, you may be entitled to significant compensation.
Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. is investigating Paraquat claims for New Jersey residents harmed by this dangerous substance. Our experienced Paraquat lawyers understand the devastating impact of Parkinson’s disease on victims and their families.
Agricultural workers, certified applicators, and those living near areas where Paraquat was sprayed face the highest risk of exposure and subsequent neurological damage. You don’t have to navigate this complex situation alone. Our New Jersey Paraquat attorneys can evaluate your case through our instant online assessment tool.
What Makes Paraquat So Dangerous
Paraquat is one of the most widely used herbicides in New Jersey and across America, valued for its effectiveness in controlling resistant weeds. Despite its agricultural benefits, this chemical poses severe health risks to those who handle it or live near application sites.
The herbicide is so toxic that ingesting just a small amount can be fatal within days. This extreme toxicity led the EPA to classify it as “restricted use,” requiring specialized training and certification for application. What many users weren’t told, however, was that even routine exposure through mixing, spraying, or environmental contact could lead to devastating long-term health effects.
Numerous scientific studies have established a strong link between Paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease. Research shows the chemical can cross the blood-brain barrier and damage dopamine-producing neurons, which are the same cells affected in Parkinson’s disease. One landmark study found agricultural workers exposed to Paraquat had a 250% higher risk of developing Parkinson’s compared to the general population.
While over 32 countries have banned Paraquat completely, it remains legal in the United States despite mounting evidence of its dangers to human health.
Health Consequences of Paraquat Exposure
Exposure to Paraquat has been linked to several serious health conditions. The manufacturers of this toxic herbicide failed to adequately warn users about these risks, leaving thousands vulnerable to life-changing illnesses. Here are the most significant health effects associated with Paraquat:
Research shows Paraquat can destroy dopamine-producing neurons in the brain—the same cells affected in Parkinson’s disease. This damage leads to tremors, rigidity, balance problems, and difficulty with movement and coordination.
Inhaling even small amounts of Paraquat can cause immediate lung damage. Longer exposure often leads to pulmonary fibrosis, a condition where lung tissue becomes scarred and thickened, severely limiting breathing capacity.
The kidneys filter Paraquat from the bloodstream, exposing these vital organs to concentrated toxins. This frequently results in acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease requiring ongoing medical intervention.
Paraquat exposure can cause toxic hepatitis and other forms of liver damage. The liver attempts to metabolize the poison, becoming damaged in the process and potentially leading to long-term liver dysfunction.
Paraquat generates harmful free radicals throughout the body, causing cellular damage and inflammation. This oxidative stress accelerates aging processes and contributes to numerous chronic diseases and tissue degeneration.
These health effects can develop years or even decades after exposure, making it difficult for victims to connect their conditions to Paraquat without expert assistance. Our New Jersey Paraquat attorneys understand the medical science behind these injuries and can help establish this crucial connection.
Legal Foundation for Paraquat Claims
Paraquat lawsuits are based on several compelling legal theories that hold manufacturers accountable for the harm their product has caused. These cases continue to gain traction in courts nationwide as evidence mounts about what manufacturers knew and when they knew it.
Manufacturers failed to provide adequate warnings about Paraquat’s link to Parkinson’s disease despite scientific evidence of this connection. This denied users the opportunity to make informed decisions about their safety.
Paraquat is inherently dangerous by design, causing neurological harm even when used as directed. Manufacturers could have developed safer formulations or promoted alternative herbicides but chose not to.
Companies failed to conduct adequate studies on Paraquat’s long-term health effects. Despite emerging research on neurological risks, they continued to market the product as safe when used according to directions.
Federal Paraquat lawsuits have been consolidated into MDL No. 3004 in the Southern District of Illinois. This allows for efficient handling of pretrial matters while preserving each victim’s individual claim.
Our Paraquat lawyers at Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. understand New Jersey product liability law and how it applies to toxic exposure cases. We’re committed to holding manufacturers accountable for putting profits ahead of public safety.
Do You Qualify for a Paraquat Lawsuit?
Understanding eligibility requirements is essential if you’re considering legal action related to Paraquat exposure. Our New Jersey Paraquat attorneys evaluate each potential case based on specific medical and exposure criteria.
The primary qualification is a formal diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease following Paraquat exposure. Medical documentation from a neurologist is crucial for establishing this connection. In some cases, individuals with kidney disease or lung damage after exposure may also qualify.
Qualifying exposure scenarios include:
- Direct handling as a farmer, agricultural worker, or certified applicator
- Working in areas where Paraquat was regularly applied
- Living near farms or fields where the herbicide was sprayed
- Contact with contaminated equipment or clothing
Your exposure must have occurred within the United States after 1961, when Paraquat entered commercial use. Documentation of which Paraquat products you encountered (such as Gramoxone, Cyclone, or Parazone) strengthens your claim considerably.
Through our instant online evaluation tool, we can quickly determine if your situation meets the necessary criteria for pursuing compensation. Don’t delay – New Jersey’s statute of limitations restricts how long you have to file after diagnosis.
Taking Action After Paraquat Exposure
If you believe you’ve been harmed by Paraquat exposure, taking prompt action is crucial for both your health and legal rights. The following steps can help strengthen your case while ensuring you receive proper care for your condition.
Seek comprehensive neurological evaluation if you’re experiencing tremors, stiffness, or other Parkinson’s symptoms after Paraquat exposure. Proper diagnosis is crucial both for your health and as documentation for your claim.
Gather employment records, pesticide application logs, or proof of residence near sprayed areas. This documentation helps establish when, where, and how you were exposed to Paraquat herbicides.
Keep detailed records of all medical costs, including doctor visits, medications, therapy, and assistive devices. These expenses form an important part of your potential compensation claim.
New Jersey’s statute of limitations restricts how long you have to file. Our quick online evaluation can determine if you qualify for compensation before time runs out on your claim.
Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. has the resources and expertise to guide you through every step of the Paraquat litigation process. Our dedicated New Jersey Paraquat attorneys are committed to securing the compensation you deserve.
Find Out If You Qualify Today
If Paraquat exposure has led to your Parkinson’s diagnosis, you deserve answers and compensation. Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. is committed to helping New Jersey agricultural workers and residents affected by this toxic herbicide.
Time is limited to file your claim. Take our quick online eligibility assessment today to discover if you qualify for compensation that could help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Find out if you have a case now through our instant online evaluation system.