Lawsuits have been filed by people with Parkinson’s disease who used Gramoxone® or other weed-killing products that contain the toxic chemical paraquat.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Gramoxone induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease from Gramoxone® (Paraquat), you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Toxic Chemical Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
What is Gramoxone?
Gramoxone® was the first brand-name for paraquat, an herbicide (plant-killing chemical) that was first manufactured and sold in early 1962. Today, it is one of the most commonly-used herbicides in the U.S. and other countries worldwide.
Main Crops Gramoxone Used On
Gramoxone is used on many types of crops including corn, maize, soya, soybeans, wheat, rice, potatoes, fruit (oranges, apples, bananas), coffee, tea, cocoa, cotton, sugarcane, and vegetables.
Other Names for Gramoxone
- Paraquat
- Paraquat dichloride
- Gramixel
- Dextrone-X
- Para-SHOT
- Parazone
- Quick-Quat
- Firestorm
- Helmquat
- And more
What is the Risk?
Since 2000, there have been at least 17 accidental deaths due to Gramoxone poisoning – including 3 children who died. Tragically, a single sip can be deadly. Most deaths resulted from Gramoxone being illegally transferred to a bottle that was later mistaken for a drink.
Studies Linking Gramoxone and Parkinson’s Disease
In 2011, the National Institute of Health (NIH) conducted a study called the Farming and Movement Evaluation to investigate the risk of Parkinson’s disease.
The study found that pesticide applicators who were exposed to Gramoxone were approximately 2.5 times, or 250%, more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease.
After the study was completed, many experts said the data was “overwhelming” and “…about as persuasive as these things can get.” Furthermore, another study in 2012 found that some people who used Gramoxone or paraquat were almost 11 times more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than non-users.
Gramoxone Lawsuits
In June 2021, all federal Gramoxone lawsuits nationwide involving people with Parkinson’s Disease wer centralized into a Multi-District Litigation (MDL) — The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois under Judge Nancy J. Rosenstengel.
The first Gramoxone class action lawsuit was filed in in St. Clair County, Illinois, in October 2017, by three farmers with Parkinson’s disease. In April 2019, another group of lawsuits were filed in California by 10 men with Parkinson’s disease who were exposed to Gramoxone (paraquat).
Scientists Use Gramoxone to Cause Parkinson’s in Animal Studies
Scientists who want to study Parkinson’s disease will use Gramoxone to cause the animal to develop the disease. To be clear, researchers give Gramoxone to animals to cause Parkinson’s disease, but the EPA still lets agricultural workers be exposed to this dangerous herbicide.
U.S. Lags Behind Other Countries in Banning Gramoxone
Gramoxone is one of only two pesticides that are still legal to use in the U.S. after being banned or phased out in the European Union, China, and Brazil. Despite its toxicity, Gramoxone use in the U.S. is at a 25-year high because farmers are struggling to control super-weeds that are evolving to survive being sprayed by the weed-killer Roundup® (glyphosate).
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that damages the part of the brain that controls movement. The symptoms become more disabling as the damage worsens over time.
Signs of Parkinson’s Disease
The symptoms of Parkinson’s can develop many years after being exposed to Gramoxone. The earliest signs of Parkinson’s may be slightly shaking hands, tremors, small handwriting, loss of smell, and sleep problems. In the most severe stages of Parkinson’s, the person may be unable to walk, dress themselves, or eat independently, and need an around-the-clock caregiver to help with activities of daily living.
What Causes Parkinson’s Disease?
While many people assume that Parkinson’s disease is genetic, the reality is that genetics are the primary factor in only 10% of cases. Experts now know that environmental factors like being exposed to toxic chemicals, herbicides, or pesticides, heavy metals, or certain injuries are far more likely to cause Parkinson’s disease than genetics.
Do I have a Gramoxone Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Gramoxone induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease from Gramoxone® (Paraquat), you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Toxic Chemical Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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