West Virginia Attorney Advocates for Victims of Paraquat Exposure

Skilled Products Liability Lawyer Serving West Virginians Affected by Toxic Chemicals

Paraquat is a highly toxic herbicide that has been linked to thousands of lawsuits from individuals harmed by exposure. At Mountaineer Criminal Law Group in West Virginia, we are committed to fighting relentlessly on your behalf to secure the compensation you deserve for suffering caused by contact with this dangerous chemical.

What is Paraquat?

Paraquat is a chemical herbicide, initially introduced in 1961, widely used to eliminate weeds and unwanted vegetation. Due to its extreme toxicity, the Environmental Protection Agency restricts its application to individuals holding commercial licenses. Harmful exposure to paraquat can occur through several channels, including:

• Contaminated ingestion: Consuming food or drink tainted with even small amounts of paraquat can be harmful.
• Airborne exposure: Breathing in particles while paraquat is being applied, or shortly after application.
• Skin contact: Prolonged exposure, especially on areas with cuts, sores, or irritated skin, poses significant risks.

Syngenta AG, the current manufacturer of paraquat, adds dyes, odors, and chemicals designed to prevent accidental ingestion or to prompt vomiting if consumed. If you suspect paraquat exposure, contact Mountaineer Criminal Law Group for an evaluation to assess your symptoms and discuss eligibility for potential legal action.

How Paraquat Exposure Can Affect Your Health

Exposure to paraquat is associated with various severe health complications, such as:

• Damage to vital organs, including the heart, kidneys, and liver.
• Lung scarring or fluid buildup that impairs breathing.
• Muscle weakness or rigidity.
• Confusion, cognitive impairment, and seizures.
• More critical conditions like coma.

Those frequently in contact with paraquat, such as agricultural workers, face increased risks, but incidental exposure may harm others as well. Mountaineer Criminal Law Group works with medical professionals to verify if your health challenges stem from paraquat and strengthen your case.

Ongoing Paraquat Litigation and Developments

Thousands of individuals have filed claims against Syngenta AG and other involved entities, citing severe illnesses like Parkinson’s disease or kidney damage caused by paraquat exposure. These claims gained significant traction in June 2021 when Syngenta AG, along with a co-defendant, reached a $187M settlement to be distributed among several plaintiffs. While many lawsuits continue, Mountaineer Criminal Law Group remains well-informed about these legal proceedings, ensuring we are equipped to offer robust representation to clients affected in West Virginia.

Legal Options for Paraquat Victims in West Virginia

If exposure to paraquat has caused you harm, you have a limited window to file for damages. The statute of limitations in West Virginia gives you two years from when you knew, or should have known, about your illness to file a claim. However, illnesses like Parkinson’s or kidney disease, linked to paraquat exposure, may take years to develop. This means you could still have grounds for a lawsuit even if the exposure occurred more than two years ago.

To secure compensation, your case must establish that paraquat was defectively manufactured, poorly designed, or lacked sufficient warnings about its associated risks. Expert testimony will be crucial to link your medical condition to paraquat exposure. For this reason, it’s vital to work with an experienced West Virginia personal injury attorneywho can guide you through this complex process and fight for the settlement you’re entitled to receive.

Contact an Experienced Paraquat Liability Lawyer in West Virginia

At Mountaineer Criminal Law Group, we advocate for West Virginians who have been harmed by paraquat exposure, ensuring they have access to justice and fair compensation. Call us today at 304-202-5835 or connect with us online to schedule a free initial consultation. Our groups in West Virginia are here to serve you, specializing in cases like these and more, with the expertise you need.