Paraquat Exposure Linked to Parkinson’s: Seek Legal Action Today

A large number of farm workers using or exposed to paraquat have been disproportionately diagnosed with Parkinson’s. This has led to a ban of paraquat in many countries. Although the United States still allows its use, there are now hundreds of ongoing paraquat lawsuits pursuing justice for the victims. Turnbull, Holcomb & LeMoine has extensive experience in mass tort litigation and ultimately taking individual cases to trial with successful outcomes. Contact us now for a free consultation and evaluation of your case.

man looking out window and crossing his arms

What is Paraquat?

Paraquat is an herbicide widely used and marketed in many products, that became used worldwide as an agricultural product. Paraquat was first discovered in 1882 by two Austrian chemists, however, it wasn’t until 1955 when scientists working for the British Chemical Company Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) discovered its herbicidal properties. Several multinational chemical companies began making, marketing and selling paraquat in 1962 and reaching a global agricultural marketplace.

Why and How is Paraquat used?

Since reaching a widespread market in 1962, paraquat has been manufactured by several companies who market the products under several brand names. It has been sold in various blends with other chemicals. These products have historically been sold in the agricultural marketplace. Paraquat has always been known to be poisonous. If ingested, it can kill a human with just a few drops. Its poisonous nature also kills weeds, making paraquat effective as an herbicide.

Similar to Roundup and glyphosate, the benefit to using an herbicide like paraquat after the harvest of crops is that it prevents farmers from having to manually till and weed fields before replanting for the next harvest. In earlier years of paraquat use, it seemed to many farmers to be a time and work saving method, increasing crop yields and the bottom line of the farms employing it. The negative health effects of low dose exposure to paraquat can take years or even decades to manifest themselves.

Visible diseases or injuries in the human body may not be immediately apparent. Now that it has become widely known and accepted that paraquat contributes to human disease even in low doses, the foothold it gained in the industry before this was known caused a number of industry influencers and special interest groups to do everything possible to avoid having to give up anything they see as an impact to their bottom line.

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How Toxic is Paraquat?

It has been known since the initial discovery of paraquat that it is a poison that is toxic and dangerous to humans. Because it had a specialized purpose in the agricultural industry and was clearly a dangerous chemical, its marketing and sales was largely restricted from the general public. However, despite it known harmful effects, the manufacturers and chemical companies who profited from its sale merely warned about the dangers of ingesting the poison. These profiteers consciously failed to warn or otherwise tell purchasers that a repeated low dose exposure to paraquat via contact with skin and/or inhalation significantly increases the risk of Parkinson’s. Paraquat had two notorious exposures causing scandals and awareness of the extreme danger due to two widely known events.

In the 1970’s the United States federal government, in efforts to reduce the flow of marijuana imported into the country from Mexico, began a campaign to spray Mexican marijuana fields with paraquat to destroy the crops. These tainted crops ended up being imported and used in the United States, which caused unknown damage to those who were exposed. The practice of spraying illegal marijuana fields in the United States with paraquat began in the 1980’s and was contested by an uproar from the public and lawsuits which eventually led to the complete halt of the practice in the 1990’s. Also, in the 1980’s, the lethality of paraquat was worldwide news when a person in Japan poisoned several drinks with the chemical and placed them in a vending machine. After this event was said and done 35 people were poisoned and 11 of them died within hours of ingesting the poison.

What About Paraquat and Low Dose Exposure?

Manufacturers and chemical companies never warned people about the dangers of exposure to paraquat in repeated low dose exposures. In the 2000’s, a pattern emerged that illustrated that large numbers of farm workers developing Parkinson’s disease, disproportionately affecting them and others who worked on or near agricultural fields that used paraquat. The high rates of Parkinsons’ prompted several independent organizations to research the issue. These produced a number of studies that, to date, have at least begun to effect positive change.

In 2009, The American Journal of Epidemiology found that a link between Parkinson’s disease and the agro-chemical paraquat does indeed exist. Not long after, the National Institute of Health announced that people who are exposed to paraquat are about 250 percent more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than other people with no direct exposure. Since then, additional research studies have demonstrated that the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease due to repeated low dose exposure was more than 600 percent compared with those not exposed.

These revelations were not limited to the United States. A number of other global studies caused such an uproar and litigation in other countries, that paraquat has now been banned in more than 32 developed nations, including the European Union, Switzerland and Brazil. Stunningly, to date, the United States continues to allow the sale and use of paraquat, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has continued to deny paraquat’s clear link to Parkinson’s disease, issuing only minor restrictions on how and where the lethal poison can be applied.

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Philip Pendergrass

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s Disease is a nervous system condition which is usually diagnosed by a neurologist by reviewing symptoms along with a neurological and physical examination. There is no specific test to diagnose a patient. The most common visible manifestation of the disease are tremors, as well as stiffness and/or slowing of movement. Parkinson’s disease often causes a person’s face to show little or no expression. It can also cause a person to have soft or slurred speech. The symptoms worsen as the condition progresses over time. Though there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, there are many medications available that help limits its symptoms by regulating certain areas of the brain. Some people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease can live for a long period of time. However, the care of a person who develops this disease is very extensive because it requires extensive medical treatment, medication, physical therapy, and even treatment for mental well-being as a person struggles with the progression of the disease. It is not uncommon for a person battling Parkinson’s disease to ultimately have medical expenses well into millions of dollars.

Who Is At Risk?

People who have either had an accidental exposure to paraquat or are agricultural workers who have had repeated low dose exposure to paraquat are those who are most likely to develop Parkinson’s Disease. Even agricultural workers such as those doing the harvesting or other farm jobs who did not have direct contact with the spraying of fields, but worked on those same fields where paraquat was used are at a very high risk for developing Parkinson’s Disease. Also, people who lived, worked or spent significant time near fields where paraquat was sprayed have had a risk of exposure due to overspray, as well as via non-direct application methods of the poison, such as aerial dusting.

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Paraquat Lawsuits

The expenses to families and patients related to those suffering from Parkinson’s disease, collectively, cost billions of dollars each year. Victims not only have to deal with the burden of an extremely high cost of treatment, but also lost wages, as well as physical and emotional anguish that also can affect their loved ones. The dangers of paraquat and its link to Parkinson’s Disease has been examined by several independent organizations, which have produced a wealth of studies and information showing paraquat’s causal relationship with Parkinson’s. Many affected people in the United States have initiated paraquat lawsuits and litigation, and many have filed suit against Syngenta, the world’s largest manufacturer of the poison. Currently, more than 150 paraquat cases have been consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois in a “multi-district litigation.”

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Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass Paraquat Lawsuits

Paraquat lawsuits and litigation, especially a trial of this scope is a monumental task. A paraquat lawsuit has the potential to involve many defendants, untold millions of pages of disclosure, dozens of depositions and easily thousands of hours of preparation, all for the ultimate goal of justice for the person affected by the negligence of these manufacturers and their indifference to safety.

Turnbull, Holcomb & LeMoine have the resources, expertise, and experience to try this type of case and achieve a successful outcome, one which not only compensates the victims but includes punitive damages for the failures of the chemical companies who must be held accountable for their negligence and indifference to the victims.

Whether you are an attorney currently representing a victim of paraquat or a person or family member of someone directly affected, you can end your search for representation here and trust Turnbull, Holcomb & LeMoine to not only litigate your case, but carry it all the way to trial for the best possible outcome.

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Our Qualifications

At Turnbull, Holcomb & LeMoine, we are recognized as a national law firm and are licensed in over 8 states. Our reputation speaks for itself, and we are known for our enduring resolve to take cases to trial that other attorneys simply did not have the capabilities and resources for. Numerous trials with successful outcomes and regular trial awards exceeding our clients’ expectations, we regularly push the bar higher in our efforts to bring justice to plaintiffs who need the best representation at trial.

Preparation is the name of the game when we appear in the courtroom at trial. We focus on strategic structuring of trial arguments, in-depth witness preparation, comprehensive jury research, case strategies built through focus groups and mock trials and have a reputation for winning against deep pocketed corporations like those involved in paraquat lawsuits. We offer regular communication and case updates to parties of interest, competitive fee agreements and are committed to maximizing results.

What’s next?

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s after exposure to paraquat, or if you are an attorney who is currently representing a client who wants to further litigate their claim against a paraquat manufacturer and take it to trial, then you are in the right place. Similarly, if your client has decided to opt-out of a class action settlement, your search ends here. Simply call us at (888) 488-9616 or contact us on our website to schedule a free and confidential consultation with a highly qualified trial attorney to discuss how we can help and take your case to the next level.

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Client Testimonials What Our Clients Say

They actually know what they’re doing, and they do it well. Client Injured in Georgia

Came to Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass, PC after working with an attorney who didn’t know what he was doing. Working with Turnbull was a huge breath of fresh air after that experience. They...

Came to Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass, PC after working with an attorney who didn’t know what he was doing. Working with Turnbull was a huge breath of fresh air after that experience. They actually know what they’re doing, and they do it well. They were very communicative and answered my questions in a way I could understand. Thank you!!

This firm has done an outstanding job helping me Client Injured in Alabama

This firm has done an outstanding job helping me with the legal services I needed. They took extremely good care of me and were straight to the point about every par...

This firm has done an outstanding job helping me with the legal services I needed. They took extremely good care of me and were straight to the point about every part of the process. I 10/10 will recommend them to any of my friends or family that may need legal assistance and will use them again myself. Thank y’all so much!

Very caring, very professional Client Injured in Alabama

Very caring, very professional and made me feel like I choose the right people for the job. Anytime I call answered my call right away or call back the same day. Great people.

Everyone at the Firm was extremely helpful and understanding Client Injured in Alabama

The Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass, PC has been recommended to me by my friend and I couldn’t be happier with his choice. Everyone at the Firm was extremely helpful and understanding, check...

The Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass, PC has been recommended to me by my friend and I couldn’t be happier with his choice. Everyone at the Firm was extremely helpful and understanding, checking on me frequently and providing me with all needed information. Will Lattimore is a great attorney and I’m grateful for all the hard work he did on my case. Returning all the calls promptly and going out of his way on many occasions to help with questions and concerns I had with my case. I highly recommend Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass, PC to anyone with legal needs. Again, thank you all, thank you Will for all you did to help me resolve my case.

I really love the expertise of this firm. Client Injured in Georgia

I really love the expertise of this firm. They are forward in the aspect of your case They answered all my questions truthfully, honestly. Being patient with this firm got me great results. I would...

I really love the expertise of this firm. They are forward in the aspect of your case They answered all my questions truthfully, honestly. Being patient with this firm got me great results. I would recommend them to whomever need help. Thank you for all the great and hard work.

In mid-March this year, my car was rearended pretty badly by another car at an intersection here in Atlanta, GA, causing hefty damage to my car and head concussion and neck/spine pain in me. I&rsqu...

In mid-March this year, my car was rearended pretty badly by another car at an intersection here in Atlanta, GA, causing hefty damage to my car and head concussion and neck/spine pain in me. I’ve got the vehicle damage part done by the insurance company but the bodily injury part, I was not happy with their initial offer. So, I have approached Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass, PC company and they have represented me professionally in my case claim. They were able to get me maximum claim, much to my pleasant delight. Thank you attorney Brett Hollett for representing me. Thank you Constance Tidwell, case manager, for keeping me posted regularly and being patient with me.

Turnbull Ĺaw firm was a life saving for me and my family. The work ethic, the soft but very firm hand handling the case and the reassurance and constant comunicación we had always made me feel I had s...

Turnbull Ĺaw firm was a life saving for me and my family. The work ethic, the soft but very firm hand handling the case and the reassurance and constant comunicación we had always made me feel I had some control even though I had none. I am more than please grateful and satisfied with the representation I received. I got a compensation above what would of been spected. Thank you very much. I hope I never have to use your services again but if in the case of I would not go anywhere else for legal representation. Thank you very much.

I had never hired a lawyer prior to this experience. I was extremely nervous and overwhelmed with the process of choosing one. Will came recommended from several sources I reached out to. He made the ...

I had never hired a lawyer prior to this experience. I was extremely nervous and overwhelmed with the process of choosing one. Will came recommended from several sources I reached out to. He made the process so easy and gave me peace of mind through out our experience. Will was very professional on the business end and made me feel like I had a friend on my side during the entire process. He genuinely cared and went above and beyond by explaining every part of the process during my case. Always working around my unpredictable schedule. He was not only a fantastic lawyer, he was a great human being as well! I highly recommend his services!

Bobby and Whitney were absolutely compassionate and very helpful. We had a very difficult case, but Bobby went above and beyond to take it and get us justice. He was always available if I needed a que...

Bobby and Whitney were absolutely compassionate and very helpful. We had a very difficult case, but Bobby went above and beyond to take it and get us justice. He was always available if I needed a question answered or just for support. I highly recommend them over all these other big time advertising lawyers. He took our case when no one else would… he is really an angel in a suit. Thank you Bobby and Whitney..

Will Lattimore was extremely responsive, an excellent communicator, very professional, has high integrity, and did what he said he was going to do. I highly recommend Will and his firm if you have a l...

Will Lattimore was extremely responsive, an excellent communicator, very professional, has high integrity, and did what he said he was going to do. I highly recommend Will and his firm if you have a legal matter you need help with. I absolutely recommend him and his firm to anyone in need of an attorney that will work hard and get results without any hassle.

My initial feeling after speaking with Ashley was relief; I was confident she had what it took to get the absolute best outcome in our fight for justice for our little man! There was never a moment I ...

My initial feeling after speaking with Ashley was relief; I was confident she had what it took to get the absolute best outcome in our fight for justice for our little man! There was never a moment I felt in the dark, didn’t understand something, or couldn’t reach her to answer any question or concern. She always expressed a genuine concern, care, and love in fighting for what was the best interest of our son and us as a family. Ashley is highly proficient and knowledgeable in what she does and exceeded our expectations every step of the way. She is truly one BADASS attorney and Superwoman got nothing on her!!

There are no words that can express how thankful I am for Drew Haskins and the team at Turnbull Law. Over the last two years, they constantly fought for me, stayed honest, and continued checking on my...

There are no words that can express how thankful I am for Drew Haskins and the team at Turnbull Law. Over the last two years, they constantly fought for me, stayed honest, and continued checking on my well-being during my recovery. I would recommend them to anyone that needs honest, genuine representation.

Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass ,PC is an amazing law firm they are very professional and are always checking to see if you okay, keeping you informed on how your case is going it’s not enou...

Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass ,PC is an amazing law firm they are very professional and are always checking to see if you okay, keeping you informed on how your case is going it’s not enough stars on the board to score how good they are…

Courteous, Tenacious, Professional and attention to detail Client

Courteous, Tenacious, Professional and attention to detail in a calming manner is how I would describe Will Lattimore, the attorney assigned to me. I had a major surgical procedure done last year t...

Courteous, Tenacious, Professional and attention to detail in a calming manner is how I would describe Will Lattimore, the attorney assigned to me. I had a major surgical procedure done last year that went wrong and left me not as I was. I contacted all the major billboard and TV attorneys and no one was interested. I assume it was not drastic enough for them. I was referred by a friend to Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass. From the beginning we met, Will, was very thorough in explaining how all will transpire in a timely manner. Patience, was the key, as it took a year for all the moving parts to work. During this time, I was contacted with steps and details being handled. I would highly recommend Will and this firm should you need legal representation.

I had a problem getting a big insurance company to pay me for one of their clients mistake. They refused to. But within a few days of my having hired Turnbull law firm, the insurance company changed t...

I had a problem getting a big insurance company to pay me for one of their clients mistake. They refused to. But within a few days of my having hired Turnbull law firm, the insurance company changed their tune. Thank you Will and the whole firm. I was able to focus on getting myself healed. If I need another attorney I’ll be back!

So thankful I went with Turnbull Law Firm Client Injured in Alabama

So thankful I went with Turnbull Law Firm to represent me during my time of need. Will Lattimore went above and beyond during the whole process. He was eager to come to my house when I wasn’t...

So thankful I went with Turnbull Law Firm to represent me during my time of need. Will Lattimore went above and beyond during the whole process. He was eager to come to my house when I wasn’t able to travel and made everything so easy. He was always a phone call or text away and made himself available to me easily. He was successful at his job and I highly recommend their law firm and would use them again if necessary.

Thank you for all you did for my family !!!! You all were very kind ! And treated me with respect and was very knowledgeable about the case the whole time ! I have recommended you all to my friends an...

Thank you for all you did for my family !!!! You all were very kind ! And treated me with respect and was very knowledgeable about the case the whole time ! I have recommended you all to my friends and family ! Thank you .Thanks for treating me like family !

Hands down the best I’ve dealt with by far and definitely got me back way more than expected and I’m highly grateful of the results their communication skills with me on my settlement was very consist...

Hands down the best I’ve dealt with by far and definitely got me back way more than expected and I’m highly grateful of the results their communication skills with me on my settlement was very consistent and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this firm thank you guys a lot !!!!!

Ashley Mitchell is highly knowledgeable and dealt with the defense attorney with ease. She is an excellent representative for legal services and I highly recommend her.

Omg guys….First of all-thank you so much! Second of all- just one” thanks” is not enough !! I worked with a few attorneys and law firms in my life, but it’s probably the se...

Omg guys….First of all-thank you so much! Second of all- just one” thanks” is not enough !! I worked with a few attorneys and law firms in my life, but it’s probably the second time when I am leaving a great review and I’m not fearful of saying that they do a great job. Drew-I would like to thank you personally once again bc of the way how quickly you did your homework and even tho we didn’t get to work with each other that much due to my case – I have already gotten a lot of great advices from you and your team. 

If you are looking for a law firm to represent you for an injury, brain injury case in a daycare like we did, then you should highly consider the attorneys at Turnbull, Moak and Pendergrass. We wer...

If you are looking for a law firm to represent you for an injury, brain injury case in a daycare like we did, then you should highly consider the attorneys at Turnbull, Moak and Pendergrass. We were very fortunate to have Ashley Mitchell take care of us from start to finish. She is very thorough and attentive to details. She cared about seeking justice for our son who was involved in a TBI from a negligent daycare center. Ashley has put forth so much effort and hard work into this case to get the outcome that our son deserved. If you are looking for a firm to represent and get you justice in a case involving you or your loved one then we recommend Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass.

Thank you so much for all of your help Client Injured in Alabama

After my car accident in 2020 life for my family turned upside-down. Everything, every movement every action took so much effort and thought, nothing about our life was easy anymore. I hired Tim Ho...

After my car accident in 2020 life for my family turned upside-down. Everything, every movement every action took so much effort and thought, nothing about our life was easy anymore. I hired Tim Holdefer the 1st day we met, then he later on introduced us to Bobby at Turnbull to represent us in court. From the 1st conversations with Ashley on the phone I instantly felt cared for. I felt like my story mattered an I felt heard. Every step of the way they were by my side until we settled. Truly if my family, friends or I ever need a lawyer again for any reason I trust that if they can’t help, they will Send me to some one who will treat us equally as good… Thank you so much for all of your help, my family will never forget you all..

So incredibly kind, hardworking, and intentional. You’ll leave with a smile, a wave, and knowing they got the job done. Thanks again peeps

I’ve had a great experience with this law firm. Client Injured in Alabama

I’ve had a great experience with this law firm. They kept me updated throughout the process and answered all of my questions in a timely fashion. Would definitely recommend them.

If you are seeking a great law firm this one is highly recommended. Clients from Georgia

We heard about Ashley through word of mouth and I am so happy we did! She has been absolutely phenomenal to work with. My parents passed away in a trucking accident and through a devastating time A...

We heard about Ashley through word of mouth and I am so happy we did! She has been absolutely phenomenal to work with. My parents passed away in a trucking accident and through a devastating time Ashley stood by our side. She even came to New York for my parents funeral. She is a stand up person. She got us the outcome we wanted. She has been there every step of the way to help my family (she even listened to us cry a few times). If you are seeking a great law firm this one is highly recommended. Even further I recommend you asking for Ashley Mitchell to work your case. Ashley made it so that my family can open a homeless shelter in our parents name so they will never be forgotten. Ashley, from the bottom of mine, Coby and Sandra’s hearts we thank you tremendously.

I really love the expertise of this firm. Client Injured in Georgia

I really love the expertise of this firm. They are forward in the aspect of your case They answered all my questions truthfully, honestly. Being patient with this firm got me great results. I would...

I really love the expertise of this firm. They are forward in the aspect of your case They answered all my questions truthfully, honestly. Being patient with this firm got me great results. I would recommend them to whomever need help. Thank you for all the great and hard work.

This law firm is absolutely by far the best ever in my eyes. I am so thankful to have been able to work with you’all through this journey. I couldn’t of asked for a better group people to be on my sid...

This law firm is absolutely by far the best ever in my eyes. I am so thankful to have been able to work with you’all through this journey. I couldn’t of asked for a better group people to be on my side. Again words can’t explain how much I sincerely appreciate every little thing you guys have done… Thank you so much for such an amazing outcome.

The Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass, PC has been recommended to me by my friend and I couldn’t be happier with his choice. Everyone at the Firm was extremely helpful and understanding, check...

The Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass, PC has been recommended to me by my friend and I couldn’t be happier with his choice. Everyone at the Firm was extremely helpful and understanding, checking on me frequently and providing me with all needed information. Will Lattimore is a great attorney and I’m grateful for all the hard work he did on my case. Returning all the calls promptly and going out of his way on many occasions to help with questions and concerns I had with my case. I highly recommend Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass, PC to anyone with legal needs. Again, thank you all, thank you Will for all you did to help me resolve my case.

Very caring very professional and made me feel like I choose the right people for the job. Anytime I call answered my call right away or call back the same day. Great people.

This firm has done an outstanding job helping me with the legal services I needed. They took extremely good care of me and were straight to the point about every part of the process. I 10/10 will reco...

This firm has done an outstanding job helping me with the legal services I needed. They took extremely good care of me and were straight to the point about every part of the process. I 10/10 will recommend them to any of my friends or family that may need legal assistance and will use them again myself. Thank y’all so much!

I had a problem getting a big insurance company to pay me for one of their client’s mistake. They refused to. But within a few days of my having hired Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass, PC, th...

I had a problem getting a big insurance company to pay me for one of their client’s mistake. They refused to. But within a few days of my having hired Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass, PC, the insurance company changed their tune. Thank you, Will, and the whole firm. I was able to focus on getting myself healed. If I need another attorney I’ll be back!

When the pressure is on, you want these guys in your corner. Rustin Smith, Smith Hulsey Law

Nationally-recognized trial lawyers who handle high stakes personal injury, products liability, mass tort, and medical malpractice cases. When the pressure is on, you want these guys in your corner...

Nationally-recognized trial lawyers who handle high stakes personal injury, products liability, mass tort, and medical malpractice cases. When the pressure is on, you want these guys in your corner.

They were timely, well prepared and a class act. Ed Ortega, Esq.

They were timely, well prepared and a class act. They had a good in-depth understanding of the facts of the case and communicated well to the jury.

I’ve seen them take on the biggest companies and win big for their clients. National Trial Consultant

As a national trial consultant, I know good lawyers, and these lawyers are some of the very best I’ve seen. I’ve seen them take on the biggest companies and win big for their clients.

As a national trial consultant, I know good lawyers, and these lawyers are some of the very best I’ve seen. I’ve seen them take on the biggest companies and win big for their clients.

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