ClickCease Central Coast Paraquat Lawsuit

Central Coast Paraquat Lawsuit

If you were exposed to the toxic chemical Paraquat in Central Coast, California, and have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, call Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger. You and your family may be entitled to financial compensation.

Our attorneys have filed one of the first Paraquat lawsuits in the State of California, and have the experience, knowledge and resources necessary to help you through the process.

Paraquat Usage and Effects in California

Paraquat is a toxic chemical that is used to kill weeds. It is banned in 32 states around the world, but not in the United States. It is important to understand that exposure to Paraquat is not only deadly by the sip, but it can impact people who simply live in proximity to where it was sprayed.

As one of the breadbaskets in the world, California has over eight hundred thousand farmers employed in agriculture. In the Central Coast area alone, workers and residents were exposed to over three hundred thousand kilograms of Paraquat between 1992 and 2017. Monterey County ranked as the county in the region with the highest amount of Paraquat used at 222,869.90 kilograms.

County Estimated Paraquat Usage
Monterey County 222,869.90
San Luis Obispo County 72,494.20
Santa Barbara County 35,138.50
Ventura County 16,228.80
Santa Cruz County 8,173.70

 

Link Between Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease

Studies have shown that low-level exposure to Paraquat can drastically increase risk of developing Parkinson’s disease – especially for people who are already predisposed to the illness.

The toxic chemicals in Paraquat affect brain cells in a similar way to Parkinson’s disease. In Parkinson’s disease, a person will begin to lose the cells that make the neurotransmitter dopamine. This impacts fine motor skills – like the coordination of small muscles when you write. When people breathe in or absorb Paraquat – in any form – they are also losing the same dopamine-creating cells.

Parkinson’s Disease: Signs to Look for

There are five stages of Parkinson’s disease and with each stage, signs will grow more severe. In the early stages of the illness, it is likely you will only notice one or two signs – whether that is a tremor (a slight shaking in one hand), or the sudden tendency to hunch while standing.

In general, movements will become slower, stiffer, and more involuntary. There may be sudden changes in a person’s voice or facial expression. Handwriting may become cramped and small due to their difficulty in controlling movement. People with Parkinson’s also have trouble with balance and posture.

If you are experiencing only one of these symptoms, it may be related to something other than Parkinson’s. However, if you notice more than one of these signs in yourself or your family member, contact your doctor.

How We Can Help in Central Coast, California

If you are a resident or worker in any of the areas in the Central Coast of California and were exposed to Paraquat in any of the following counties (Monterey, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz) or cities (Pismo Beach, Oceano, Grover Beach, Arroyo Grande), talk to one of our attorneys today.

At Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger, we can help you file a Paraquat lawsuit that holds the manufacturers of the dangerous pesticide accountable, while also recovering financial compensation for your illness and the effects it has had on your life.