Skilled Paraquat Lawsuits Attorneys Serving Sacramento, CA
If you were exposed to the herbicide Paraquat in Greater Sacramento, California, and have since been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, the attorneys at Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger can help. Our attorneys have extensive experience in this area, and have filed one of the first Paraquat lawsuits in the State of California (case number JCCP 5031).
We know that Parkinson’s disease can have a direct impact on your life, and your family’s, and we want to help you and your loved ones recover the financial compensation you are entitled to.
Paraquat Usage in Greater Sacramento
California continues to lead the United States in agricultural production – as well as pesticide usage. Paraquat is banned in 32 countries around the world due to its toxic nature, but remains one of the top ten herbicides used in California.
From 1992 to 2017, a total of 453,029.90 kilograms of Paraquat was used in the Greater Sacramento area. Of the seven counties in the Greater Sacramento region, Yolo County had the highest amount of Paraquat usage at 212,689.70 kilograms, followed by Sacramento County at 109,546.40.
Paraquat and Increased Risk of Developing Parkinson’s
It is widely accepted that ingestion of Paraquat can be deadly. However, it is important to understand that any low-level exposure to Paraquat can be harmful and increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. This means that even living in proximity to where Paraquat is being sprayed can increase someone’s risk of developing the illness.
A 2018 study by the University of Guelph revealed that exposure to Paraquat and the fungicide, Maneb increased risk of Parkinson’s disease by 250 percent. This was the first study with research based on human cells, not animal cells.
Paraquat causes damage to neurons that produce dopamine in the brain. The loss of dopamine is part of what causes Parkinson’s disease and impairment in fine motor skills.
What Are Early Signs of Parkinson’s Disease?
Early signs of Parkinson’s disease can vary from person to person, but what they share in common is a slowness and stiffness in movements – a decline in overall coordination and control. They can include anything from a tremor or shaking in one hand, to the loss of smell. Another common sign is having difficulty balancing, or standing up straight. Parkinson’s can impact many aspects of someone’s life early-on, from how they sleep to their handwriting and the facial expressions they make. As a person starts to lose control over their muscle movements, their handwriting grows smaller, they fall more easily, and their sleep schedule is disrupted.
Whether it is a non-motor symptom like constipation or a motor symptom like rigid muscles, make sure to contact your doctor as soon as you notice more than one symptom in yourself or someone you love.
Contact a Sacramento Paraquat Lawsuits Attorney
If you are a resident or employee in Greater Sacramento, California, and have been exposed to Paraquat in any of the following counties (El Dorado County, Nevada County, Placer County, Sacramento County, Sutter County, Yolo County, Yuba County), contact one of our attorneys at Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger.
By filing a lawsuit, we can help you recover proper financial compensation and hold the manufacturers of the toxic chemical accountable. Call (415) 981-7210 for a free consultation today.
