In small or medium amounts, paraquat poisoning symptoms can cause the failure of the heart, liver, and kidneys. If a person ingests a large amount of paraquat, they may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and swelling of the mouth and throat. After these immediate symptoms, ingesting large quantities of paraquat can lead to even more serious conditions, including pulmonary edema, seizures, and acute kidney failure.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that paraquat is a toxic chemical used in some herbicides. While it’s not illegal, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that only licensed applicators should use it. If you were exposed to paraquat and have any of the symptoms listed above, you should seek medical care.
Paraquat Poisoning Symptoms Can Be Severe
The information on this page is not intended to serve as medical advice. However, our team recognizes the harm paraquat can have on your health. By understanding the symptoms of paraquat poisoning, you can ensure your well-being.
You may experience symptoms of paraquat poisoning, if:
You Ingest a Small to Medium Amount of Paraquat
Even ingesting a small amount of paraquat can be dangerous. Symptoms can include:
- Heart failure
- Kidney failure
- Lung Scarring
- Liver failure
The CDC notes that you may experience these complications several days or weeks after ingesting a small to medium amount of paraquat. Some long-term conditions, including some forms of cancer, can take years to develop.
You Ingest a Large Amount of Paraquat
Ingesting larger quantities of paraquat can cause immediate symptoms, such as:
- Swelling of the throat and mouth
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Low blood pressure
Within a few hours or days, severe complications can arise, including:
- Pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs)
- Respiratory failure, possibly life-threatening
- Seizures
- Acute kidney failure
- Mental confusion
- Coma
- An increased heart rate
- Injury to the heart
- Liver failure
- Lung scarring
- Muscle weakness
Paraquat Exposure Can Also Lead to Parkinson’s Disease
Another risk associated with paraquat exposure is Parkinson’s disease, a long-term disorder involving the degeneration of the central nervous system. Environmental Health Perspectives notes that exposure to paraquat, either during inhalation or consumption, can lead to this life-altering condition.
You will likely need ongoing medical care to cope with such a disease, and many families are not ready to deal with the financial strain that comes with such a diagnosis. Yet, if you or a loved one developed this condition, you have legal options.
How does Paraquat Poisoning Happen?
As noted, paraquat is a legal herbicide; however, only licensed commercial operators, such as farmers, can use it. Still, trace amounts of paraquat can make their way into crops, such as fruits and vegetables. The U.S. government provides guidelines for tolerances of residues under 40 CFR § 180.364.
So, how does paraquat poisoning usually happen? According to the CDC, licensed applicators of paraquat face the greatest risk of poisoning. Even inhaling the substance can be poisonous. Skin exposure, especially in concentrated amounts, can also cause health issues.
The most common way paraquat poisoning occurs is through ingestion, though. In some cases, licensed applicators remove paraquat from its original packaging and store it in other containers, such as beverage containers. When this happens, anyone can mistake a bottle of paraquat for a soda. For example, if your hired lawn service worker stores a mislabeled bottle of paraquat in your garage, you could accidentally ingest it.
What to Do After Experiencing Paraquat Poisoning Symptoms
After you seek medical care for paraquat poisoning symptoms, consider seeking compensation from a liable party. It’s possible your paraquat poisoning was the result of another party’s negligence.
Treating both the immediate and long-term symptoms of paraquat poisoning can become expensive. In cases of acute kidney failure, for example, you may require ongoing medical care that lasts the rest of your life. You deserve compensation from a liable party, so you can access the healthcare you need.
A hazardous exposure attorney from our firm can help build your case and seek fair compensation. We have helped victims and their families in similar situations, and now we are ready to help you.
What a Paraquat Lawyer Can Do for You
You have enough on your plate dealing with paraquat poisoning symptoms. The last thing you need is to be overwhelmed with a legal case. You have a right to representation.
A paraquat lawyer from our firm can:
- Determine how your paraquat poisoning occurred and identify any liable parties
- File a claim or lawsuit to seek compensation
- Handle all of the necessary paperwork
- Negotiate for a fair settlement
- Represent you in a trial if necessary
Potential Compensation for Paraquat Poisoning Victims
You may stand to recover more than you think due to your paraquat poisoning. When we handle your case, we will account for both current and future expenses, which may include:
- Lost wages for the time you took off work to recover
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced earning capacity
Other damages may apply in your case. We can get to the bottom of what fair compensation looks like for you and your family.
Why Choose Nadrich & Cohen for Your Paraquat Poisoning Case
We know you have many options when choosing a law firm to represent you. Yet, we stand apart from other injury firms. When we take you on as a client, we treat them like family. We can keep you updated about the progress of your case and handle the entire legal process from start to finish. We simply want you to have access to the healthcare you need. We’ll take care of everything else.
Our Paraquat Lawyers Are Standing By, Ready to Help
If you or a loved one was exposed to paraquat, we can help. Our hazardous exposure attorneys can investigate your case and gather evidence of another party’s negligence.
While we handle the legal legwork, you can rest and spend time with your family. We also offer free consultations so you can learn more about your legal options. Call us to get started today.
