Top 3 Symptoms That Might Mean Paraquat Exposure Made You Sick

Paraquat is a powerful and highly toxic herbicide used to control weeds and grass in agricultural and commercial settings across California. A growing body of scientific evidence has raised serious concerns about a potential link between exposure to this chemical and the development of Parkinson’s disease, a devastating neurodegenerative disorder. For farm workers, licensed applicators, and even people living near treated fields, understanding the potential signs of Paraquat-related illness is a critical first step toward getting medical help and protecting your legal rights.

If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s after being exposed to Paraquat, the team at Walch Law is here to help. Our consultations are always free and confidential, and you pay nothing unless we secure a financial recovery for you. Call now to learn more and get started with the Los Angeles Paraquat lawyers at Walch Law now.

Symptom #1: Motor (Movement) Issues Consistent with Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s disease is primarily known as a movement disorder. The symptoms are caused by the progressive loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. While many conditions can cause similar issues, the onset of certain motor problems is a significant red flag that warrants an immediate neurological evaluation.

Key motor symptoms include:

Tremor at Rest: A slight shaking or tremor in a finger, hand, or limb, typically when the body part is relaxed and not in use.
Stiffness or Rigidity: A noticeable stiffness in the arms, legs, or trunk that can limit the range of motion and cause pain.
Slowness of Movement (Bradykinesia): A gradual loss of spontaneous movement, making simple tasks difficult and time-consuming. This can manifest as a slow, shuffling gait with small steps.
Balance Problems: Postural instability, or difficulty with balance and coordination, can lead to frequent falls.
Masked Facial Expression: A loss of unconscious facial movements, which can lead to a “flat” or serious expression.
Changes in Speech: The voice may become softer, hoarse, or monotonous.

It’s also important to note that many patients experience non-motor symptoms years before a diagnosis, including loss of smell, chronic constipation, and REM sleep behavior disorder (acting out dreams). Only a neurologist can properly diagnose these symptoms and their cause.

Symptom #2: Cognitive and Mood Changes

Parkinson’s disease doesn’t just affect movement; it can also have a profound impact on a person’s thinking, memory, and emotional well-being. These cognitive and mood changes are often subtle at first and may be noticed by family members before the individual recognizes them.

Look for signs such as:

“Brain Fog” or Slowed Thinking: Difficulty organizing thoughts, multitasking, or processing information.
Memory Issues: Trouble recalling information or finding the right words.
Anxiety, Depression, or Apathy: Unexplained changes in mood, including a loss of interest or motivation in activities once enjoyed.
Daytime Sleepiness: Overwhelming fatigue and a tendency to fall asleep during the day, even after a full night’s rest.

These changes can significantly affect a person’s ability to work, manage daily responsibilities, and interact with loved ones. Documenting these impacts is a crucial part of understanding the full scope of the harm.

Symptom #3: Autonomic and Systemic Problems

The nervous system controls many automatic bodily functions, and Paraquat-related illness can disrupt these processes. Additionally, direct, acute contact with the chemical can cause immediate physical reactions.

Potential signs include:

Dizziness on Standing (Orthostatic Hypotension): A sudden drop in blood pressure when moving from sitting to standing, causing lightheadedness or fainting.
Bowel and Bladder Changes: Chronic constipation is very common, as are issues with urinary urgency or incontinence.
Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): This can lead to drooling and create a risk of choking or aspiration.
Unexplained Weight Loss and Chronic Fatigue: Persistent exhaustion that is not relieved by rest.
Skin Issues from Acute Contact: High-dose exposure from a spill can cause severe chemical burns, rashes, and blistering.
Gastrointestinal Distress: Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms immediately following ingestion or other high-dose exposure.

What to Do If You Suspect Paraquat Made You Sick

Get a Medical Evaluation: Your health is the top priority. See your primary care doctor and ask for a referral to a neurologist. Be sure to disclose your full history of pesticide exposure.
Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed journal tracking your symptoms, their onset date, and how they impact your daily life.
Request Your Medical Records: Obtain copies of all records related to your diagnosis and treatment.

Building a Potential Legal Claim

If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease or parkinsonism, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. A strong case requires connecting your diagnosis to your exposure history.

Who May Qualify: This includes licensed applicators, farmers, farm workers, groundskeepers, and residents who lived in close proximity to fields where Paraquat was sprayed.
Evidence to Gather: Start collecting work records, farm logs, applicator licenses, chemical purchase invoices, photos, and contact information for witnesses who can verify your exposure.
Diagnosis is Key: A formal diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease or parkinsonism from a qualified neurologist is essential. Your doctor’s records should also detail the process of ruling out other causes for your condition (differential diagnosis).

Deadlines and the Legal Process

Strict legal deadlines, called statutes of limitation, apply to these cases. In California, the “discovery rule” generally means the clock starts ticking when you knew or should have known that Paraquat exposure might have caused your illness. It is vital to contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights. An experienced lawyer can help you decide whether to file in the federal Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) or in California state court.

How Walch Law Can Help

You do not have to face this fight alone. Our compassionate team provides powerful legal support by:

Screening your case for free to determine your eligibility.
Connecting you with our network of top neurology and toxicology experts.
Preserving critical evidence to build the strongest possible case.
Handling all communications with defendants and their insurers.
Managing medical liens from Medicare or private insurance to maximize your net recovery.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s after exposure to Paraquat, you deserve answers. Contact Walch Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn how we can help your family seek justice.

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