If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s following exposure to paraquat, a lawsuit against the manufacturer might be your best option. The ultimate result of a successful claim could result in a monetary award, but there is no way to be certain what that compensation might look like.
It is understandable if you are curious about the value of a paraquat settlement. Speaking to your paraquat attorney can provide information about the damages you could recover.
There Is Uncertainty Regarding the Value of a Paraquat Settlement
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency states that paraquat poses health risks, and many people have filed lawsuits for injuries and illnesses connected to their use of the chemical.
Unlike other injury cases, there is substantial uncertainty regarding what paraquat settlements might be worth. Most paraquat lawsuits are in the early stages and have not yet resolved. For that reason, there is little information on how these settlements might turn out.
Many victims of paraquat living with the consequences of Parkinson’s disease are involved in an ongoing multi-district litigation case. This case combines many similar paraquat cases into a single legal action. Until this case resolves, little information on what a settlement might look like is available.
Different Factors Could Impact Your Settlement Amount
Many factors could go into a paraquat settlement. The extent of your exposure and the severity of your medical condition could vary dramatically compared to another potential plaintiff. The following factors could increase or decrease the compensation you might recover through a paraquat settlement.
Proof You Were Exposed to Paraquat
If there is a factual dispute regarding the extent of your exposure to paraquat, it could reduce or even eliminate your potential monetary recovery. You must show you were exposed to paraquat in the first place to recover compensation. For many people, exposure to this dangerous chemical was incidental or occurred some time ago in the past. This could make it difficult to make a case for exposure.
Alternatively, it could strengthen your case if there is little doubt that you were exposed to the substance. Providing documentary evidence like a receipt, proof of purchase, or invoices reflecting the use of paraquat could have a tremendous impact on your case.
The Extent of Your Exposure to Paraquat
The extent of your exposure to paraquat could be very different compared to other plaintiffs. Understanding your extent of exposure is important, as long-term contact with paraquat is more likely to lead to Parkinson’s disease. A person exposed to paraquat repeatedly over several years could face more damages than someone who had irregular contact with the substance.
How Much Time Has Passed Between Exposure and Diagnosis
The amount of time that has elapsed between your exposure to paraquat and your diagnosis could be informative in the strength of your case. If you were exposed to paraquat only days before your diagnosis, your case is likely on shaky ground. However, developing Parkinson’s disease after months or years of exposure could strengthen your case.
The Cost of Your Medical Care
Medical bills are one of the primary costs resulting from a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. The extent of your medical bills could play a part in determining what to expect from a settlement in your paraquat case. The more extensive your medical care, the more compensation you might require to cover your bills.
Different Types of Compensation Is Available in Paraquat Settlements
One of the important ways to estimate the value of a paraquat settlement is by carefully reviewing the possible damages in your lawsuit. Because the circumstances surrounding your case are unique, the value of your settlement could be very different compared to other plaintiffs.
If your case is successful, you could obtain compensation for all of your physical, emotional, and financial losses. Some of the damages that might make up your paraquat settlement could include:
Past and Future Medical Care
The medical costs associated with your condition could make up a major portion of any settlement you obtain. The cost of medical care for Parkinson’s disease is often high, with many people requiring in-home caregivers or residency in an assisted living facility. Your settlement could include the cost of past and future medical care.
“Pain and Suffering” and Inconvenience
You could experience extensive physical pain and mental ailments due to your Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. Living with this pain could be a lifetime consequence of your exposure to paraquat. However, your “pain and suffering” and inconvenience could also result in financial compensation as part of your paraquat settlement.
Lost Wages
The toll that Parkinson’s disease takes on the body is enough to prevent you from maintaining employment now and in the future. Your condition could cost you years of income, leaving you with unexpected financial strain through no fault of your own.
When you pursue a settlement related to paraquat exposure, it should include compensation for any of the wages you missed out on due to your condition. This could include lost wages before filing suit and future wages.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Parkinson’s disease often marks the end of a person’s ability to enjoy life as they previously had. If you are forced to miss out on what you cherished due to exposure to paraquat, you could be entitled to financial compensation.
Talk to an Attorney About the Value of a Paraquat Settlement
If you have questions about the value of your paraquat settlement, you are not alone. Many lawsuits related to paraquat exposure are still ongoing, making it difficult to pinpoint what a settlement might be worth. While there is uncertainty, our firm could work with you to understand the strengths of your case as well as the compensation you might recover.
At the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC, we are prepared to help you hold the makers of paraquat accountable. If you are living with Parkinson’s disease following exposure to this dangerous chemical, now is the time to take actions to recover damages. Call (571) 229-1800 right away for your free consultation.
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