According to Statista, the U.S. had 1.33 million lawyers in 2020. These legal experts provide legal services to clients. Some work at law firms while others work for corporations or government agencies.
Lawyers must earn a bachelor’s degree before attending law school and choosing a legal specialty. There are multiple legal specialties, including criminal law, corporate law, and personal injury law. The lawyer’s specialty determines the types of clients they work with and the nature of the cases they handle throughout their career. Suppose you’re pursuing a paraquat lawsuit. You’ll need a personal injury lawyer experienced with class-action lawsuits. Let’s take a closer look at paraquat lawsuits and questions to ask your paraquat lawsuit attorney.
What is a paraquat lawsuit?
Perhaps you’ve thought about using herbicide to keep weeds from spreading into your flower or vegetable garden. Homeowners may use Roundup or another herbicide available in stores. Paraquat’s a herbicide used in the agricultural industry and by government agencies and other organizations. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limits its use. Consequently, only licensed users can apply paraquat, and they can’t use it in residential areas.
Paraquat is toxic and poisonous, and you may suffer a range of symptoms and health issues if you’re exposed to this chemical. Symptoms can include dehydration, low blood pressure, abdominal pain, lung scarring, muscle weakness, and seizures. Long-term exposure also increases your risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
Paraquat lawsuits are lawsuits filed against the companies manufacturing and distributing paraquat. A paraquat lawsuit attorney is a personal injury attorney who prepares your legal case. Their law firm gathers evidence verifying your exposure and medical condition to establish that you developed signs of developing Parkinson’s disease after paraquat exposure. Your legal team prepares and files legal paperwork with the courts to calculate the anticipated lifetime medical costs from your condition as well as related costs, such as loss of income. They may negotiate a settlement with the defendants or present evidence in a trial.
What should you ask your attorney about your paraquat lawsuit?
Clarify the financial terms of your contract when hiring an attorney. Personal injury lawyers offer free evaluations, enabling you to receive legal guidance without spending money. Using a free evaluation ensures you find an attorney you’re comfortable with who has the experience required to handle your paraquat suit. Class-action lawsuits typically operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay any legal fees until you win your case. Law firms receive part of the settlement to compensate for their work, but you don’t pay a retainer when hiring your firm, and you do not pay any fees if you don’t win your case.
Ask your attorney how to verify you were exposed to paraquat before developing Parkinson’s disease. Since class-action lawyers represent multiple clients, they may have identified locations using paraquat near your work location or another site you frequented before your diagnosis. This information can help verify you have a legitimate legal claim.
When choosing a law firm, you may be interested in their philosophies and social interests. You may opt to ask how they support their community and review their charitable donations and active sponsorships. The law firm may promote awareness about the dangers of distracted driving by hosting an essay contest and awarding a scholarship to the winner. Law firms may also supply teacher grants and scholarships for law students.
You may ask paraquat lawyers to provide testimonials from other clients. Reading feedback from other plaintiffs can give you an idea of what to expect when pursuing a lawsuit.
There are many questions to ask a paraquat lawsuit attorney. Learn about paraquat lawsuits and ensure you understand the lawyer’s role. Ask about payment, how to determine if you qualify to file a suit, and the firm’s community involvement. You may also ask for client testimonials before hiring a paraquat attorney.