Lawsuits for Poisoning Due to Pesticide
Pesticides are commonly used in the agricultural industry, landscaping, and at home. For the most part, the use of these chemicals and substances is safe and carefully regulated. Yet accidents do happen, and when they involve powerful chemicals like pesticides, these accidents can be very dangerous. Adults, children, the elderly, and even pets may be seriously harmed from pesticide poisoning.
The lawyers at our Daytona Beach personal injury law firm would like to take a few moments to consider the dangers of pesticides. They can affect people in numerous ways, and it often takes a skilled lawyer to ensure the negligent party who caused this toxic exposure is held accountable for their actions.
Types of Pesticides
There are different kinds of pesticides, and they come in a number of different forms. There may be pellets or sprays or powders, for instance. Some of the most common kinds of pesticides are as follows:
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Fungicides – Fungicides are used to control harmful fungi.
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Herbicides – Herbicides are commonly used to deal with weeds ad other unwanted plants.
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Insecticides – One of the most well-known pesticides, these are designed to kill insects and bugs.
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Nematicides – When roundworms are an issue, nematicides can be used to eliminate them.
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Rodenticides – This type of pesticide is used to take care of rats, mice, and other unwanted rodents.
How Pesticide Exposure May Occur
There are three common ways in which a person may be exposed to pesticides.
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Contaminated Food – There are times when pesticides may still be present on the food you eat, particularly when it comes to fresh produce.
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Contaminated Water – It's possible for pesticides to wind up in groundwater, lakes, rivers, and streams. It's unlikely for pesticides to make into municipal water supplies, yet exposure can still occur from contact with the skin while outdoors.
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Inhalation and Airborne Contamination – Also known as pesticide drift, this happens when sprayed pesticides are carried by the wind to nearby areas.
Signs of Potential Pesticide Exposure
Common symptoms of pesticide exposure may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Irritated eyes, nose, and mouth
- Rash or irritation of the skin
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
Keep in mind that long-term exposure to pesticides can lead to serious health problems, such as fertility issues and increased cancer risk.
Holding Negligent Parties Accountable for Pesticide Poisoning
Since there are many ways that pesticides can enter your system, determining the liable party for this toxic exposure and poisoning can be very difficult. By working with a lawyer, you potentially can trace your health issues back to the type of exposure you experienced. This can lead to a discovery of what caused the pesticide exposure and who was negligent in the handling or use of said chemical.
Your attorney can then seek damages to cover medical expenses and other hardships related to the injury and health problems you experienced. An employer, a property owner, a business, or other parties may be the cause of your pesticide poisoning.
Learn More About Your Legal Options
If you or someone you love has been harmed as a result of exposure to harmful chemicals, be sure to contact our team of personal injury attorneys today. The lawyers of Chanfrau & Chanfrau are here to help you.
