Dacthal Lawsuit for DCPA Exposure
Dacthal Exposure Lawsuit for Birth Defects
Dacthal is a commonly-used herbicide (weedkiller) that has recently come under fire for potential health concerns. Recent studies have shown that exposure to the chemical may lead to issues with fetal thyroid hormone levels and general fetal development. Many individuals have filed claims against AMVAC Chemical Corporation, the manufacturer of Dacthal. If you or someone you love was exposed to Dacthal while pregnant and suffered adverse health effects, you may have a valid Dacthal lawsuit.
The legal team at Lipton Law is currently investigating Dacthal birth defect claims in the state of Michigan. If you or your baby suffered health problems after being exposed to DCPA, you may be entitled to compensation. You shouldn’t have to suffer financially after already enduring mental and emotional suffering from knowing that your unborn child was harmed by negligence. Litigation is still in the early phases for these claims, so now is the time to contact an attorney about your case.
To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a Michigan product liability lawyer at Lipton Law, please call our office today at 248-557-1688. You can also submit an online intake form to schedule a consultation.
Dacthal Lawsuit August 2024 Update
Currently, DCPA claims are in the early stages of litigation. Dacthal lawsuit attorneys are currently investigating the history of Dacthal’s use as a pesticide. Apparently, the EPA has requested data from AMVAC Chemical Corp about their safety studies multiple times over the past 20 years. However, AMVAC failed to provide these studies. This failure to provide prompt and accurate responses could greatly impact how Dacthal claims proceed.
The lack of important information on their product could have led to pregnant women unknowingly being exposed to harmful levels of the chemical. Pregnant women whose babies were born with developmental issues after exposure to DCPA may be eligible to file a claim for compensation. Affected individuals should contact a Michigan Dacthal attorney to have their claim assessed.
The Environmental Protection Agency Warns About Dacthal Risks to Pregnant Women and Unborn Babies
As of August 6th, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an emergency order to stop the use of Dacthal so the significant risks to human health could be addressed. The emergency order suspended all registrations of the pesticide dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA or Dacthal) under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
Notably, this is the first time in nearly 40 years that the EPA has issued this kind of emergency order. The EPA took such a drastic step because they learned that unborn babies whose pregnant mothers were exposed to the chemical were experiencing harmful health issues. These health issues include changes to fetal thyroid hormone levels, which can be linked to impaired brain development, low birth weight, impaired motor skills, and decreased IQ.
The Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, Michal Freedhoff, stated, “DCPA is so dangerous that it needs to be removed from the market immediately.” AMVAC Chemical Corporation has certainly found itself in hot water because of its failure to warn consumers about the dangers of DCPA.
What Is Dacthal (DCPA)?
Dacthal (dimethyl tetracholoterephthalate) is a very popular and widely-used pre-emergent herbicide. The Environmental Protection Agency states that the chemical is “used to control annual grasses and broadleaf weeds.”
What Is Dacthal Used On?
Dacthal is used in many agricultural and residential settings. It is commonly used on the following crops and plants.
- Strawberries
- Onions
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
- Brussel sprouts
- Field beans
- Lawns
- Ornamental turf and plants
- Golf courses
Which Jobs Can Involve Dacthal Exposure?
Because of the widespread use of Dacthal, many individuals and occupations are more at risk of Dacthal exposure. Individuals in the agricultural field in particular, should be cautious and limit their exposure to the chemical. It may also be wise to seek medical attention to identify potential side effects.
The following occupations can be at a higher risk of health issues from DCPA exposure.
- Farmers
- Landscapers
- Field workers
- Plant caretakers
- Plant nursery workers
- Pesticide applicators
- Gardeners and homeowners
- Field inspectors
- Greenhouse managers
- Technicians and scientists
- Chemical plant employees
- Chemical formulators
- Pesticide control officials
- Agricultural agents and advisors
How Does Dacthal Work?
Dacthal (DCPA) is a pre-emergent herbicide, meaning it is applied to the soil’s surface before the seeds germinate. It can be applied either in granular or liquid form. Once applied, Dacthal basically creates a barrier to prevent weeds from germinating. The chemical disrupts the root growth cycle of the young weed plants. Basically, the weeds are prevented from being able to access water and nutrients from the soil.
How Does DCPA Exposure Happen?
Dacthal exposure can happen in many different ways. Ingestion, inhalation, and dermal toxic exposure are the most common ways people are exposed to Dacthal.
The following forms of exposure could result in health problems for exposed individuals or unborn children.
- Ingestion: If someone eats contaminated food or touches their mouth with contaminated hands, ingestion of Dacthal could cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.
- Inhalation: During application, handling, or mixing of the Dacthal, vapors and dust could be inhaled. Symptoms of inhalation exposure include nasal passage irritation, difficulty breathing, coughing, and throat irritation.
- Dermal (skin) contact: The chemical could be absorbed through the skin if someone handles the chemical or works in the area where it has been applied.
- Ocular (eye) contact: Dacthal dust or spray could affect the eyes, causing damage or irritation. This exposure to the eyes can cause itching, tearing, redness, and potentially long-term eye injuries.
- Environmental exposure: Dacthal can persist in contaminated soil and water. Long term environmental contamination can impact multiple levels of the food chain.
What Health Risks and Complications Can Occur from DCPA Exposure?
Several studies have shown that being exposed to DCPA could lead to significant risks to a person’s health. Not only could the chemical affect adults, but it can also affect unborn children.
Significant health concerns and potential complications from Dacthal exposure include the following.
- Neurological issues
- Hypothyroidism
- Thyroid cancer or nodules
- Goiter
- Eye and skin irritations
- Respiratory problems
- Autoimmune thyroid problems, such as Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s
- Changes in thyroid levels
- Changes to fetal thyroid hormone levels
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Kidney and liver problems
- Low birth weight
- Impaired motor skills later in life
- Decreased IQ
Significant Health Risks to Unborn Babies
One of the reasons why the EPA issued its emergency order about DCPA was because of the serious health risks to unborn children. Unborn babies exposed to Dacthal could suffer the following birth defects.
- Impaired brain development
- Other developmental delays
- Impaired motor skills
- Low birth weight
- Decreased IQ
- Thyroid function problems
What Damages Can You Recover in a Dacthal Lawsuit?
Pregnant women and other individuals who suffered serious health problems after Dacthal exposure may be able to recover economic and non-economic damages. To seek justice for the harm you or your family has endured, we strongly recommend speaking with a Dacthal lawyer at Lipton Law.
The potential recoverable damages in Dacthal claims include the following.
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Travel expenses
- Other out-of-pocket expenses like medical equipment and support services
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- In the event of wrongful death, funeral and burial expenses
What Are the Potential Settlement Amounts in a Dacthal Claim?
Depending on the severity of the adverse health outcomes and the individual aspects of the case, the potential settlement amounts can vary widely. It is still too early to give a concrete estimate of potential claims, but looking at similar case types, individuals may be able to expect payouts ranging from tens of thousands of dollars to over a million dollars.
Some significant factors that can affect settlement and payout amounts include the following.
- Severity of the health impacts
- Severity of the injuries
- Extent of proof of damages
- Fetal harm or birth defects
- Strength of evidence of negligence
- Number of plaintiffs
Who Is Eligible to File a Dacthal Claim in Michigan?
Pregnant women and others who have suffered from DCPA exposure must meet certain criteria in order to qualify for a Dacthal lawsuit. Plaintiffs will need to show a diagnosis of a condition related to Dacthal exposure. These conditions could be thyroid issues, cancer, or fetal abnormalities.
You and your attorney will need to prove the following in order to have a successful claim.
- Direct contact with Dacthal, meaning the plaintiff lived or worked near areas of DCPA use
- Evidence of long-term exposure to Dacthal to establish a link between Dacthal and the health issues
- Confirmed medical diagnosis of conditions that are potentially linked to DCPA exposure
- Medical records and other forms of documentation of the link between DCPA exposure and the health conditions
- Clear evidence of negligence from AMVAC Chemical Corporation
How Can a Michigan DCPA Exposure Lawyer Help You?
If you or a loved one has been exposed to Dacthal (DCPA) and have suffered adverse health effects, a Michigan DCPA exposure lawyer from Lipton Law can help you seek justice. Filing a Dacthal lawsuit can be a complex process, especially when dealing with large chemical corporations and the legal intricacies of product liability cases. Our experienced attorneys understand the challenges you’re facing and are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve.
A skilled attorney with our firm can help you face the legal system, gather the necessary evidence, and build a strong case against the company responsible. At Lipton Law, we are dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and ensuring that you receive the financial support needed for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages related to your exposure. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the legal process, providing personalized attention and unwavering support.
Gathering Evidence
Gathering evidence is a critical step in building a strong Dacthal lawsuit, and an experienced attorney from Lipton Law can make this process much more manageable. When you’ve been exposed to Dacthal and are suffering from health issues as a result, your focus should be on your recovery, not expanding your energy on the legal process.
Our skilled attorneys will start by collecting your medical records to document the health problems you or your child has experienced since being exposed to Dacthal. This can include reports from doctors, test results, and any treatment plans that show the link between your condition and the chemical exposure. Additionally, your attorney will work with medical experts who can provide testimony to strengthen your case, explaining how Dacthal exposure can lead to the specific health issues you’re facing.
Beyond medical evidence, we will gather environmental reports, product information, and any relevant documents that tie your exposure to Dacthal to the negligent actions of the manufacturer, AMVAC Chemical Corporation. This can involve obtaining records of Dacthal usage in your area, testing soil or water samples, and reviewing EPA reports related to the emergency order.
We will ensure that all this evidence is organized and presented in a way that clearly shows the connection between your exposure and the harm you’ve suffered, increasing your chances of a successful outcome in your lawsuit.
How to File a DCPA Lawsuit
We must stress that filing a Dacthal lawsuit should be your first priority if you or your baby has endured health problems after exposure. First, contact our attorneys. We have considerable experience with toxic exposure cases, so we have a deep understanding of the process and how to navigate it.
Once we determine that you have a viable case, we will begin gathering the necessary evidence to support your claim. This involves collecting medical records, environmental reports, and any other documentation that links your health problems to Dacthal exposure. We will also handle the legal paperwork required to file the lawsuit, ensuring that all documents are submitted accurately and on time.
After filing the lawsuit, we will represent you throughout the legal process, which may involve negotiations with the manufacturer. This may lead to settlement negotiations. If a settlement cannot be reached, your case may go to trial. We will advocate for your rights in court and help you seek the compensation you deserve for the harm caused to you and your family by Dacthal.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dacthal Claim?
It’s important to remember that individuals only have so much time to file a claim for the severe health risks they endured. In Michigan, claimants have three years from the date of their injury to file a claim under personal injury, product liability, or wrongful death laws.
Dacthal FAQs
Why Are People Filing Dacthal Lawsuits?
Individuals are filing Dacthal lawsuits because the manufacturer failed to warn users about certain potential health risks posed by the herbicide. These severe side effects include changes to thyroid hormone levels, as well as other issues of fetal development.
What Health Issues Are Linked to Dacthal Exposure?
Many health issues are connected with Dacthal exposure. Individuals and unborn children who were exposed to Dacthal may suffer from changes in thyroid function, low birth weight, impaired brain development, and many more issues.
How Does DCPA Impact Fetal Development?
DCPA can cause significant harm to a pregnant woman and her unborn baby. Some of the ways in which Dacthal can harm unborn children include causing changes in fetal thyroid hormone levels, impaired motor skills, low birth weight, and developmental delays.
Contact Our Michigan Dacthal Lawsuit Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one has been harmed after being exposed to Dacthal, it’s crucial to take action now. The team at Lipton Law is here to help you file a Dacthal lawsuit and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Don’t wait—time is of the essence in these cases. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward holding AMVAC Chemical Corporation accountable for the health issues they’ve caused. Your health and well-being are our top priority, and we’re ready to stand by your side every step of the way.
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