Chicago, Illinois Dacthal Lawsuit Attorney
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Many victims have chosen to file Dacthal lawsuits in Illinois after studies have linked occupational and residential exposure to Dacthal to serious health problems and irreversible health risks, such as thyroid development and thyroid health issues, health complications for pregnant women exposed to Dacthal, as well as impaired brain development, low birth weight, decreased IQ, and impaired motor skills for developing babies exposed to DCPA. If you’ve been exposed to Dacthal (DCPA) and have suffered adverse health effects because of the pesticide, Dacthal, contact our Chicago personal injury lawyers to see if you’re eligible to file a Dacthal lawsuit in Illinois.
Our law firm operates on a contingency-fee-basis, so Dacthal (DCPA) exposure victims won’t owe us anything unless our Illinois Dacthal lawyers secure a fair settlement or jury award from the legal process.
Call 312-321-1111 to schedule a free consultation with our Illinois DCPA lawyers.
DCPA Lawsuit Overview
Many Dacthal lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturer, AMVAC Chemical Corporation, alleging that AMVAC failed to warn users about the serious health and environmental risks associated with Dacthal exposure on the Dacthal herbicide label.
Toxic exposure claims indicate that pregnant women who were exposed to Dacthal products could experience severe health risks for themselves and their unborn babies. Exposure to Dacthal for developing babies could affect fetal thyroid hormone levels, leading to decreased IQ, impaired motor skills, low birth weight, impaired brain development, and other issues.
Other Dacthal lawsuit claimants allege other health issues linked to being exposed to Dacthal, such as an array of thyroid issues, including thyroid cancer, respiratory problems, and eye injuries, among other significant risks and health concerns.
AMVAC Chemical Corporation, a subsidiary of American Vanguard, the sole producer of the Dacthal pesticide, voluntarily stopped production of the herbicide. This decision for the emergency suspension came weeks after the Environmental Protection Agency issued an emergency order to pull Dacthal pesticide products due to serious risks posed to pregnant women and other vulnerable populations exposed to Dacthal pesticide.
This emergency order by the Environmental Protection Agency leads our law firm to believe we’ll start seeing potentially thousands of Dacthal pesticide lawsuits in the future.
If you’ve been exposed to DCPA and have experienced health issues, or if you believe your child’s health issues were caused by residential exposure to Dacthal, contact our Illinois DCPA lawyer group for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPCA) Bans Dacthal
Environmental groups, such as the Environmental Working Group, as well as other public health advocates, have raised concerns about Dacthal/DCPA exposure, citing studies from the 80s suggesting that the Dacthal pesticide could cause thyroid problems and cancers, especially amongst vulnerable populations, like farmers, pregnant women, and unborn children. Despite the studies being validated by findings by the government and other public health advocates, as well as environmental activists, such as the Environmental Working Group urging the Environmental Protection Agency to intervene, Dacthal/DCPA products continued to be sold for decades.
In 2013, the EPA finally requested safety data from the producer of the Dacthal pesticide, namely comprehensive research on the effects of DCPA exposure on thyroid development and serious health risks for pregnant women and developing babies.
Despite a three-year deadline of January 2016, the Dacthal pesticide manufacturer failed to provide several key research studies, including the specifically requested thyroid study. AMVAC finally submitted the studies six years late, in August 2022.
The Environmental Protection Agency didn’t assess the fetal thyroid hormone levels study or other thyroid studies until May 2023, and when it did, it found significant health risks associated with Dacthal pesticide exposure, even with personal protective equipment. The most serious risks, however, were to unborn babies. According to safety data, the EPA estimates that pregnant women exposed to Dacthal could easily absorb 4-20x the acceptable amounts.
Between the Dacthal pesticide manufacturer’s lag, health concerns, and the Environmental Protection Agency’s ongoing scrutiny, the EPA finally issued an emergency order to halt the sale or use of Dacthal DCPA products.
EPA Issues Emergency Order to Stop Use of Pesticide Dacthal to Address Serious Health Risk
On August 6, 2024, in an all-but-unprecedented move, the EPA issued an emergency order to suspend all uses of Dacthal pesticide. The emergency suspension was taken after the Environmental Protection Agency determined that DCPA exposure caused serious and imminent harm.
According to the EPA, the emergency suspension was an immediate measure to prevent further human health problems while they move to implement a permanent Dacthal DCPA ban, which could take years.
The EPA’s emergency suspension follows decades of evidence that links DCPA exposure to significant risks, especially for vulnerable populations, such as farmers, pregnant women, and unborn babies. The severe health risks named by the EPA include impaired motor skills, low birth weight, decreased IQ, and impaired brain development.
Besides pregnant women and unborn children, the EPA expressed concern for serious health risks for occupational and residential exposure to Dacthal, as well.
The Dacthal pesticide label states that users should avoid treated fields for at least 12 hours after application. However, research indicates that contaminated soil poses a serious risk for at least 25 days. The EPA also raised concern over spray drift, where the Dacthal pesticide is carried by wind to untreated areas, potentially exposing nearby homes, schools, parks, etc.
Currently, Dacthal DCPA products are undergoing registration review, a process requiring pesticides to be reevaluated every 15 years to ensure there aren’t any human health and environmental risks.
So, after 6 long years of allowing physical and emotional distress for victims, Michal Freedhof, assistant administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, made the public statement, “We’re committed to taking action to protect the health of children, workers, and others who are exposed to DCPA.”
What is Dacthal (DPCA)?
Dacthal, otherwise known as Dimethyl Tetrachloroterephthalate or DCPA, is a herbicide or pesticide that is commonly used to control weeds in various residential and agricultural settings. Recent studies have shown that exposure to Dacthal pesticide products, especially for pregnant women, poses serious health risks and birth defects.
Significant Health Risks of Dacthal (DCPA) Exposure
Dacthal Exposure Risks for Pregnant Women and Unborn Children
Dacthal exposure poses significant risks for vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and their unborn babies, with studies showing harmful effects on fetal thyroid hormone levels, which are crucial for normal development.
Developing babies exposed to DCPA may suffer from decreased IQ, impaired motor skills, low birth weight, impaired brain development, and other risks, which later result in developmental delays. This puts unborn children at serious risk for the lifelong challenges associated with the irreversible health risks of these birth defects.
It’s important to note that expectant women do not need to work around Dacthal pesticides to be exposed to DCPA. Residential exposure due to spray drift or even recreational exposure from parks or golf courses could put pregnant women and unborn babies at risk.
If you were exposed to Dacthal pesticide while pregnant, and you or your child experienced health issues, call 312-321-1111 for a free consultation with a birth injury lawyer in Chicago to see if you’re eligible to file a Dacthal lawsuit in Illinois. You may be eligible for compensation that covers lost wages, medical expenses, physical and emotional distress, and other damages related to serious health problems.
Child's Health Issues Linked to DCPA Exposure
Dacthal exposure has been linked to several significant health risks, particularly in vulnerable populations like unborn children. Studies have shown that the Dacthal pesticide can affect fetal thyroid hormone levels which disrupts thyroid development, a process essential for normal growth.
Unborn babies exposed to DCPA may experience many birth defects, such as low birth weight, impaired brain development, and impaired motor skills, leading to potential developmental delays.
Unborn children exposed to Dacthal pesticide products who have such birth defects will have lifelong consequences, with impaired motor skills and impaired brain development bringing developmental delays that may be evident throughout their lives.
If you were exposed to DCPA while pregnant or believe you were a victim of accidental secondhand Dacthal exposure from your partner, and your child suffered adverse health effects, call 312-321-1111 for a free case evaluation to see if you’re eligible for filing a Dacthal lawsuit in Illinois. You may be eligible for financial compensation that covers income lost, medical bills, and other costs related to health complications.
Dacthal Linked to Immunosuppression and T-Cell Issues
Studies have shown that exposure to Dacthal pesticide can affect the way that the immune system functions.
A study published in Toxicological Sciences demonstrated that Dacthal (DCPA) impairs immune function by inhibiting T-cell activation, which is vital for fighting infections and cancer. The research found that Dacthal exposure alters calcium stores in T-cells, preventing their proper activation. Disrupted T-cell function due to Dacthal exposure may lead to weakened immune defenses, increasing the risk of serious health issues like cancer and autoimmune disorders. The study emphasized the potential “serious consequences on human health” linked to Dacthal exposure.
Thyroid Cancer and Other Thyroid Issues Caused by Exposure to Dacthal Pesticide
Exposure to Dacthal pesticide has been linked to thyroid issues, including hypothyroidism, thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, and autoimmune thyroid disease. It can cause altered thyroid hormone levels, leading to conditions like goiter. These thyroid disorders pose severe health risks, causing individuals to face lost wages and rising medical expenses due to necessary treatment and care.
If you think your thyroid issues were caused by exposure to Dacthal pesticide, call our law firm to see if you’re eligible to file a Dacthal lawsuit in Illinois.
Eye Injuries Caused by Exposure to Dacthal Pesticide
Exposure to Dacthal pesticide products can lead to eye injuries, posing serious health risks due to toxic exposure. These injuries may result in long-term vision problems or other complications, often requiring medical intervention. Victims affected by such injuries may seek compensation through Dacthal lawsuits. A Chicago eye injury lawyer can help navigate the legal process of filing a Dacthal lawsuit in Illinois, ensuring those harmed receive proper representation and compensation for their damages
Other Adverse Health Effects Caused by Dacthal/DCPA Exposure
Dacthal/DCPA exposure has been linked to a range of health risks, including respiratory issues, liver and kidney issues, neurological disorders, and impaired motor skills. Individuals who have suffered adverse health effects may seek compensation through Dacthal pesticide lawsuits.
If you’ve been impacted, contact our lawyers to see how we can help with filing a Dacthal lawsuit in Illinois to recover damages for lost wages, medical care, and suffering.
Dacthal Products
Dacthal (DCPA) products, commonly used in agriculture, have raised concerns due to their contribution to contaminated soil and health problems, especially for developing babies. The EPA estimates that Dacthal pesticide products persist in the environment, posing long-term health risks.
People affected by Dacthal contamination may consider filing a Dacthal lawsuit in Illinois to seek compensation for the serious health risk posed by this chemical exposure.
Dacthal Brand Names
These formulations were commonly used to control weeds in agricultural and residential settings.
- Dacthal
- Dacthal W-75
- Dacthal Flowable Herbicide
- Dacthal 6F
- DCPA 75WDG
- DCPA 6E
- DCPA 75 DF
Occupational and Residental Exposure to Dacthal Pesticide
Occupational exposure: Landscapers, farmers, plant and nursery workers, sod farm workers, or others who handle Dacthal DCPA products are at the highest risk.
Vegetable farming: Dacthal pesticide is commonly used for farming onions, scallions, shallots, leaks, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, turnips, collard greens, kale, mustard greens, watermelon, honeydew, cantaloupe, strawberries, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, eggplant, radishes, turnips, bok choy, taro, turmeric, arrowroot, and kohlrabi.
Recreational exposure: Dacthal pesticide is commonly used to control weeds in public parks, sports fields, golf courses, and residential complexes.
For those concerned about exposure in agricultural and residential settings in Illinois, monitoring agricultural practices in Champaign County, Peoria County, and Kankakee County, where vegetable farming and agricultural chemicals are prevalent, may be particularly important.
Types of Dacthal Exposure in Illinois
- Dermal Exposure or Skin Exposure: Direct contact with Dacthal pesticide can cause skin irritation or rashes, especially after prolonged exposure.
- Inhalation Exposure: Breathing in Dacthal pesticide particles can lead to respiratory issues, including coughing and difficulty breathing.
- Ocular Exposure or Eye Exposure: Eye contact with Dacthal pesticide may result in irritation, redness, or even more serious eye injuries.
- Ingestion: Swallowing Dacthal-contaminated food or water can cause gastrointestinal problems and long-term risks.
- Environmental Exposure: Dacthal pesticide products can persist in the environment, contaminating soil and water, which can impact ecosystems and health over time.
If you believe you’ve suffered because of Dacthal pesticide use, contact our DCPA lawyers to see how we can assist in filing a Dacthal lawsuit in Illinois.
Who is Eligible to File a Dacthal Lawsuit in Illinois?
- Exposure to Dacthal: DCPA exposure can occur through various routes, including skin contact, inhalation, ingestion, or environmental exposure, leading to a range of health problems, from skin irritation to more serious conditions like cancer.
- Proof of DCPA exposure duration: To support a claim, proving the duration of DCPA exposure may involve documenting how long an individual was in an area where Dacthal pesticide was used or how long they worked with the pesticide.
- Medical records with confirmed diagnosis linked to Dacthal exposure: Medical records should demonstrate a diagnosis of conditions linked to Dacthal exposure, such as thyroid problems or respiratory issues, helping to establish a connection between health problems and exposure.
- Health issues should align with exposure to Dacthal: The health problems claimed, such as decreased IQ, impaired motor skills, birth defects, or other health problems, should correspond with conditions known to be caused by exposure, strengthening the case.
- Statute of limitations: Claims for Dacthal-related health problems must be filed within the applicable statute of limitations, which varies by state, making it crucial to act promptly after a diagnosis.
- Evidence of negligence or liability from AMVAC Chemical Corporation: To succeed in a Dacthal lawsuit, there must be evidence showing that AMVAC was negligent in their handling or warning about Dacthal’s risks (there is), which could establish their liability for claims.
Evidence Needed for Dacthal Pesticide Lawsuits in Illinois
- Employment records: Employment records can establish that an individual worked in environments where Dacthal pesticides were used, supporting claims of prolonged exposure during their employment.
- Purchase and application records: These records show when and where Dacthal pesticide products were purchased and applied, helping to verify that exposure occurred during specific periods or at specific locations.
- Environmental reports: Environmental reports can provide evidence of Dacthal contamination in soil or water near the claimant’s residence or workplace, confirming environmental exposure.
- Medical records: These are crucial for linking diagnosed health conditions, such as thyroid issues or neurological disorders, directly to DCPA pesticide.
- Expert witnesses: Expert testimony from medical or environmental specialists can clarify the link between DCPA pesticide exposure and the resulting health problems, strengthening the case.
- Timelines showing Dacthal exposure linked to health complications: A timeline that demonstrates how long a person was exposed to toxic DCPA products and when health problems arose can help establish a causal relationship.
- Other documentation: Other important documentation for a Dacthal lawsuit may include safety data from AMVAC Chemical Corporation, financial records related to medical costs or lost wages, regulatory papers showing compliance with Dacthal’s use, and witness statements from individuals who can confirm exposure or application practices.
Statute of Limitations for Dacthal Lawsuits in Illinois
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a Dacthal lawsuit typically falls under personal injury or product liability laws.
For personal injury claims, the statute of limitation is generally two years from the date of the injury or when the injury was discovered.
If the lawsuit is based on property damage for environmental contamination, the statute of limitations may extend to five years.
However, specific circumstances, such as delayed discovery of harm, may impact the time frame. It’s advisable to consult an Illinois Dacthal lawyer to confirm.
How to File a Dacthal Herbicide Lawsuit in Chicago, IL
Personal Injury Lawsuit
Filing personal injury Dacthal lawsuits can lead to significant compensation, especially in cases involving permanent injury settlement amounts. Victims may choose between a mass tort vs class action lawsuit, with mass torts allowing claims to be handled separately, often for more serious injuries and wrongful death.
Our Illinois DCPA lawyers can help navigate these complex legal options, ensuring victims receive appropriate compensation for their injuries.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Filing a wrongful death lawsuit for a loved one due to DCPA pesticide exposure may differ depending on whether it’s the death of an adult or child or a wrongful death lawsuit for an unborn baby in Illinois. A wrongful death lawyer in Chicago, IL, can assist families in navigating these complexities.
Understanding the distinction between wrongful death vs survival action claims in Illinois is crucial: wrongful death seeks compensation for the family’s emotional and financial loss, while survival actions focus on damages for the suffering and expenses the deceased experienced before passing.
Both legal actions may be appropriate depending on the situation.
Contact our Chicago Dacthal lawyer group for a free case evaluation to learn more.
Product Liability Lawsuit
Filing a product liability lawsuit for DCPA product exposure often involves claims under strict product liability in Illinois, where the manufacturer can be held liable for harm caused by a defective product, regardless of intent. Our Chicago defective product attorney team can assist in pursuing these claims, focusing on cases of manufacturer defect claims in Chicago and throughout Illinois that argue the product was inherently dangerous or improperly labeled.
Call our Illinois DCPA injury lawyers to learn more.
Compensation for Victims Exposed to DCPA in Illinois
Victims exposed to harmful DCPA products in Illinois may be entitled to financial compensation for various damages, including lost wages, income lost, and medical expenses related to their health problems.
A fair settlement can help recover these financial losses, especially when exposure is tied to some of the most heinous types of negligence by the manufacturer or other parties. Victims can work with our Illinois Dacthal attorneys to pursue compensation for their financial and physical suffering, ensuring they receive adequate reparation for the harm caused by negligent pesticide manufacturers.
How Can an Illinois Dacthal Lawyer Help
Our Illinois Dacthal attorney group helps victims seek compensation through DCPA claims, ensuring they pursue a fair settlement for health impacts caused by exposure, including birth defects and other serious conditions. Even with personal protective equipment, Dacthal poses the most serious risks to vulnerable populations like farmworkers and pregnant women.
The EPA issuing an emergency order banning Dacthal prompted many Illinois DPCA lawyers to guide affected individuals in filing DCPA lawsuits, helping them recover damages for the harm caused by this dangerous chemical and negligent herbicide company.
Illinois Dacthal DCPA Exposure FAQs
What Products Contain Dacthal?
Dacthal is found in herbicides used on crops such as broccoli, cabbage, onions, and Brussels sprouts, as well as in turf and ornamental products.
What Products Contain DCPA?
DCPA is contained in herbicides used on crops like broccoli, kale, cabbage, cucumbers, and various cole crops.
What is Dacthal?
Dacthal is a herbicide (chemical name DCPA) used to control grasses and broadleaf weeds in both agricultural and non-agricultural settings
Who Makes DCPA Pesticide?
AMVAC Chemical Corporation manufactures DCPA (Dacthal).
Illinois Dacthal Lawsuit Lawyer
Our Illinois Dacthal lawyers specialize in helping victims who have suffered serious health effects due to exposure to harmful Dacthal products. Whether you’ve experienced birth defects, thyroid problems, or other health problems, an Illinois Dacthal lawyer from Curcio & Casciato can guide you through the legal process to ensure you receive a reasonable settlement.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to toxic DCPA products, call an Illinois Dacthal attorney at 312-321-1111 for a free consultation to explore your legal options and begin your path to recovery.
