Dacthal Lawyers

Dacthal Claims Against AMVAC Chemical Corp.

Were you exposed to the weedkiller/herbicide Dacthal (DCPA) while you were pregnant? Was your child born with a birth injury? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated that there might be a direct connection—and you might be able to hold the maker of Dacthal, AMVAC Chemical Corp., liable with legal action. Dacthal is an herbicide that is primarily used to control weeds and grasses in agricultural and commercial settings. For example, farmworkers may be exposed to Dacthal when spraying crops such as vegetables and fruits, and others may be exposed to Dacthal when spraying grass and turf on commercial properties such as golf courses and athletic fields.

Kershaw Talley Barlow is currently investigating Dacthal and its connection to birth injuries and serious illnesses. Backed by decades of trial experience and legal and scientific resources strong enough to go head-to-head with major corporations and conglomerates like AMVAC Chemical Corp., we are ready to listen to your story and help you seek justice and demand compensation. Our team has also successfully resolved thousands of injury claims, including class actions and mass torts, so we’ll be ready for anything as we take legal action on your behalf.

Learn more now by calling (916) 520-6639 and scheduling a free initial consultation for potential Dacthal litigation clients.

Why is Dacthal Dangerous?

According to an EPA emergency order, exposure to the herbicide Dacthal may put unborn children at serious risk of various birth injuries. Dacthal is also called dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA) or chlorthal-dimethyl. All sales and use of this herbicide and weedkiller must be stopped immediately due to this potential and severe risk.

Dacthal has been linked to fetal thyroid damage and unnatural hormonal changes in developing fetuses. If a pregnant mother is exposed to Dacthal, it might result in permanent injury to the unborn child.

Birth injuries and permanent health consequences that might be caused by fetal thyroid damage include:

• Low (unsafe) birth weight
• Brain damage that affects development
• Lower IQ and impaired cognitive development
• Impaired or slowed motor skills

Although some symptoms of fetal thyroid damage caused by Dacthal exposure may be treatable with medical care and rehabilitative therapy, many cases are irreversible. Furthermore, it is not yet clear if exposure to Dacthal can harm adults, too, not just unborn children.

How Does Dacthal Exposure Happen?

Dacthal is most often used in agricultural and commercial settings, where it is sprayed onto crops and fields to kill certain weeds and insects. Most often, Dacthal has been used in the production of broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, onions, strawberries, and similar crops. Through this seemingly routine process, unsafe Dacthal exposure may occur.

Dacthal exposure is believed to occur in several ways, including:

• Direct exposure to the weedkiller, such as working with or near Dacthal.
• Eating crops that were sprayed with Dacthal.
• Using or drinking groundwater contaminated by Dacthal.

Many public spaces like golf courses, parks, and residential complexes have used Dacthal as an herbicide, too. For this reason, you might have been exposed to Dacthal without knowing it.

Who is Liable for Dacthal Exposure?

AMVAC Chemical Corp. has been the sole producer and distributor of Dacthal for as long as the substance has been used commercially. In the 1980s, environmental safety groups were already warning the company about the potential for fetal thyroid damage caused by Dacthal exposure. The EPA also researched this risk for years before issuing the emergency ban. Allegedly, AMVAC failed to adequately warn consumers and the general public about this possible risk. For this reason, the company might be liable for the harm caused to countless mothers and children who were exposed to Dacthal.

Damages in Dacthal Lawsuits

At Kershaw Talley Barlow, we have built our careers and reputation on winning big for clients in need. If you or your child were hurt by Dacthal exposure, we’ll be ready to fight for every dollar owed to you.

The damages that could be available in a Dacthal lawsuit include:

• Past and future medical treatment costs
• Cost of specialized care for a child with developmental issues
• Harm related to pain, suffering, and lessened enjoyment of life

Can You File a Dacthal Lawsuit?

You may be able to file a Dacthal injury lawsuit if:

• You worked or lived near where Dacthal was sprayed while pregnant; or,
• You used Dacthal for other purposes such as residential landscaping; and,
• Your child was born with a birth injury that involves:
  • Low birth weight
  • Impaired motor skills
  • Unusual brain development/decreased IQ

Call Our Dacthal Lawyers Today

Kershaw Talley Barlow is standing by to help you explore your rights if you think Dacthal exposure is the cause of your child’s birth injuries and developmental problems. As we look into these cases, our investigation will only get better as we hear from more and more people with potential claims, so please don’t hesitate to let us know your story. Let us be your legal guides and representatives during this difficult time. While you take care of yourself and your family, we can fight for justice in your name.

Get a Dacthal lawsuit consultation today. Dial (916) 520-6639 now.

More Information

• “EPA Issues Emergency Order to Stop Use of Pesticide Dacthal to Address Serious Health Risk” (EPA)
• “E.P.A. Pulls From the Market a Weedkiller Harmful to Fetuses” (The New York Times)