Due to modern advances, chemical manufacturers have created pesticides and herbicides designed to target crop damaging insects and weeds while leaving valuable crops untouched. One major development in this field of herbicides and pesticides involved the creation of Dicamba. It is an herbicide used by farmers and ranchers to control weeds that may threaten food crops. Unfortunately, Dicamba has been known to drift to other farms, gardens and plants, and as a result, may damage these other crops and people may unknowingly ingest this poison.
A Columbia, MO Dicamba drift lawyer could help your case if you have suffered injuries or crop damage due to the hazardous pesticide. A diligent product liability attorney at the A.W. Smith Law Firm could help you file a claim against Dicamba’s manufacturer, Monsanto to help you seek compensation.
Dicamba is an herbicide that many farmers use to kill weeds and protect their cash crops. Specifically, Dicamba will kill any broadleaf plant when applied to either the plant itself or to the soil. Dicamba has also been known to drift to adjacent farmland killing the crops in the field or at a minimum, greatly reducing the yield that comes from the affected crops.
Unfortunately, the product is not safe for human consumption. Exposure to the pesticide may cause skin irritation or burns. However, Dicamba is far more dangerous when ingested. Common symptoms of Dicamba exposure include:
A knowledgeable Columbia Dicamba drift lawyer could investigate the claim and gather evidence to link to the herbicide’s exposure to the injured claimant’s damages.
Pesticide drift is a major concern for farmers in Columbia and around the State of Missouri. Drifting describes the movement of a pesticide off an intended target and onto other plants.
As a result, plants intended for human consumption may face exposure to the herbicide despite a farmer’s best efforts. Drifting is known to affect a variety of crops, including:
An experienced Columbia Dicamba drift lawyer at the A.W. Smith Law Firm could help to provide more information about the dangers of Dicamba drift and could help individuals understand their legal options.
Manufacturers are required to produce products that are safe for use when a customer utilizes that product as intended. If the manufacturer fails to protect consumers from harm, they could be held liable.
According to MO Statute §537.760, there are several ways a manufacturer could be considered negligent. Monsanto may be liable for a plaintiff’s damages if the plaintiff’s Columbia Dicamba drift attorney can prove that the manufacturer created the product, that the farmer who used the product did so as expected. Additionally, the company could be held liable if they did not warn consumers of the potential side effects.
Dicamba promises to improve farmer yields and kill unwanted weeds. Unfortunately, the product may drift, aerosolize and disburse into the air which could destroy crops and cause significant damage.
Since some crops may naturally develop an immunity to Dicamba, these plants may survive exposure and the product may remain on the product. This can result in people ingesting Dicamba or getting the product on their skin or eyes. As a result, these people may suffer from a variety of negative health effects.
A Columbia Dicamba drift lawyer could help you if you have suffered injuries or crop damage due to Dicamba exposure. They can take the lead in pursuing claims against Dicamba’s maker, Monsanto and help you recover compensation for your damages. Call the A.W. Smith Law Firm today to discuss your legal options.
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