Despite numerous efforts to mitigate against the risks, lead poisoning is still a serious problem that plagues thousands of Americans each year. Unfortunately, children are most often the victims. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that at least 2.5% of all American children have elevated levels of lead in their bloodstream. Even a slightly elevated lead level can directly contribute to lower IQ, stunted development, and serious learning disabilities.
Of course, the recent lead contamination crisis in Flint, Michigan show that it’s not just children who can be affected by lead poisoning. An investigative report done by Reuters found almost 3,000 areas in the country where lead contamination levels are twice as high as those in Flint, which means that thousands or even millions of Americans are potentially at risk or lead poisoning.
Filing a Civil Suit for Lead Poisoning
The fact that lead contamination rates are so high in some places means that there are likely thousands of people who haven’t gotten the legal help they need. Prior to 1978, virtually all American homes contained lead paint, and many homes built prior to this time still contain lead paint. This puts children at a high risk of lead poisoning should they ingest any paint chips or breathe in lead paint dust. Similarly, the risk of lead poisoning is also much higher when these older homes are remodeled without taking proper precautions.
As children are most often the victims of lead poisoning, lawsuits can be filed on their behalf in order to ensure that the person responsible for the lead poisoning is held responsible. Exposure to even a small amount of lead can potentially cause mild to severe brain damage. Victims of lead poisoning are often awarded compensation to cover their medical bills and also pain and suffering. If your child or family member has suffered from any of the damaging effects of lead poisoning, a personal injury lawyer can help you file a file a claim for financial compensation.
Effects of Lead Poisoning
Children aged seven and younger are at the highest risk of developing mental disabilities due to exposure to lead. Unfortunately, most of the effects of lead poisoning in children are irreversible. Even minimal exposure can quickly begin to affect their learning ability and prolonged exposure puts them at risk for all of the following health issues:
- Severe headaches
- Central nervous system and brain damage
- Learning and behavioral problems (including hyperactivity and depression)
- Stunted growth
- Hearing difficulties
Although children are more frequently the victims, lead poisoning can be just as harmful to adults and may lead to any of the following problems:
- Birth defects, miscarriages and other problems during pregnancy
- Nerve damage and disorders
- Reproductive system damage (both women and men are susceptible)
- Digestive issues
- Elevated blood pressure
- Mild to severe joint and muscle aches
Whether your child suffered from lead poisoning due to the unknown presence of lead paint, or the poisoning resulted from lead contamination in the local water supply, you may be entitled to compensation. It is especially important that you hire an attorney, like a personal injury lawyer Brooklyn NY can rely on, with experience in lead poisoning lawsuits. While no lawyer can guarantee your suit will be a success, it is still recommended to hire a lawyer who has previously helped other clients win lead poisoning lawsuits.
If you or a loved one has suffered damage or injury due to lead poisoning, it’s imperative that you get the legal help you need. As one of the area’s top personal injury law firms, our team has helped numerous people just like you to get the compensation they deserve after a severe accident.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from The Law Offices of Laurence C. Tarowsky for their insight into personal injury practice.