Generally the most common causes of lead poisoning in children are: (1) deteriorating, chipping and/or peeling lead-based paint on either the exterior or the interior of the child's home, and (2) exposure to toys, trinkets and jewelry that are covered in lead-based paint. Whether a child is exposed to lead or an adult, the result can be a serious injury. Some symptoms of lead poisoning include headaches, lethargy, high blood pressure, seizures, coma, mental impairment, loss of coordination, and brain injury. In the most severe cases, lead paint poisoning can lead to death. If the injury was a result of another person's negligence, then that person may be legally liable. For example, if a child was poisoned by lead paint after swallowing paint chips, then you may be able to pursue damages from the property owner throw a premises liability claim. On the other hand, if the child was poisoned by lead paint on a toy, then you may be able to pursue damages from the toy manufacturer through a product liability claim. If you or a loved one was seriously injured by lead paint, it is important that you immediately contact a Westchester County lead paint injury attorney who will explain to you the process for filing a claim against the responsible party.
Danger of lead paintBecause lead paint is so dangerous, it was banned in the United States decades ago. Because it was commonly used to paint residences prior to banned, there are still buildings that have lead paint. There are strict rules about how lead paint must be removed since even the dust from lead paint can lead to illness.
Many victims of lead paint poisoning are children under the age of 6 largely because young children are likely to eat paint chips. In addition, there are some toys that have were painted with lead paint. Lead exposure can have a profound effect on victims—children as well as adults. Examples of damage that lead paint exposure can cause include:
If you believe you have are suffering medical problems due to exposure to lead paint, you may be entitled to compensation. Depending on your diagnosis, your treatment, and other factors, you may be entitled to substantial compensation for your losses included:
Medical expenses: Past and future medical expenses that are related to treatment for your injuries such as emergency room treatment, hospital stay, fees charged by medical professionals including specialists, medication, rehabilitative services, and assistive technology.
Lost wages: In addition, you may be entitled to lost wages. This means that you may receive damages for the wages and other work-related compensation that you lost while recovering, as well as for compensation for loss of earning potential if as a result of your injuries you are unable to earn as much as you would had you not been injured.
Pain and suffering: You may be able to collect damages for pain and suffering. Compensation for pain and suffering is reserved for those injuries that are severe enough to cause the victim extreme physical pain or permanent injuries.
Contact the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & AssociatesIf you suspect that you or a family member has been exposed to lead paint, contact the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates to discuss the details of your case. Our staff is experienced in handling claims from people with lead paint injuries as well as claims from those who were injured in auto accidents, slip and fall claims, and other types of accidents. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.