According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most common high-dose sources of lead exposure for children in the United States are lead-based paint and lead-contaminated house dust and soil. Children may come into contact with lead by eating chips of lead-based paint, eating or inhaling lead-contaminated dust or eating or inhaling lead-contaminated soil. The U.S. government banned lead in paint in 1978, but many homes built before that time still contain lead paint. Old, poorly maintained housing in particular puts families at risk of lead exposure. For adults, lead overexposure is also a leading cause of workplace illness.

 

While the symptoms of lead poisoning may not be outwardly detectable, a high blood lead level can lead to convulsions, coma and death. At lower blood lead levels, children especially can suffer adverse effects to the central nervous system, kidneys and blood cells. This in turn can cause developmental delays, lowered IQ, attention deficits and significant behavioral challenges. Children under the age of six are most at risk when it comes to the effects of lead exposure because they are still undergoing significant neurological and physical development. Lead exposure can also harm fetal development. The symptoms of lead poisoning may arise after just days or many years of lead exposure.

 

The CDC has also reported that as many as 35 percent of children with elevated blood lead levels have been exposed to items decorated or made with lead. These items have included imported and domestic toys, eating and drinking utensils, cosmetics, medicines and even furniture. In 2007, for example, Mattel recalled millions of toys that contained hazardous lead paint.

 

 

If you or your child has suffered illness or injury caused by lead paint or other lead exposure, it is crucial to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Handling each claim as a special and unique case, our skilled trial lawyers can help you secure all of the compensation to which you may be entitled. This may include compensation for pain and suffering, financial loss, emotional distress and past, current and future medical expenses. In some cases, you may also be entitled to punitive damages for another party’s wrongdoing. Our dedicated attorneys can also help you deal with your insurance company, as well as the insurer of the other party or parties. The insurance companies have lawyers working hard to minimize their payouts; you need a lawyer who will work just as hard for you.

 

 

 

At Feldman Shepherd, we are committed to helping our clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey obtain the best possible recovery as expeditiously as possible. We are here to serve you with hard work, attention to detail and a caring approach tailored to your individual needs. If we may be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact us today.