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Childhood Lead Poisoning
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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control ("CDC") lists lead poisoning as the number one environmental health hazard for young children. Thornton & Naumes has been protecting the rights of lead-poisoned children for more than 10 years and has won several multi-million dollar verdicts, including over $6 million for two lead-poisoned siblings. We were one of the first law firms in the country to bring claims against lead paint manufacturers on behalf of children.
We have successfully litigated issues concerning applicable insurance coverage, admissibility of expert testimony and critical areas in discovery that directly impact on the viability of these cases. We have also been invited to speak at numerous legal conferences around the United States on the subject of lead liability and lead litigation.
We consult with and retain some of the most knowledgeable and well-recognized medical and scientific authorities on childhood lead poisoning and continue to make strides in identifying technology to understand more about lead paint poisoning.
Lead Paint and the Problems it Still Causes
Although the sale of lead paint was banned in 1978, old lead paint still poses a threat, especially to children. Exposure to old lead paint in residential housing remains a problem throughout New England. Children, especially those in the first few years of life, can become lead poisoned simply by touching surfaces in the home, such as window sills, that contain leaded dust or deteriorating lead paint. By then placing their fingers in their mouths, the children are directly exposed. Lead poisoning at higher levels can cause children to have learning disabilities and behavioral problems such as hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder.
In Massachusetts, most children are screened for lead at their first and second birthdays. The screening is done by a blood test and the results are expressed numerically. While the ideal lead level would be 0, CDC today defines the level of concern at 10 or greater. The extent to which the level is over 10 or greater will determine what action needs to be taken.
Generally, levels between 10 and 20 simply result in more frequent testing to ensure that the child's level does not increase and the provision of educational materials to help parents find the source of the lead. Levels at 20 or more should result in a property inspection by the Department of Public Health (DPH), and if lead paint is found, the owner is required to cover or remove it in accordance with DPH regulations. Lead levels above 30 may also result in medical treatment.
Symptoms of Childhood Lead Poisoning
Lead Paint is a real threat to children, especially six years of age and younger. In Massachusetts and many other states, lead paint must be removed from places in the home that are accessible to children. Lead paint poisoning can cause a lower IQ, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), hyperactivity, motor problems, behavioral problems and speech and language problems.
These can be serious, lifelong disabilities. It is estimated that 1 out of every 27 Massachusetts' children under the age of six has a blood lead level of 10 mcg/dL - high enough to cause a decrease in intelligence, physical growth and hearing. And 48% of Massachusetts' homes were built before 1950 - 28 years before residential lead paint usage was banned! It's no wonder that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control has listed lead poisoning as the number one environmental health hazard for young children. And it's completely preventable. When we represent lead poisoned children, we investigate how the child was poisoned; who is legally responsible; whether the child has lifelong disabilities as a result and what that suffering means in terms of lost education and earnings.
At Thornton & Naumes, we understand the financial hardship and emotional distress that can come with a diagnosis of childhood lead poisoning. We have brought lawsuits on behalf of lead-poisoned children and their parents, and have successfully recovered significant damages that address immediate and long-term financial and educational costs.
Important Links
- CDC Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
- Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
- EPA, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Lead Pages
- HUD Office of Lead Hazard Control
- National Lead Information Center
- NYC Department of Public Health Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
- What Is Lead Poisoning?
To learn more about the rights of lead-poisoned children, and how our attorneys can help you, call Attorneys Neil Leifer, David McMorris or Edwin Wallace at 800-431-4600.
Featured Childhood Lead Poisoning Video
