In 1978 the federal government outlawed the use of lead in household paints. The reason for this ban was the discovery that lead can cause serious health concerns for children and adults.
Children are specifically susceptible to the effects of lead paint, and are more likely to ingest the lead while crawling on floors and putting dusty hands in their mouths or eating the paint chips or dirt with the lead paint particles in it.
If harmed because of exposure, you may file a lead paint lawsuit against a property owner or other liable party. A lead attorney can help pursue compensation.
What are the potential health risks of lead paint?
Some of the symptoms related to high levels of lead in the blood include the following.
- In children – Children may suffer from learning disabilities, behavioral problems, delayed physical and/or mental development, neurological defects, brain damage, and a reduced attention span.
- In pregnant women – Women who were exposed to high levels of lead while pregnant may be more likely to have a miscarriage, still birth or developmental abnormalities in the fetus.
- In adults: Adults may experience seizures, hypertension, muscle and/or joint pain, nerve damage, brain damage, kidney damage, coma and even death as a result of exposure to lead paint. Children may also be susceptible to these effects.
Can I file a lead paint lawsuit if there’s lead paint in my home or apartment?
Landlords are required to disclose to all new tenants if there is lead paint in the unit they are renting. Federal law requires that landlords must have tenants sign the Disclosure of Information on Lead-Based Paint and/or Lead Based Paint Hazards and must provide them with the Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home booklet issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
If you or a family member are suffering from high levels of lead in the blood, and you suspect it is attributable to lead paint in your home, try to recall if you were properly notified of the hazard by your landlord and if you signed the disclosure form and received the safety booklet.
If you or a family member is suffering an illness related to undisclosed lead paint in your home, you may be entitled to compensation from your landlord. Contact an attorney to review your case. It is essential that you seek medical care for the injured party and begin the process of claiming the reimbursement that is due to you.
Federal law mandates civil penalties for landlords who ignore the requirements of disclosure and information for tenants regarding lead paint. You could receive up to three times the amount of your actual damages as compensation for your injury.
Can I file a lead paint lawsuit if I bought my house and later discovered it contains lead paint?
Sellers have similar responsibilities when it comes to disclosure and information. The same disclosure form is required if there is lead paint in the house being sold, as is the EPA-issued booklet.
If you are living in a home that you purchased without receiving the required disclosure, and you or a family member has become ill as a result of lead paint, you may be entitled to compensation. The seller could also receive civil penalties for failure to notify you of the hazard. Contact lead poisoning lawyers to review your case and explore your options.
Can a lead attorney help me file a claim?
Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. specializes in helping people affected by environmental hazards. If you feel that you were adversely affected by lead paint in your home and wish to pursue a lead paint lawsuit, call us today at (800) 550-0000 for a free case review with an attorney.
