Lead Poisoning
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If you or your children have been the victims
of lead poisoning, the right personal injury lawyer can make
certain
that you recover the maximum benefits you deserve
under the law. Please read on or feel free to contact any one of our fifteen
offices throughout Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts with any questions
that you have regarding your lead poisoning claim.
LEAD POISONING BACKGROUND INFO
For children under the age of six, lead poisoning is one of
the biggest environmental threats. Children get poisoned by breathing
lead paint dust or by swallowing lead in the form of lead paint
chips. Even a small amount of lead dust or lead paint chips can
be dangerous to children. Children are at risk because their
bodies are still growing and more easily absorb the lead into
their system.
Children, who live in old, poorly maintained housing or in housing
that has undergone renovation, face the greatest risk.
If your home was built before 1978 it is very possible that
lead paint was used. Peeling paint is a clear signal that lead
paint may have been used in your home. If you believe that there
is a chance that your child has been exposed to lead paint you
should immediately have them tested for lead poisoning.
Because the effects of lead poisoning can be so severe, you do
have legal rights. You may have a case against your landlord
or even against the paint company. It is important that you contact
us as soon as you find out that your child has been poisoned.
We can help you protect your rights.
WHAT IS LEAD POISONING?
Lead poising is a chronic intoxication caused when lead is absorbed
into the body through the inhalation or ingestion of, in most
cases, paint, dust, or soil containing lead.
According to a 1990 New England Journal of Medicine, lead poisoning
can "result in significant and serious impairment of academic
success, specifically a seven fold increase in failure to graduate
from high school, lower class standing, greater absenteeism,
impairment of reading skills sufficiently extensive to be labeled
reading disability (indicated by scores two grades below the
expected scores), and deficits in vocabulary, fine motor skills,
reaction time and hand-eye coordination.”
Lead poisoning effects on children can become permanent, depending
on the age of lead exposure, amount of lead poisoning absorbed
into the blood, and how long the lead exposure lasts.
TESTING FOR LEAD POISONING
Children should be checked for lead poisoning if you think that
there is a possible lead source they come in contact with. Call
a doctor or your state health department for information on lead
poisoning screening. Your state agency can also provide the proper
assessment of local lead poisoning hazards and conditions that
can help you determine the degree of risk for lead poisoning
exposure your child has.
Checking for lead poisoning is performed through a blood test
that can detect high levels of lead. Since it is difficult to
observe lead poisoning symptoms in many cases it is better to
get children tested and be safe. It is a good idea to get blood
tests for children who are six months to one year old and for
any individual that suspects they have been exposed to high levels
of lead. Lead that is in teeth and bones can be measured with
X-rays, but this test is not as available as blood tests are.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SYMPTOMS OF LEAD POISONING?
Lead poisoning has been known to harm children
in the following ways:
- Anemia
- Behavioral problems
- Brain damage
- Coma
- Damage to the Nervous system
- Damage to the teeth
- Death
- Delayed or retarded growth
- Headaches
- Hearing problems
- Kidney function changes
- Learning disorders
Children and fetuses are most affected by lead poisoning
because they have not yet fully developed.
A pregnant mother exposed
to lead poisoning can pass it through her body, harming the
fetus, which can cause:
- Impairment of sensory-motor development
- Low birth rate
- Stillbirth
- Miscarriage
- Premature birth
MORE INFO
LEAD SAFETY INFORMATION
Your Federal Agency: http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead
Your RI State Agency: http://www.health.state.ri.us/lead/index.php
Your MA State Agency: http://www.state.ma.us/dph/clppp/clppp.htm
We hope that this brief discussion has given you some insight
into some of the dangers that are caused by lead poisoning.
Most importantly, if you believe that you or a loved one has
been the victim of lead poisoning you need a law firm that
can handle these cases. If we feel that our firm is not the
most qualified to handle your particular case we will be happy
to use our experience and know-how to help you find a lawyer
that can provide you with the legal representation and dedication
you deserve. Remember, we never charge you any fees or expenses,
unless your case is successful.
To fill out a confidential form, CLICK HERE.
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