New York lead poisoning
accident Lawyers

When a family identifies signs of potential lead poisoning in their children, it is crucial to contact New York lead poisoning accident lawyers. They can assist in managing compensation benefits needed to cover the costs of specialized medical treatment and prevent serious or even fatal complications.

Lead poisoning occurs when a person ingests or inhales this metal. While lead-based paint was banned in New York in 1978, many older buildings and toys still contain lead. This metal is dangerous because even minimal amounts can cause serious health damage.

Children are particularly vulnerable because of their natural curiosity, often leading them to put objects in their mouths. If those objects include toys coated with lead-based paint, they can easily become poisoned. Adults are not immune either; they can inhale lead, especially if they reside in older homes where lead has not been completely removed.

Unlike other types of poisoning, the effects of lead exposure are often gradual, making early detection difficult. Symptoms can go unnoticed until prolonged exposure leads to serious illnesses, including certain cancers. It is crucial to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect exposure and experience symptoms such as dizziness, insomnia, loss of appetite, vomiting, or constipation.

If you, your children, or a loved one suspect exposure to lead, consult a doctor and contact us. The lead poisoning lawyers in New York at Gorayeb & Associates are dedicated to securing compensation that ensures access to specialized medical care without financial worries. Call 332-378-5237 or fill out our contact form.

Gorayeb

Potential Sources of Lead Poisoning Identified by New York Attorneys

According to lawyers for lead poisoning victims in NY, any building constructed before 1978 could be a potential source of lead poisoning. Even though many of these buildings have had their lead-based paint partially removed, it may not have been completely eradicated, or lead particles may still be present in the environment, especially on sidewalks or nearby grounds.

If you suspect your home or workplace contains lead residues, the expert team at Gorayeb & Associates can conduct an evaluation. If lead presence is confirmed, we will guide you on the next steps to get proper medical care. Once poisoning is diagnosed, we will also assess the viability of filing a negligence lawsuit to ensure compensation.

However, old buildings are not the only possible sources of poisoning. Below are other risks related to lead poisoning:

Suburbios de Nueva York

Water Pipes

Many water pipes installed in the early 1900s contain lead solder or brass fittings, which can release lead particles into drinking water. Prolonged consumption of contaminated water can lead to health issues.

Furniture

Some wooden furniture pieces were painted with lead-based paint, posing a risk if the paint chips off and is inhaled or accidentally ingested, particularly by children.

Toys and Jewelry

Lead was historically used in bright paints and metalwork for toys and jewelry. Items passed down through generations may still harbor toxic lead components, posing risks to children who put them in their mouths.

Batteries

Small children can accidentally expose themselves to lead by handling or putting batteries in their mouths, such as in remote controls or toys.

Vintage Cars

Classic cars often feature lead-based paint. Individuals working on vehicle restorations may inhale lead particles, potentially bringing them into their homes and exposing their families to risk.

Symptoms of Lead Poisoning

Lead poisoning usually results from prolonged exposure to small amounts of lead. Timely detection can help prevent severe consequences. Symptoms vary depending on the individual’s age:

Adults:

  • Severe headaches
  • Limb numbness
  • Muscle weakness
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Appetite loss
  • Hearing difficulties
  • Unexplained fatigue
  • Memory issues
  • Sleep disorders
  • Mood swings
  • Tooth pain
  • Tongue numbness
  • Speech difficulties
  • Seizures
  • Difficulty retaining information
  • Anemia

Children:

  • Constipation
  • Seizures
  • Hearing difficulties
  • Abdominal pain
  • Frequent vomiting
  • Delayed motor skills
  • Weight loss
  • Learning disabilities
  • Irritability

Newborns:

  • Premature birth
  • Low birth weight
  • Growth problems
Victima de envenenamiento en hospital

Steps to Take for Lead Poisoning Symptoms

If you suspect that you or a loved one has been exposed to lead and is showing symptoms of poisoning, it is crucial to take these immediate actions:

  1. Visit a hospital.
  2. Contact a Lead exposure accident lawyer in New York, such as those at Gorayeb & Associates.

A blood test will measure the concentration of lead in the body to confirm if lead poisoning is present.

If blood lead levels are low and there is no immediate risk:

The legal team at Gorayeb & Associates will conduct a thorough inspection of your home and workplace to identify the source of lead contamination, helping to prevent further poisoning.

If blood lead levels are high:

In addition to locating and removing the source of lead, the lead poisoning injury lawyers in NY at Gorayeb & Associates will guide you through the best medical options, which typically include the use of chelating agents, administered orally or intravenously. These agents bind to the lead in the body and help neutralize its harmful effects.

Victima de intoxicación por plomo

The American Medical Association (AMA) defines the following ranges to assess the severity of poisoning:

  • Mild to moderate poisoning: 20–44 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood.
  • Severe poisoning: 45–69 micrograms per deciliter of blood (requires treatment with chelating agents).
  • Acute poisoning: 70+ micrograms per deciliter of blood (requires urgent hospitalization).

How to Prevent Lead Poisoning?

To reduce cases of lead poisoning, the U.S. Department of Public Health recommends the following actions:

  • Request an evaluation of the paint and pipes in your home if it was built before 1960.
  • If your home was built before 1960 and hasn’t been renovated, it is advised to replace carpets and windows and remove lead-based paint from the walls.
  • Regularly clean hard surfaces with wipes and detergents to capture lead dust.
  • Vacuum floors with HEPA-filtered vacuums.
  • If you engage in activities like welding or making stained glass, follow precautions to avoid lead exposure.
  • If a family member works in environments with lead, ask them to remove their shoes before entering the house.

Regarding lead poisoning prevention in children, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides the following recommendations:

  • Keep children away from walls with deteriorating paint.
  • Regularly clean children’s toys.
  • Ensure children wash their hands before every meal.
  • Encourage children to play on grass, not on dirt floors.
  • Prevent children from getting close to the foundations of old houses.

Facts About Lead Poisoning in Children and Newborns

According to a study by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), approximately one-third of children worldwide suffer from lead poisoning.

Given the alarming scale of this issue, the organization has called on health authorities across the globe to recognize the public health implications of lead exposure, emphasizing its catastrophic impact on vulnerable communities.

The effects are particularly severe in marginalized areas, where children often lack access to quality medical services. UNICEF recommends measures to combat lead contamination, including eliminating hazardous practices such as informal lead battery recycling. Lead is especially harmful to children under the age of five, as it can cause irreversible damage to their developing brains.

Menor envenenado por plomo

Who Is Liable in a Lead Poisoning Case?

Both state and federal laws require employers, product manufacturers, and property owners to adhere to stringent safety protocols designed to protect the health of employees, customers, and tenants.

When these protocols are violated, resulting in lead poisoning, victims are entitled to file negligence claims. Commonly liable parties in these cases include:

  • Property owners
  • Operators of childcare facilities, such as daycare centers and elementary schools
  • Manufacturers of lead-containing products, including toys, jewelry, and batteries.

What Compensation Can You Expect in a Lead Poisoning Case?

The amount that can be awarded in a lead poisoning case depends on various factors, such as the severity of the poisoning and its underlying causes.

However, settlements typically cover:

  • Medical treatments
  • Specialist fees
  • Hospital expenses
  • Rehabilitation equipment
  • Funeral costs in the event of a fatality

The final compensation amount may also include damages for the pain and suffering the victim endured due to lead poisoning.

To secure fair compensation, it is essential to work with NY lead poisoning accident attorneys, like Gorayeb & Associates. Our expert attorneys have secured over a billion dollars for clients.

Frequently Asked Questions

The New York lead poisoning injury attorneys at Gorayeb & Associates work on a contingency fee basis. This means clients pay nothing upfront. We sign an agreement stating that we will cover all case-related expenses from start to finish. Our fees are a pre-agreed percentage of the final compensation awarded, and we only get paid if we win your case.

In New York, the law protects all individuals harmed by someone else’s negligence. If you’ve been affected by lead poisoning, you have the right to seek compensation, even if you are undocumented. At Gorayeb & Associates, we not only advocate for your rights but also ensure the absolute confidentiality of your personal information. Do not let fear stop you from claiming what is rightfully yours.

If you were poisoned by lead while working, a representative from your employer’s insurance company will likely approach you to take your statement and ask you to sign various documents. You should refuse to say or sign anything and immediately contact an expert attorney from Gorayeb & Associates. Insurance companies represent the interests of their investors and often attempt to leave victims unprotected by getting them to sign documents accepting insufficient settlements.

Our Team is Online Right Now

Expert Construction Accident Lawyers

If you were injured while working, you may need the assistance of an expert lawyer. Our construction accident lawyers at Gorayeb & Associates have over 35 years of experience winning these cases.

Available 24/7

Our team of expert construction accident lawyers is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call Gorayeb & Associates at 332-263-3892 for a free consultation.

Five-Star Customer Service

Our expert NYC construction accident lawyers will fight to get you the compensation you deserve so you can rebuild your life without financial worries.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Latest blog posts

Estadísticas de accidentes en obras de construcción en NY

New York Construction Accident Statistics

Understanding construction accident statistics in NY is crucial to developing preventive measures that will help make the construction industry safer. Construction industry accident data is ...
Read More
The Ultimate Guide to Construction Zones for Homeowners

NYC Construction Zones: What Homeowners Need to Know

Ensuring safety in urban construction zones is critical, particularly in a bustling metropolis like New York City. At Gorayeb & Associates, we understand the complex ...
Read More
Learn More About New York City’s Construction Safety Regulations

Construction Safety: NYC’s Most Common Violations

Construction safety is paramount in New York, where workers face numerous hazards and risks daily. From working at heights to handling heavy machinery and hazardous ...
Read More
Chris Gorayeb live chat circle avatar
chat en vivo
LLAME AHORA
5 stars
Canevo Fernandez has left a 5-star review
Read review