We’ve seen how fatal lead is in the news. Lead poisoning can cause severe illness, and in children, it can cause delays in development. In fact, many toys over the years have been recalled due to high lead content. It is banned in the US, but there are still many existing buildings containing this toxic substance.
There are different sources of lead. Although it’s a naturally occurring metal, human activities can release lead into the environment, like burning fossil fuel, mining, and manufacturing.
If you or your child suffered an injury because of lead exposure, you need to speak with a lawyer immediately.
Causes & Symptoms of Lead Poisoning
Usually, lead poisoning cases are due to the ingestion of lead paint. It is because the toxic substance is usually added to paint to make it dry faster.
It can also be caused by lead exposure in the workplace, specifically in manufacturing plants. Lead can seep into the ground and groundwater as well, which can pollute the water and soil.
Here are the symptoms of lead poisoning in adults:
- Headaches
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness
- Memory loss
- Paresthesia (tingling in the extremities)
In some cases, a victim can also suffer seizure or coma, which can be fatal.
The symptoms of lead poisoning in children are different. They are:
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Behavioral problems
- Lethargy
Lead Poisoning in Children
Lead poisoning in children can be deadly. It is the little ones under the age of six who are susceptible to the serious effects of lead poisoning because they still have small and developing bodies. With that, they absorb the lead into their bodies at a faster rate compared to adults. Additionally, lead has a sweet taste, which causes curious kids to put lead paint chips and paint dust in their mouths.
Children who suffer the serious effects of lead poisoning can experience serious developmental problems, such as language delays and mental retardation.
How a Lawyer Can Help
If you or your children suffer from lead exposure, you can file a claim for compensation. This is also because property owners need to ensure their properties are certified whether the building has been de-leaded properly.
There are a lot of legalities involved in this, and if you don’t know your way around it, you could lose the compensation you deserve. Thankfully, a lawyer can help you file a claim. Moreover, your attorney will evaluate the case and ensure you get the right compensation for the damages caused by lead exposure.
Fortunately, there are many law firms that specialize in lead exposure, which means you won’t have a hard time when it comes to finding one. However, things can get overwhelming. It’s crucial you research properly and ensure you find a reputable law firm that you can guarantee will suit your needs.
Conclusion
Lead poisoning can have grave effects not only on adults but on children as well. In fact, children are the usual victims of lead due to its sweet taste that young ones can easily ingest. If you are a victim of lead poisoning, know that you have a case against the company or property owner, and you deserve to be compensated. A lawyer will help you establish a reasonable claim.
Ronemus & Vilensky can help you with your lead poisoning claim. If you need an accident and malpractice attorney in New York to represent you, get in touch with us today.