Lead Poisoning Grabs National Headlines: NYC Housing Authority Agrees To $2B Settlement Over Massive Health Violations

Federal prosecutors recently released a report summarizing a two-year investigation into the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) as detailed in Forbes on June 14.  The federal government accuses NYCHA of putting children, elderly tenants and people with health issues in danger by failing to supply safe housing and failing to comply with lead paint regulations and other maintenance regulations.

The federal government accused the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) of mass negligence over the safety violations of thousands of residents for the dangerous lead exposure of residents and children, systematic coverups of health violations and more.

As a result, New York City reached a settlement with the federal government to spend over $2 billion on NYCHA, with the $1 billion spent over the next four years, and $200 million per year after that.  NYC Mayor Bill De Blasio signed a consent decree with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan, which will commit the city to spend more than $2 billion over a decade to settle the federal investigation and help fix the dire conditions in the city’s public housing complexes.

In the article, Mayor de Blasio commented,”It was certainly not the traditional action to take in government,” of the $2 billion pledge. “I made this decision because I believed it was the right thing to do.”  The full article can be accessed on the Forbes website upon click to accept the privacy terms.

The dangers of lead poisoning cannot be over emphasized.  If you suspect yourself or your loved ones have been exposed to lead poisoning, you should consult with an experienced attorney to understand your rights under the law.  We are available for free consultations and can be reached by email (info@oalaw.com) or by calling our office (518) 462-5601.