Lead Poisoning & Toxic Exposure

The contamination of the water system in Flint, Michigan has focused the Nation’s attention on the perils of lead poisoning, but individuals in the Capital Region and upstate New York have suffered from the harmful effects of lead for decades. The Lead Poisoning and Toxic Exposure practice of O’Connell and Aronowitz is the largest lead injury litigation group in upstate New York. Our attorneys have handled more than 1,000 cases of childhood and adult lead poisoning.

What is lead poisoning?

Lead poisoning is the result of lead building up in the body over the course of months and even years. The consequences of lead poisoning in young children can be devastating and often results in severe mental and physical impairments. Small levels of lead can be harmful, and high levels can be fatal.

Who is at risk of lead poisoning?

Although lead poses a greater risk to children, it is also dangerous for adults. Children are often exposed to lead-based paint and contaminated dust in older buildings, and lead has been discovered in water pipes in homes, apartment buildings and schools. Lead contamination can also be found in the air, water and soil. Adults are typically exposed at work, particularly in auto repair shops, in home improvement contracting, or when working with batteries.

What are the symptoms of lead poisoning?

Lead poisoning can be hard to detect, and symptoms often do not present until dangerous levels have accumulated in the body.  Children often experience developmental delays, learning difficulties, sluggishness, fatigue and other symptoms. Signs of lead poisoning in adults include, but are not limited to, high blood pressure, decline in mental functioning, and even miscarriage or premature birth.

Sources of lead

While lead is a naturally occurring metal, human activity such as mining, burning fossil fuel and manufacturing has released lead into the environment. For many years, lead was used in paint, furniture and even children’s toys. Although lead-based paint has been banned for homes and in children’s toys and household furniture since 1978, it remains on walls in many older homes and apartments. Children are often poisoned by eating lead paint chips or inhaling toxic dust. Lead particles can also contaminate tap water by way of lead pipes, brass plumbing fixtures and copper pipes soldered with lead.

Lead poisoning lawyers in the capital region and upstate New York

Over the past fifteen years, the legal team at O’Connell and Aronowitz has won the largest lead paint verdicts and settlements ever in upstate New York. We have extensive experience representing injured children and adults in all types of serious injury cases involving brain damage and environmental injuries. As fierce advocates for injured children, we have represented hundreds of clients in complex cases. We are keenly aware that lead is a dangerous toxin and continues to be a serious threat — even a blood lead level below 10 is harmful. Even if your child was poisoned many years ago, you have until he or she reaches age 21 to file a lead-paint lawsuit. If one or more members of your family is suffering from the effects of lead poisoning, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your injuries. Call our office today at (518) 462-5601 for a free evaluation of your case.