Lewisville Lead Poisoning Attorneys
Compensation for Injuries Caused by Lead Exposure
Lead is a metal that is found in the earth’s crust. Mining, burning fossil fuels, and manufacturing has caused lead to become part of our environment and cause harm to the human body. Prior to the late 1970’s, lead was commonly used in paint, gasoline, ceramic ware, pipes, batteries, roofing materials, cosmetics, and solder for canned foods. Lead is still used today in some countries and there are "acceptable levels" of lead allowed in products used in the United States. It is universally accepted that the most common cause of lead poisoning today is deteriorating lead-based paint on the interior and exterior buildings that were built prior to 1978. Lead can also be found in household dust, soil, and in toys or other products purchased abroad. Children are especially vulnerable as they tend to put things in their mouths and paint chips can be easily eaten by a small child.
Symptoms
Symptoms of lead poisoning in children may include:
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Unusual paleness (from anemia)
- Slowed growth
If you live in a residence that was built prior to 1978 and notice that the paint on the interior or exterior of the building is chipped or peeling, you should contact your landlord to have the paint sealed and repainted. When lead-based paint deteriorates because of a landlord’s neglect, refusal to obey local and federal health and housing codes, or refusal to comply with a tenant’s request for repainting, a child could easily be poisoned by the lead chips and dust. It is a property owner’s responsibility to test paint to make sure there is no lead that can harm the occupants of the building. If you suspect that you or your child has been poisoned, a simple blood test will confirm your suspicions.
What Are the Long Term Consequences?
Lead poisoning has serious health consequences for children:
- Brain damage
- Learning disabilities
- Loss of I.Q. points
- A.D.H.D.
- Neurological damage
- Decreased muscle and bone growth
- Anemia
- Hearing loss
- Antisocial behavior
- Nervous system and kidney damage
- Poor muscle coordination
- Speech and language problems
If you believe that you or your child is a victim of a negligent landlord and is suffering from lead poisoning, a doctor can provide a diagnosis with a blood test. Then, you will want a skilled, compassionate lead poisoning lawyer to represent your rights. Ms. Steele of Steele Law, P.C., treats her clients like family. She will navigate this complex area of the law and aggressively pursue a maximum compensation package for you and your family. Ms. Steele has helped our clients recover damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future lost wages
- Disability
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Relocation expenses if necessary
- Loss of quality of life
Free Lead Poisoning Case Evaluation at (214) 333-9393
Ms. Steele is a knowledgeable Lewisville personal injury attorney who will provide a free case evaluation so that you can make an informed decision and begin the road to recovery from all your injuries. Contact us at (214) 333-9393 today for a free consultation.
Additional Information
- Environmental Lead Program - Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)
- Lead-Based Paint Regulations - Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs
- Lead Poisoning - Medline Plus
- Lead Poisoning - Mayo Clinic