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$11m Personal Injury
How Children Can Suffer Lead Poisoning
Lead poisoning in children can occur through various exposure pathways. Here are the common ways:
- Lead-based Paint: Buildings and homes that were built before 1978 may still contain lead paint. Worse, their age means that paint is more likely to peel, leaving chips available on the floor for young children to put in their mouths or even to be contaminated by dust.
- Contaminated Soil: Soil around older homes or near industrial areas may be contaminated with lead from exterior paint or industrial emissions. Children can be exposed to dirt by playing in it and then putting their hands in their mouths.
- Drinking Water: Lead can leach into drinking water from old lead pipes, solder, or fixtures. This is more likely if the water is acidic or low in mineral content.
- Imported Toys and Jewelry: Some imported toys, jewelry, and other products may contain lead. Children may chew on these objects, leading to ingestion of lead.
- Occupational and Hobby Exposure: Parents working in industries like construction, painting, or battery manufacturing can bring lead dust home on their clothes, exposing their children. Similarly, hobbies such as stained glass making or using lead-based fishing weights can be sources of exposure.
- Traditional Remedies and Cosmetics: Some traditional medicines and cosmetics, such as kohl, sindoor, or certain herbal remedies, may contain lead.
- Food and Food Containers: Lead can contaminate food through lead-glazed ceramics, old or imported canned goods, or food grown in contaminated soil.
- Household Dust: General household dust in older homes can be a source of lead, particularly if renovation or repairs disturb lead-based paint.
In the last 14 years, Shoop & team's impressive track record includes hundreds of Product Liability cases resulting in verdicts or settlements exceeding $1 million. For a Product Liability team with an exemplary track record, clients choose Shoop.
Who Is Responsible for Lead Poisoning?
Because the dangers of lead have been known for so long, and paint manufacturers have removed lead from all their products, the courts do not allow families to sue these companies in a lead poisoning case.
The burden of safety lies with property builders, owners, or managers who have failed to provide adequate safety warnings. If it can be proven that these parties knew about lead paint on their property, were aware of the likelihood of children residing or visiting, and did nothing about the risk, they can be held accountable.
The maladies children can develop from lead exposure may lead to lifelong disability. Not only may their prospects for the future change, but they may require more intensive caretaking that will affect your day-to-day life as well. If your child has been senselessly injured by lead poisoning, the people who allowed their exposure must be held accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do If I Suspect Lead Exposure?
When you first suspect lead exposure, it can be difficult to know what to do next. The most important step is to speak with a medical provider right away about blood testing for your child or any other family member who may have been exposed. In Los Angeles County, pediatricians and clinics are familiar with local screening guidelines and can order the appropriate tests, explain the results, and recommend follow-up care. Early documentation of elevated lead levels not only protects your child’s health but also creates a clear record that connects later medical needs to the original exposure.
After medical testing, families should take practical steps to limit further contact with lead while the property is evaluated. That may include temporarily keeping children away from peeling paint, closing off certain rooms, or using wet-cleaning methods to reduce dust. Local health departments and housing agencies can often provide educational materials about safe cleaning and may conduct inspections when levels are high. It is also helpful to preserve photographs and notes about the home’s condition, renovation work, or any prior complaints to a landlord, as this information can later support a claim handled by a Los Angeles lead poisoning attorney.
How Long Do I Have To Bring A Lead Poisoning Claim In California?
California has time limits, known as statutes of limitation, that restrict how long you have to file a lawsuit. The deadline that applies in a lead poisoning case can depend on factors such as the age of the child, when the exposure was discovered, and how quickly the connection between symptoms and the property was identified. Because these rules are complex and missing a deadline can end a claim before it begins, it is important to speak with a lawyer promptly about your situation and any timing concerns.
Do I Have To Move Out Of My Home If Lead Is Found?
Whether a family needs to move out depends on how severe the hazard is and what steps the owner or housing provider is willing and required to take to correct it. In some situations, temporary relocation may be necessary while lead-based paint is safely removed or sealed, particularly when young children or pregnant individuals are present. Local health agencies in the Los Angeles area can help identify what remediation is appropriate and may issue orders or recommendations to the property owner. Keeping copies of all written notices about testing and cleanup is important if you later decide to pursue a claim.
Contact Our Lead Poisoning Attorney in Los Angeles Today
If you or a loved one has suffered from lead exposure, do not wait to get the legal guidance you deserve. Our Los Angeles lead poisoning lawyer is here to protect your rights, hold negligent property owners accountable, and help you pursue the compensation you need for medical care, long-term treatment, and peace of mind. We are ready to listen, answer your questions, and stand by your side every step of the way.
Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation is ready to take decisive legal action on your behalf if your child has been affected. Reach out to us online or call our Los Angeles lead poisoning attorney at (866) 884-1717.