Childhood lead poisoning in the United States is usually caused by ingesting lead paint. The primary cause of lead poisoning is deteriorating lead paint. A typical case involves a child under the age of seven who eats small chips of paint that flake off painted surfaces in their homes.
Even though the U.S. banned lead from paint in 1979, it's estimated that over 50% of children living in urban settings are exposed annually. This shocking statistic is explained by the fact that these children often live in dwellings that are old and poorly maintained. Childhood lead poisoning can result in:
- Permanent Brain Damage
- Learning and Developmental Disabilities
- Kidney Disease
- Muscle Weakness
Furniture, toys, clothes and other products manufactured overseas have been sold to the American public with high levels of lead. This has resulted in recalls of hundreds of items [1].
Lead poisoning can occur due to lead in:
- Homes (especially homes built before 1979)
- Toys
- Furniture
- Sporting equipment
- Lead Water Service Lines / Older Pipes
- Lead Contaminated Soils (particularly in the Tri-State Mining District of Missouri)
St. Louis has one of the highest rates of childhood lead poisoning in the country and the highest rate in Missouri [2] .
The full effects of childhood lead poisoning may take years to appear, because many problems are developmental in nature. This delay means childhood lead poisoning may be more difficult to prove as the cause of medical problems.
Lead paint cases are difficult but they are cases that lawyers can and do win. The attorneys of Brown & Crouppen are experienced in successfully litigating lead paint cases. Our team has strong, knowledgeable lawyers with significant resources and manpower. Beginning with our research specialists, to our medical professionals, investigators and economists, our team is on your side, creating a strong case for you.
Brown & Crouppen can help you make informed decisions about your legal rights, so please call Brown & Crouppen at toll free: 1-888-842-7944 for your free legal consultation or save time with our online contact form.
[1] http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/Recalls/allhazards.htm
[2] http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/data/state/modata.htm#2006case
