With 1.6 million people calling the borough home, Manhattan serves as New York City’s economic and administrative center and has been described as the world’s cultural, financial, media, and entertainment capital. This fact often steers crucial conversations, including those about lead poisoning and the individuals and families impacted by this severe condition, out of public awareness.
At David Resnick & Associates, P.C., our Manhattan personal injury lawyers know that the borough’s global notoriety does not shield it from the realities of lead poisoning, which remains a serious concern due to its older infrastructure.
Despite its wealth and prestige, many of Manhattan’s buildings were constructed long before the 1978 ban on lead-based paint, and in specific neighborhoods, poorly maintained housing still exposes residents to lead hazards. Additionally, the rapid pace of renovations and gentrification can disturb old lead-based materials, releasing toxic dust into homes.
Manhattan’s status does not exempt it from the health risks posed by lead, primarily when regulations are inconsistently enforced, and awareness among residents may be limited. If you or someone you love, including your children, have suffered from lead poisoning, call us today for a free case evaluation.
Our law firm represents lead poisoning victims throughout New York City, including Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and the Bronx, and only works on a contingency basis. You do not pay our legal fees if we do not win your case. That’s a promise.
What are the Most Common Causes of Lead Poisoning in Manhattan, New York?
The most common causes of lead poisoning in Manhattan, New York, stem from the city’s aging infrastructure and specific environmental factors.
Key causes include:
- Lead-Based Paint: Many buildings in Manhattan were constructed before the 1978 ban on lead-based paint. As these buildings age, the paint can deteriorate, leading to peeling, chipping, and the creation of lead dust, which is easily ingested or inhaled, especially by children.
- Lead-Contaminated Dust: Renovations in older buildings can disturb lead-based paint, releasing fine lead particles into the air. Without proper safety precautions, these particles can settle as dust, posing a significant risk to residents.
- Lead Pipes and Plumbing: Older buildings may have lead pipes or lead-soldered plumbing. Corrosion of these pipes can contaminate drinking water with lead, a significant source of exposure for tenants.
- Imported Products: Some imported goods, including toys, cosmetics, or traditional medicines, may still contain lead. Residents unknowingly expose themselves and their families to lead through these products.
- Soil Contamination: Lead contamination can also be found in the soil, particularly in areas near older buildings or industrial sites. Children playing outdoors or residents gardening in contaminated soil can be exposed to lead.
These causes make lead poisoning a persistent issue in Manhattan, affecting vulnerable populations, particularly children, in both low- and high-income neighborhoods. If you or someone you love, including your children, have tested positive for lead poisoning, contact our skilled personal injury lawyers in Manhattan today to discuss your legal rights and options to pursue compensation from the liable party during a free consultation.
What Type of Compensation Can I Pursue When Filing a Lead Poisoning Injury Claim in Manhattan, New York?
When filing a lead poisoning injury claim in Manhattan, New York, you may pursue several types of compensation, depending on the circumstances of your case and the extent of harm caused by the lead exposure.
Common types of compensation include:
- Medical Expenses: You can seek compensation for current and future medical costs related to diagnosing and treating lead poisoning, including doctor visits, blood tests, medications, and specialized treatments for neurological or developmental issues caused by lead exposure.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If lead poisoning has affected your or your child’s ability to work or pursue future employment opportunities, you may seek damages for lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Lead poisoning can result in long-term physical and emotional distress, particularly in children. You can pursue compensation for the pain, suffering, emotional trauma, and diminished quality of life that result from lead exposure.
- Educational Support and Therapy: In cases involving children, lead poisoning can cause cognitive and developmental delays. You may seek compensation to cover the costs of special education, therapy, tutoring, and other support services required to manage the long-term effects.
- Home Renovation Costs: If lead contamination was found in your home, you may be able to recover the costs associated with removing lead hazards, including lead abatement or repairs necessary to create a safe living environment.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, if a landlord or responsible party knowingly failed to address lead hazards, punitive damages may be awarded to punish egregious conduct and deter future negligence.
Our experienced Manhattan personal injury attorneys can help you assess the full extent of your damages and pursue the maximum compensation for your lead poisoning injury claim, starting with a free consultation.
Resources for Lead Poisoning Prevention and Assistance
New York City Department of Health
- Provides free lead screening for children under six and pregnant women.
- Offers assistance in identifying lead hazards in homes and provides information on safe renovation practices.
- Contact 311 or visit their lead poisoning prevention page.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Offers extensive information on lead poisoning prevention, health effects, and national guidelines for addressing lead exposure.
- Website: CDC Lead Poisoning
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
- The EPA provides resources on identifying and reducing lead hazards in the home and workplace, including safe practices for lead removal.
- They also regulate lead-based paint removal and renovations.
- Website: EPA Lead Resources
NYC Lead Hazard Reduction and Prevention Programs
- Through programs like LeadFreeNYC, the city aims to eliminate lead exposure by remediating hazards in old buildings.
- LeadFreeNYC focuses on tenant education, lead inspections, and stricter enforcement against negligent landlords.
National Lead Information Center:
- Provides information on lead hazards, health impacts, and local resources for prevention and removal.
- Contact 1-800-424-LEAD or visit Lead Information.
Have You Tested Positive for Lead Poisoning in New York? Contact Our Skilled Manhattan Lead Poisoning Attorney for Help Today
The legal team at David Resnick & Associates, P.C., understands how lead poisoning can impact you and your family. We work hard to obtain the maximum damages you’re entitled to. We serve accident victims in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, the Bronx, and New York City.
If you have questions about your personal injury, contact the New York law firm of David Resnick & Associates, P.C., online or call us at 212-279-2000 today for a free consultation about your case.
There is never a charge to speak with our skilled Manhattan lead poisoning attorneys. If your case qualifies to move forward, we will handle every aspect from start to finish without charging any upfront or out-of-pocket fees. You will pay nothing for our elite personal injury attorney services unless we win your case. That is a promise.