Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Lead Poisoning and Child Injury (Part A)
Lead poisoning is a very serious child injury that has seen much regulatory action in the past several decades but is still prevalent.
Poisoning From Lead Paint
Trade agreements allow toys and other goods that contain lead to be imported and sold. Parents can occasionally check with the Consumer Products Safety Commission’s website (www.CPSC.gov) about recent toy and other child product recalls due to presence of lead.
Additional source of lead poisoning can come from lead paint in buildings and fencing. Aging lead paint in buildings and fencing is slowly being eradicated, but is also still in widespread existence, including in low-income family housing projects.
What Are The Consequences of Lead Poisoning?
Lead poisoning affects child development and is especially damaging to young neurological systems. Lead can be present in dust, paint chips and plastics, which can be easily ingested by curious babies and toddlers. Lead in plastic water bottles or beverage containers leaches into the liquid. When absorbed over a long period of time, severe mental and physical disabilities can arise.
Child lead poisoning can lead to:
- Brain damage
- Kidney damage
- Hearing damage
- Abnormal bone and muscle growth
- Abnormal speech
- Learning disabilities
Lead Poisoning and Defective Products
If your child has been injured in by poisoning or hurt by a defective product in Boston you should contact an experienced child injury lawyer to determine liability. The State of Massachusetts has a statute of limitations that may prohibit you from filing a lawsuit if too much time has passed. Speak to one of our experienced Boston child injury attorney for guidance on your child’s personal injury case.
Child injury lawyers are dedicated to helping parents whose children have been exposed to lead and other toxins through paint, plastics and particulate matter.
The federal government became aware of scientific findings that show even trace amounts of lead extremely harmful to children and banned lead in paint 30 years ago. However, lead standards and attitudes toward child injury in many foreign countries differ from American laws and views. Imported goods sometimes skirt the radar of watchdog groups or ignore U.S. requirements outright.
Child Lead Poisoning and Premises Liability Lawsuits
Parents who suspect that their child has been poisoned should look for the following symptoms of poisoning, such as:
- weight loss,
- appetite loss,
- abdominal pain, and
- unusually pale skin
Parents should have their child and any siblings tested for lead in the blood immediately. If detected, medical treatments such as chelation therapy may begin.
Parents and the affected children may face a lifetime of medical expenses and reduced potential due to lead poisoning. They can seek compensation from responsible parties via civil lawsuits.
Continue to Lead Poisoning and Child Injury (Part B) >>
