Fight For Your Rights After Your Child Has Been Exposed To Lead Poisoning in California
It can be devastating for any parent to learn that his or her child’s cognitive disabilities were a result of a preventable, and often undiscovered cause: lead paint poisoning. Unfortunately, lead poisoning is a leading contributor to health problems affecting children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lead poisoning is affecting about 500 thousand children in the United States as of 2017.
The Damaging Effects of Lead Found in Homes
Lead poisoning can be damaging at many levels once it has entered a person’s bloodstream. For young children, the smallest amount of lead has the potential to cause permanent cognitive damage. At high levels of lead poisoning, the effects can be catastrophic. Health issues related to lead poisoning can involve ADHD, learning disabilities, growth stunting, mental retardation, seizures, and even death.
Although lead has been legally prohibited to be in paint since 1978, there are many structures across the nation that were constructed before that time, ultimately leaving a continuous exposure to the harmful substance. One astonishing report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that over 4 million homes in the United States have young children living in homes that have very high levels of lead.
As time progresses, many of these homes now have paint deterioration, which makes lead paint poisoning an even greater concern. When paint is deteriorated, it tends to chip and the flecks or dust from these chips can become ingested by children. One public service announcement publicized by the National Center for Healthy Housing reported that about one gram of lead found in a home can result in more than twice the standard for hazard levels.
The Catastrophic Effects of Lead Poisoning In Children
A child who has been diagnosed with lead poisoning can suffer from any of the potential health challenges:
- Anemia
- Hearing loss
- Behavioral disorders
- Learning disabilities
- Hyperactivity
- Attention deficit disorders
- Neurological damage
- Renal damage
- Mental retardation
- Stunted growth
- Speech delay
Seek the Legal Advice of An Experienced Attorney
Although lead has been banned in the paint industry, it continues to reap havoc across the nation. Paint-based lead poisoning is devastating for any individual and regrettably, many symptoms go unnoticed until the damage is irreversible. If you or someone you know has experienced lead poisoning in the State of California, consider speaking to a qualified attorney. As an injured victim, there is a possibility of obtaining financial compensation for the injuries caused by the paint.
It is important to note that filing a claim in California for personal injury requires fast action. The State of California has strict deadlines, known as statute of limitations, which set deadlines for filing a personal injury claim.
The attorneys at Heiting & Irwin are dedicated to helping victims of lead poisoning. They are highly experienced in the field of personal injury lawsuits involving defective products. If you have suffered a lead-based poisoning, contact superior legal support today.