At the Scanlan Law Group, we know the tragedy of children injured by lead poisoning, and we have fought these cases on behalf of injured victims for more than 25 years. Lead is a highly toxic substance that can cause kidney and brain damage and other serious injuries with long-term exposure, particularly in young children. The primary hazard posed by lead is through exposure to lead-based paint. Although the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the sale of lead-based paint in 1978, there are still millions of older U.S. residential, commercial and industrial buildings that contain lead-based paint, and even some consumer products contain dangerously unsafe levels of lead-based paint.

Although children are the primary victims of lead-based paint, lead also affects many other segments of the population. Pregnant women who are exposed to lead can pass it on to their fetuses, thus causing severe birth defects. Lead also affects millions of industrial and commercial workers. It is estimated that more than 1 million U.S. workers are regularly exposed to lead in industries like painting, construction, metal smelting, battery plants, auto repair and plumbing. These workers can ingest and inhale lead dust and fumes, as well as bring it from their job sites into their homes if they do not clean themselves properly.

Individuals can also be exposed to lead through the natural environment. As lead is not biodegradable, and does not dissolve in water or otherwise dissipate, lead can remain in the soil for decades, thus exposing people to lead through soil and groundwater.

The principal symptoms associated with lead poisoning include nausea, headaches, constipation, seizures, and comas. Exposure to lead has been shown to cause brain and kidney damage, especially in children. Health effects in children can include permanent learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and severe developmental delays. Lead poisoning in adults can cause high blood pressure, abdominal discomfort, infertility, tremors, muscle and joint pain, and damage to the kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and the nervous system. Severe lead poisoning can cause death.

Because lead cases can be very complex, you need experienced and aggressive attorneys to successfully handle them. The Scanlan Law Group has the necessary experience. We have sued individuals and companies responsible for lead injuries, and we are not afraid to take them to trial if one of our clients has been injured. Accordingly, if you or someone you know have sustained a lead related injury, contact the Scanlan Law Group for a free initial consultation.