Seeking Optimal Results for Victims
Although lead paint has been banned for decades in New York, many buildings continue to expose both children and adults to dangerous levels of lead. Numerous smaller multi-family buildings in Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and other New York areas have paint chipping from walls and ceilings. The residents of these apartments, condos, and other units are at risk of exposure to hazardous levels of lead.
Recently, lead exposure has gained renewed attention as investigations uncovered lead contamination in water supplies across the nation. However, the primary source of lead poisoning in young children remains lead-based paint. Many older buildings were covered in lead paint, and this harmful substance still exists in homes throughout New York City. Paint chips, dust, debris, and soil around older structures may be contaminated with lead. Ingesting or inhaling contaminated materials creates a significant risk of lead poisoning. While children are particularly vulnerable, adults can also suffer severe injuries or even death from toxic lead exposure.
Lead Poisoning Crisis in New York City
Concerns about lead poisoning in New York City began to intensify in the 20th century, particularly after World War II. Lead is a powerful neurotoxin, and exposure to lead dust or chips from deteriorating paint can result in severe health problems, especially for children. These issues include developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. Low-income and minority neighborhoods were hit hardest, as older buildings with lead-based paint were concentrated in these areas.
By the 1950s and 1960s, increasing research highlighted the dangers of lead exposure, prompting public health advocates to call for regulatory changes. The situation became a public health crisis in the 1970s, with thousands of children in New York City diagnosed each year with elevated blood lead levels. Lead poisoning became so widespread that it was considered one of the leading environmental health concerns in the city.
New York Lead Paint Attorney – Legislation and Legal Battles
In response to growing concerns, New York City enacted Local Law 1 in 1982, aimed at reducing lead hazards by requiring the removal or containment of lead-based paint in buildings where children lived. However, the law’s enforcement was inconsistent, and many landlords failed to comply. This led to legal battles between tenant advocacy groups, city officials, and landlords regarding the responsibility for remediation and protection from lead hazards.
In 1992, the U.S. federal government took additional action by banning lead-based paint in residential buildings. In 2004, New York City strengthened its laws by passing a revised version of Local Law 1, which mandated stricter inspections, removal procedures, and penalties for landlords who failed to address lead hazards in homes where children under six lived. The law also focused more on identifying and addressing lead hazards in New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) apartments, which had been found to have significant lead contamination.
New York Lead Paint Lawyer – Current Prevalence of Lead Poisoning
Despite regulatory efforts, lead poisoning continues to be an issue in New York City, particularly in older, poorly maintained housing. While the city has made substantial progress in reducing the number of children with elevated blood lead levels—down by more than 90% since the early 2000s—concerns remain, especially for vulnerable populations.
In 2018, it was revealed that NYCHA had failed to properly inspect and remediate lead paint in thousands of apartments, sparking a major scandal. The city launched an aggressive program to address the issue, but challenges remain, particularly in neighborhoods with older housing stock. As of recent reports, thousands of children in the city continue to test positive for elevated lead levels each year, although the numbers have decreased substantially compared to the peak in the 1970s and 1980s.
New York Lead Poisoning Attorney
Experience And Integrity Are Hallmarks Of Cohen & Cohen Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C.
If you or a loved one is suffering from lead poisoning in NY, you want to work with experienced lawyers who know how to build a strong case against negligent building owners and managers who allow lead to remain on the premises. The attorneys and legal team at Cohen & Cohen Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C., are dedicated to fighting to obtain justice for lead poisoning victims. We investigate every level of detail to understand the maintenance records and history of the premises to determine all of the potential parties who may be responsible for the lead contamination.
When you work with our legal team to gain a voice against negligent parties, we will listen to the full details of your injury. Parents often struggle over the serious harm their children have experienced. We are here to do what is right for you and your family.
New York Lead Poisoning Lawyer
Personal Service To Put Your Interests First
We build relationships with our clients that carry through every step of the way. We will prepare you for each stage of the litigation so you can walk confidently through the process. Unfortunately, many low-income household members are the victims of lead poisoning due to negligent building management. For that reason, we work with clients who are on public assistance to maximize financial compensation in the personal injury lawsuit, while protecting eligibility for government assistance.
We will help you through the entire life of a case, through every motion that is filed, through every deposition that is taken and through all the discovery of evidence during our investigation of the case.
Further, if you receive some form of public assistance, you can count on us to manage your case properly. Our experience also means we know how to maximize your recovery while also protecting your eligibility for assistance.
One Phone Call Can Make A Difference
We can provide you with a candid assessment of your situation, including identifying any next steps, as well as discussing your chances for success in the legal process. Call one of our New York lead poisoning lawyers to schedule an initial consultation with a lawyer at our firm: (718) 275-7779. You can also reach us online to make your appointment.