Seeking Optimal Results for Victims
While lead paint has been banned for decades in New York, many buildings expose children and adults to unsafe levels of lead. Many small multiple-family buildings in Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and other areas of New York have paint chipping from the walls and ceilings. Residents of these apartments, condos or other units may be exposed to harmful levels of lead.
Lead exposure gained new attention recently as investigations revealed lead contamination in water supplies in cities across the country. However, the most common source of lead exposure in young children is lead-based paint. Many older buildings were coated with lead-based paint, and the toxin remains in homes across New York City. Paint chips, dust, debris and soil surrounding older buildings may be contaminated with lead. Ingesting or breathing in contaminated matter creates a high risk for lead poisoning. Children are the most vulnerable, however, adults can also suffer significant injury, or even death, from toxic exposure to lead.
Lead Poisoning Crisis in New York City
In the 20th century, particularly after World War II, concerns about lead poisoning in New York City began to grow. Lead is a potent neurotoxin, and exposure to lead dust or chips from deteriorating paint can lead to severe health issues, especially in children, including developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. Low-income and minority neighborhoods were disproportionately affected, as many older buildings with lead paint were concentrated in these areas.
By the 1950s and 1960s, research increasingly pointed to the dangers of lead exposure, and public health advocates started pushing for regulatory reforms. The issue became a public health crisis in the 1970s, as thousands of children in New York City were diagnosed with elevated blood lead levels each year. Lead poisoning became so prevalent that it was regarded as one of the leading environmental health problems in the city.
New York Lead Paint Attorney – Legislation and Legal Battles
In response to growing concerns, New York City passed Local Law 1 in 1982, which was intended to reduce lead hazards by requiring the removal or containment of lead-based paint in buildings where children lived. However, enforcement of the law was inconsistent, and many landlords failed to comply. Legal battles ensued between tenant advocacy groups, city officials, and landlords regarding responsibility for remediation and protection from lead hazards.
In 1992, the U.S. federal government also took action, banning the use of lead-based paint in residential buildings. In 2004, New York City strengthened its laws with the passage of a revised version of Local Law 1, mandating stricter inspections, removal, and penalties for failure to address lead hazards in homes where children under six lived. The law also placed a greater emphasis on identifying and addressing lead hazards in New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) apartments, which had been found to have widespread lead contamination.
New York Lead Paint Lawyer – Current Prevalence of Lead Poisoning
Despite regulatory efforts, lead poisoning remains an issue in New York City, particularly in older, poorly maintained housing. While the city has made significant progress in reducing the number of children with elevated blood lead levels—down by over 90% since the early 2000s—there are still concerns about 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) 971-2107. You can also reach us online to make your appointment.