Florida Lead Exposure Attorney
Lead exposure can lead to serious and debilitating conditions, especially among children who are exposed. If you were harmed, or your child was harmed, as a result of lead exposure or lead poisoning, you should find out more about filing a claim. One of our Florida lead exposure attorneys can speak with you today.
Learning More About Lead Exposure in Florida
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), lead is “a naturally occurring element found in small amounts in the earth’s crust,” and “it can be toxic to humans and animals, causing health effects.” The EPA explains that lead can be found in the air, in the soil outside, in our water sources, and inside homes. When lead exposure occurs, it typically happens as a result of “human activities including the use of fossil fuels including past use of leaded gasoline, some types of industrial facilities, and past use of lead-based paint in homes.” Indeed, the EPA says, lead and lead-based compounds formerly were used in many different household products, including but not limited to the following:
- Paint;
- Ceramics;
- Pipes;
- Plumbing materials;
- Solders;
- Gasoline;
- Batteries;
- Ammunition; and
- Cosmetics
These products may still be found in homes, schools, childcare facilities, secondhand consumer products, and in drinking water. While lead can be particularly hazardous to children who absorb more lead than adults typically do, adults can also suffer serious and debilitating consequences from lead exposure. In particular, pregnant women who are exposed to lead should know that this hazardous substance can result in serious harm to a developing fetus.
Consequences of Lead Exposure in Florida
Lead exposure can have serious consequences, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC cites the following as potential adverse health effects:
- Brain damage;
- Nervous system damage;
- Growth and development delays;
- Learning problems;
- Behavioral problems;
- Hearing problems; and
- Speech problems.
Who is Liable for Lead Exposure or Lead Poisoning?
When lead exposure occurs, who may be liable? Multiple parties may be at fault for harm resulting from lead exposure or lead poisoning, including but not limited to the following:
- Landlord who fails to disclose the presence of lead in a home;
- Property owner who fails to remediate lead when children and others are at known risk of exposure;
- Property managers who fail to remedy or remediate lead in the pipes or paint of a property after being required to do so by the owner of the premises;
- Contractors who are negligent in removing or remediating lead; and/or
- Local governments who fail to test for or remediate lead in public buildings such as schools or in city water systems.
Contact a Florida Lead Exposure Lawyer
If lead exposure resulted in harm to you or your child, you could be eligible to file a lawsuit. Many lead exposure and lead poisoning claims are filed as premises liability lawsuits, holding a property owner or manager accountable for dangerous lead on their premises. Lead exposure lawsuits can also result from negligent lead removal and a contractor’s failure to do the work effectively and safely. An experienced Florida lead exposure attorney at our firm can talk with you today about your circumstances, and we can provide you with more information about filing a claim. Contact Halpern Santos & Pinkert, P.A. to learn more about how we can assist you.
