{"id":353299,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:47","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/product-liability\/lead-poisoning.html"},"modified":"2025-10-14T12:10:00","modified_gmt":"2025-10-14T17:10:00","slug":"lead-poisoning","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/lead-poisoning.html","title":{"rendered":"The Harmful Effects of Lead: Lawsuits and Legal Information"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

The Harmful Effects of Lead: Lawsuits and Legal Information<\/h1>\n\n
\n
\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Oni Harton, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n

In lead poisoning cases, your attorney will use medical records and expert testimony to link your illness to a specific source of exposure. If a third party is responsible\u2014such as a landlord, manufacturer, or employer\u2014you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury or product liability claim.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Lead can be especially hazardous for children and pregnant women<\/span>. But anyone can be at risk of lead poisoning. Lead still lurks in older homes, aging plumbing, and household items. You and your family may be at risk of lead poisoning and not even know it.<\/p>\n

Consumers have filed thousands of lawsuits against manufacturers, landlords, and public agencies for failing to prevent or warn about lead exposure<\/span><\/a>, especially in children who suffered long-term health effects<\/span>.<\/p>\n

This article discusses how lead poisoning lawsuits work and what you can do to improve your chances of recovering damages. You will also find news updates and recalls for lead contamination<\/span> in children\u2019s products and environmental health<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Sometimes, lead poisoning prevention<\/span> is not enough. You could become ill from lead in your drinking water<\/span>, paint on your walls, or everyday products you or your child uses. Thankfully, there are laws that allow you to pursue compensation if you or a loved one experiences lead poisoning. Contact an attorney<\/a> near you to share your story and learn your options.<\/p>\n

What Is Lead?<\/h2>\n

Lead\u00a0is a highly toxic metal<\/a> found in the Earth\u2019s crust. Companies like to use lead in their products because it\u2019s durable, malleable, and corrosion-resistant. More companies would use it if it weren\u2019t so dangerous.<\/p>\n

Although the government has banned lead paint, its use in other products remains legal. This is why so many people with lead poisoning don\u2019t know how they got sick. They don\u2019t realize that they come into contact with lead more often than they think.<\/p>\n

You may have a legal claim if you or your loved one develops lead poisoning. A product liability lawyer<\/a> can determine if you can sue and help prove your claim.<\/p>\n

Homeowners and Contractors Used Lead-Based Paint<\/span> for Years<\/h2>\n

For decades, companies have used lead in consumer goods and construction. But one of the most common\u00a0sources of lead<\/a>\u00a0is lead-based paint<\/span>.<\/p>\n

The federal government banned lead-based paint<\/span> in residential housing in 1978. Some states stopped its use earlier. But, lead-based paint<\/span> may still exist in older homes and office buildings.<\/p>\n

Most homeowners and commercial property owners<\/span> have removed lead from their properties. However, it still exists in many plumbing systems that contain lead pipes<\/span>. Installing a water filtration system is cheaper and easier than replacing your entire system.<\/p>\n

You can also use a certified lead <\/span>abatement<\/span> contractor to minimize the health impacts<\/span> of lead in your home. This tool from the EPA<\/span><\/a> can connect you with the right professional to perform lead-based paint<\/span> abatement<\/span>, renovations<\/span>, dust sampling, inspections, and more.<\/p>\n

How To Prove You Have Lead Poisoning<\/h2>\n

If you believe you have lead poisoning, seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor can measure your lead levels using a simple blood test<\/a>. If you have elevated blood lead levels<\/span>, you may deserve compensation. It depends on the source of <\/span>lead exposure<\/span> and whether a third party caused it.<\/p>\n

One of the reasons you must seek medical care is that your personal injury attorney will need proof that you are sick. The best way to do that is through medical records. Your attorney may also need an expert to prove that lead exposure<\/span><\/a> caused your illness. The expert may also have to demonstrate that another party is responsible for your lead poisoning.<\/p>\n

Liability for Lead Poisoning Illnesses<\/h2>\n

Lead poisoning cases fall under product liability. In some cases, your attorney can also sue for\u00a0premises liability<\/a>. It depends on where you encountered the lead. It also depends on how you came into contact with this toxic substance.<\/p>\n

If you encounter lead in a household or consumer product<\/span>, you may have a claim against the:<\/p>\n