In the past, lead-based paints were a common sight in private residences, commercial properties, and public buildings alike, as they dried more quickly and were more durable than many other types of paint. Over time, scientists and researchers discovered that long-term lead exposure is extremely dangerous to people of all ages. In response, the Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the use of lead paint in all American commercial and residential properties in 1978.
Unfortunately, some structures in the Sunshine State are old enough to have traces of lead-based paint, and there are still large surfaces covered with this material, something which a skilled property liability attorney may be able to help file a lawsuit over. If you or your child is suffering from lead poisoning because a landowner or contractor failed to ensure their property was safe, a Lake County lead paint lawyer could help you demand comprehensive compensation.
Possible Hazards of Lead Exposure for Children and Adults
The primary reason lead-based paints are considered so dangerous that their use is banned in the United States is that these paints shed microscopic lead particles, which can then be inhaled by people nearby. Over time, a buildup of lead in the human body can cause symptoms like headaches, difficulty concentrating, high blood pressure, mood disorders, reduced or abnormal sperm in adult men, and pregnancy complications that can result in miscarriage or stillbirth.
In children, lead poisoning can lead to developmental delays and lifelong learning disabilities. Lead has a sweet taste, which makes it more likely that young children might put lead-contaminated material in their mouths. Our Lake County toxic paint attorneys could help you demand restitution for every form of harm your family has experienced due to lead exposure in a place you thought was safe, including medical bills, lost working capacity, physical pain, and psychological distress.
Who Could Be Legally Liable for Lead Paint Exposure?
Because lead-based paints are banned nationwide, property owners are expected to make every effort to remove lead-based paints and other sources of lead contamination from their property as soon as they become aware of them. They must also warn residents and property visitors about the possible presence of lead-based paints on that property. A landlord or property manager who fails to fulfill this duty—or a contractor who fails to perform lead removal or remediation procedures correctly—may hold civil liability for any harm one of their tenants suffers as a direct result of lead poisoning on their property.
In certain situations, it may be possible to file a civil suit against a local government body for failing to properly address lead-based paint in city water systems, schools, or other types of public property. An attorney in Lake County, with experience in cases involving hazardous substances, could discuss your filing options with you and offer preliminary guidance about next steps during a confidential consultation.
Contact a Lake County Lead Paint Attorney for Help
Although lead-based paints have been recognized as dangerously toxic for several decades, many property owners in Florida still fail to adequately protect their tenants from the hazards posed by this material. Fortunately, if you can prove that your landlord or building manager knowingly or negligently violated the duty of care they owed you in this regard, you may be able to demand civil recovery from them for all the losses you and your loved ones will ever suffer due to that misconduct.
When you work with Largey Law Firm, you get a hands-on approach from a capable and compassionate attorney who could handle your claim personally rather than delegating it to a paralegal. Call today to speak with a Lake County lead paint lawyer from our team and begin discussing your potential case.
