Lead Paint Poisoning in Massachusetts

While lead was once routinely used in paint and building materials in homes and structures throughout the county, today, the fact that lead is a toxin is well-established. Despite this knowledge, however, many homes, apartments, and buildings still have lead paint, which can be dangerous to those who enter, particularly children who live within. If your child has suffered harm as a result of lead paint exposure, you may have a legal claim for damages. At the office of Tetzel Law, our lawyers can review your case free of charge today. Call us now to get started.

The Risks of Lead Exposure

Exposure to lead can lead to adverse health outcomes, particularly for children under the age of six. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 29 million housing units have lead-based paint hazards, including deteriorated paint and lead-contaminated house dust; about 2.6 million of these homes are inhabited by young children. 

When people, especially young children, are exposed to lead paint, the consequences can be very serious. Some of the known health effects of lead exposure include:

• Damage to the brain and nervous system
• Slowed growth and development
• Hearing, speech, learning, and behavior problems
• Lower IQ

Massachusetts Lead Law and Regulations

Massachusetts takes lead exposure very seriously. In fact, Massachusetts Lead Law requires that lead paint hazards in residents built prior to 1978 must be removed or covered if there are children under the age of six living there. Landlords are also required under the law to notify residents of the presence of lead paint. 

If a building owner/landlord fails to comply with the Massachusetts Lead Law and a tenant suffers harm as a result, they can be held strictly liable for damages. This means that the victim will not need to prove negligence; they’ll only need to prove that the landlord failed to comply with the lead law in order to recover compensation for their harm. In addition to compensatory damages, the landlord/building owner may also be liable for punitive damages, which are intended to penalize the defendant for their actions. 

What to Do if You or Your Child Has Suffered Lead Poisoning

If you suspect that your home has lead in it and your child is being poisoned as a result, the first thing that you should do is make sure that lead areas are cleaned up, lead paint chips are tossed, and children do not have the ability to chew, scratch, or otherwise disturb the lead paint areas. You should also make sure your child receives any necessary medical care as soon as possible.

If your child is under six, you have the right to a home that is free from lead. If your landlord has not provided this, your rights have been violated. 

Call Our Personal Injury Attorney Today 

At the office of Tetzel Law, we are passionate about protecting our clients’ rights and ensuring that you and your family are compensated if your child is harmed due to lead paint exposure. To learn more about your legal options and how to take action, call our law firm directly at (617) 742-1700 today or send us a message online at your convenience. We are here to help you when you need it most.