The most common environmental illness for children to suffer is lead poisoning. While some may believe that this is not a current issue, the fact remains that children continue to be exposed to unhealthy levels of lead which can lead to serious injuries. Particles and paint laced with lead come from a number of sources, including furniture and toys.
If you have discovered that your child has suffered lead poisoning, it may be the result of dangerous children’s toys, which could warrant an Illinois product liability claim. You can contact a Chicago product liability lawyer to learn more about how to recover compensation for your child’s medical care and other expenses should lead poisoning result from a defective product.
Dangerous Children’s Toys and Furniture
Children are more commonly exposed to lead through lead paint found in older homes. When children ingest paint chips or dust that has been contaminated with lead, it can eventually cause lead poisoning. Homes that were built prior to 1978 are at the greatest risk of containing high levels of lead.
Children are also at risk of exposure to lead through contaminated furniture and toys. Some of the most dangerous children’s toys are those that are secondhand. Lead-based paint was commonly used on many older toys. Some daycares or caregivers may be using these types of toys.
It’s not just older toys that pose a serious risk to children. Children can be exposed to lead through dangerous children’s toys and furniture that are imported today from China. Lead paint is still used in many of their products.
Many popular toy makers who have some of their toys made in foreign countries could face liability if one of their products results in serious injuries to a child.
Liability for Dangerous Children’s Toys with Lead Contamination
Determining who is liable for dangerous children’s toys that have lead contamination is not an easy process. This is where an experienced Chicago product liability lawyer comes in. An attorney can help determine who may be held liable for your child’s injuries, which may include more than one party.
Anyone that is involved in the making or selling of a defective product can potentially be held responsible.
This may result in several parties being held legally liable for your child’s lead poisoning injuries.
An example would be the recall of a toy contaminated with lead. The toymaker company could be held liable for damages that are a result of the lead contamination. In addition, if a retailer fails to pull a product from their shelves and continues to sell it after a recall is issued, they could also be held liable for damages.
Liability for dangerous children’s toys with lead contamination could include the:
- toymaker;
- manufacturer;
- designer;
- engineer;
- supplier;
- distributor;
- retailer; and
- outside contractors.
Symptoms of Lead Poisoning
Children who display symptoms of lead poisoning should receive immediate medical attention. Lead poisoning can lead to irreversible damage and can have long-term effects on behavior and learning.
Some of the symptoms of leading poisoning include:
- seizures;
- tremors;
- sluggishness;
- staring into space;
- headaches;
- hyperactivity;
- irritability;
- constipation;
- loss of appetite;
- abdominal cramps; and
- unconsciousness.
How a Chicago Product Liability Lawyer Can Help
A Chicago product liability lawyer can help you through what can be a very complicated type of claim. Filing an Illinois product liability claim requires an attorney to have knowledge of product liability laws. This includes experience with claims that may involve multiple parties in numerous locations, including those outside of the United States.
Working with an experienced Chicago product liability lawyer can help you determine liability, defend your claim, gather evidence and expert testimony to support your case, and fight for fair compensation for your child’s lead poisoning injuries.
Contact a Chicago Product Liability Lawyer Today
The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have tried many cases like yours and know the best ways to express your degree of fault to the court. For a free case evaluation and help preparing your evidence, contact us today – 312-263-1080.
