New York Lead Poisoning Lawyers

Experience makes all the difference

Lead poisoning is most common, and most damaging, in very young children. Exposure to lead-based paint is the primary source in older housing, and even a small amount of peeling, chipping, or dusting paint can be hazardous. No amount of lead is safe in a child’s body.

This firm was counsel for the plaintiffs in Juarez v. Wavecrest Management Team Ltd., 88 N.Y.2d 628 (1996) — the Court of Appeals decision that set the rules for landlord liability for lead-based paint in New York City. Lead cases are often complex, which is why an experienced attorney should review yours promptly. Michael Stewart Frankel and Reuven S. Frankel welcome your call.

What you can do now

Start with your child’s doctor, and do not scrape or sand paint yourself while you wait for guidance. If paint is peeling, or repairs are making dust, call 311 — immigration status does not block a housing complaint. We cannot order a blood test or a repair; that is the Health Department’s role. A longer checklist for the days after a positive result is on What to do now.

Can my landlord evict me if I sue?

A lawsuit over a child’s lead poisoning is not typically a legal basis to evict a tenant who has a lease. Leases, Housing Court matters, and NYCHA tenancies can differ, so call before you assume either outcome.

Past lead recoveries

We have recovered many millions of dollars for victims of lead poisoning. These are dated announcements of past results — not a prediction for any other case.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

• $3,000,000 — November 17, 2025 · Bronx · blood lead level 46 µg/dL · pre-1960 apartment
• $2.35 million — January 13, 2026 · Bronx · blood lead level 34 µg/dL · resolved before trial
• $1.75 million — May 11, 2026 · two Bronx sisters · blood lead levels 21 and 6 µg/dL · private mediation
• $1 million — May 12, 2026 · Bronx · child under two · blood lead level 11 µg/dL · two appeals
• $750,000 and $500,000 — May 12, 2026 · two separate Kings County settlements

Lead paint law in New York City

Juarez remains the landmark Court of Appeals decision on landlord liability for lead-based paint. Housing obligations today are governed principally by Local Law 1 of 2004 — see our guide to Local Law 1.

The CDC blood-lead reference value used in our materials is 3.5 µg/dL. That figure is a reference value, not a toxicity threshold.

Call (212) 888-5100

Queens, Brooklyn, and Nassau meetings are by appointment.

Lead poisoning information

• What to do now
• Children and lead
• Landlord responsibility
• Local Law 1