Introduction
When a child suffers from lead poisoning due to landlord negligence, families face not only devastating health consequences but also complex legal challenges. In New York, where lead paint violations continue to plague rental properties decades after the ban on lead-based paint, finding the right legal representation can make the difference between justice and continued suffering. This comprehensive guide examines the top lead poisoning attorneys in New York State, their track records, and what families need to know when seeking legal recourse.
The stakes in lead poisoning cases are extraordinarily high. Children who suffer from lead exposure often face lifelong cognitive impairments, learning disabilities, and developmental delays that require extensive medical care and special education services. The financial impact on families can be overwhelming, making skilled legal representation not just important, but essential for securing the resources needed for a child’s future.
The Legal Landscape of Lead Poisoning in New York
New York has some of the nation’s strictest lead paint laws, yet violations persist at alarming rates. Between January 2018 and March 2023, more than 111,500 lead-based paint violations were issued in New York City alone—nearly half a century after lead paint was banned in residential buildings. The Bronx leads with 73 violations per 1,000 residential units, followed by Brooklyn with 38 violations per 1,000 units.
These statistics represent more than bureaucratic failures; they represent children whose lives have been forever altered by preventable exposure to a known toxin. In this environment, experienced lead poisoning attorneys serve as the last line of defense for families seeking accountability and compensation.
The Elite: Top-Tier Lead Poisoning Attorneys
Rheingold Giuffra Ruffo Plotkin & Hellman LLP
Leading this prestigious firm is Thomas P. Giuffra, whose name has become synonymous with record-breaking lead poisoning verdicts in New York. Over his 24-year career, Giuffra has secured more than 20 verdicts exceeding one million dollars, including the landmark $58 million verdict against the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)—the largest lead paint verdict in New York State history.
The firm’s recent achievements include a $21 million settlement for three siblings who suffered cognitive damage from lead exposure and an $11 million verdict against a private landlord. What sets Rheingold apart is their comprehensive approach to lead poisoning cases, combining thorough investigation, expert medical testimony, and aggressive trial advocacy.
Contact Information:
•Location: New York City
•Phone: (212) 684-1880
•Specialization: Premises liability and lead paint poisoning with focus on both public and private housing litigation
Levy Konigsberg LLP
With over 35 years of experience, Levy Konigsberg LLP stands as a national leader in lead poisoning litigation. The firm has won hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for lead poisoning victims, establishing them as the go-to choice for complex cases requiring extensive resources and expertise.
Their involvement in the Flint Water Crisis litigation, representing thousands of lead-poisoned children, demonstrates their capacity to handle large-scale environmental disasters. The firm’s motto, “When the Stakes Are High, Victims Choose Levy Konigsberg,” reflects their reputation for taking on the most challenging cases.
Contact Information:
•Location: New York City
•Phone: (800) 315-3806
•Specialization: National practice focusing exclusively on toxic exposure and lead poisoning cases
O’Connell and Aronowitz
Dominating the upstate New York market, O’Connell and Aronowitz has secured the largest lead paint verdicts and settlements in the region over the past fifteen years. Having handled more than 1,000 cases of childhood and adult lead poisoning, they represent the largest lead injury litigation group in upstate New York.
The firm’s deep understanding of upstate housing conditions and local court systems gives them a significant advantage in cases outside New York City. Their multiple multi-million dollar verdicts demonstrate their ability to achieve exceptional results for clients throughout the state.
Contact Information:
•Location: Albany, NY
•Phone: (518) 462-5601
•Specialization: Environmental injuries and brain damage cases with extensive upstate New York coverage
The Established Practitioners
Finz & Finz, P.C.
This well-established New York City firm, Finz & Finz has built a solid reputation in toxic exposure litigation, with particular expertise in lead paint exposure cases. Their multi-location presence throughout the metropolitan area provides convenient access for families across the region.
Queller Fisher LLP
Specializing in toxic tort litigation, Queller Fisher LLP brings significant experience to lead poisoning and environmental contamination cases. Their focused approach on toxic exposure cases ensures clients receive representation from attorneys who understand the complex medical and scientific issues involved.
Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm
With over 30 years of experience representing lead paint poisoning victims throughout New York State, Jonathan C. Reiter has established himself as a dedicated advocate for affected families. His extensive experience in premises liability and landlord negligence cases provides a strong foundation for lead poisoning litigation.
The Regional Specialists
Frankel Law Firm
Operating from New York City, Frankel Law Firm offers dedicated lead poisoning representation with a focus on both residential and commercial properties. Their commitment to providing free consultations demonstrates their accessibility to families facing financial hardship.
The Law Offices of Mark E. Weinberger P.C.
Serving the Greater New York City Area from Rockville Centre, Mark E. Weinberger focuses on lead poisoning cases affecting children, bringing specialized knowledge of the unique challenges these cases present.
Peters Berger Koshel & Goldberg, PC
This Brooklyn-based firm provides local expertise for families in one of New York’s most affected boroughs. Peters Berger Koshel & Goldberg focuses on lead poisoning cases in residential properties reflects their understanding of the housing challenges facing Brooklyn residents.
Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C.
Offering statewide representation, this firm provides strong advocacy for lead poisoning victims throughout New York. The Gersowitz Libo & Korek legal team brings comprehensive knowledge of toxic tort litigation to each case.
Understanding the Legal Process
Lead poisoning cases involve complex medical, scientific, and legal issues that require specialized expertise. Successful litigation typically requires proving several key elements: elevated blood lead levels in the child, identification of the source of lead exposure, evidence that the property owner knew or should have known about the lead hazard, and documentation of the injuries caused by the exposure.
The process often begins with a comprehensive case evaluation, including review of medical records, environmental testing, and consultation with medical experts. Many cases require extensive discovery, including depositions of property owners, property managers, and medical professionals. Given the complexity of these cases, they often take several years to resolve, whether through settlement or trial verdict.
Critical Factors in Attorney Selection
Experience and Track Record
The most important factor in selecting a lead poisoning attorney is their specific experience with these cases. Look for attorneys who have handled numerous lead poisoning cases and achieved significant settlements or verdicts. Review their track record not just in terms of dollar amounts, but also in terms of the types of cases they have handled and their success rate.
Resources and Expertise
Lead poisoning cases require significant resources, including access to medical experts, environmental specialists, and investigators. The best firms maintain relationships with leading experts in pediatric neurology, environmental health, and lead exposure assessment. They also have the financial resources to fund extensive case preparation, which can be costly.
Understanding of Medical Issues
Successful lead poisoning attorneys must understand the complex medical aspects of lead exposure, including how lead affects developing brains, the relationship between blood lead levels and cognitive impairment, and the long-term prognosis for affected children. This medical knowledge is essential for effectively presenting cases to juries and negotiating settlements.
The Financial Reality: Costs and Compensation
Most reputable lead poisoning attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning families pay no attorney fees unless the case is successful. Typical contingency fees range from 33% to 40% of any settlement or verdict. While this may seem substantial, it ensures that experienced attorneys are motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for their clients.
Compensation in lead poisoning cases can include medical expenses, special education costs, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and the cost of future care. The most successful cases often result in settlements or verdicts that provide for a child’s lifetime needs, including ongoing medical care, educational support, and vocational training.
Legal Protections and Time Limits
New York law provides important protections for lead poisoning victims. Children have until age 21 to file lead poisoning lawsuits, recognizing that the full extent of lead-related injuries may not become apparent until years after exposure. This extended statute of limitations is crucial because learning disabilities and cognitive impairments often become more apparent as children progress through school.
However, families should not wait to seek legal counsel. Early intervention allows attorneys to preserve evidence, conduct timely environmental testing, and begin building the strongest possible case while memories are fresh and documentation is available.
The Path Forward: Seeking Justice and Accountability
Lead poisoning represents a failure of the systems designed to protect children. When landlords neglect their legal obligations and children suffer as a result, skilled legal representation becomes essential for holding responsible parties accountable and securing the resources families need.
The attorneys highlighted in this guide represent the best of New York’s legal profession in this specialized area. They have dedicated their careers to fighting for children who cannot fight for themselves, and their track records demonstrate their commitment to achieving justice for affected families.
For families facing the devastating impact of lead poisoning, the choice of attorney can determine not just the outcome of their case, but their child’s future opportunities and quality of life. The investment in experienced, dedicated legal representation is an investment in a child’s future—and in the broader fight to ensure that no child suffers from preventable lead exposure.
Conclusion
The fight against lead poisoning requires vigilant advocacy, skilled legal representation, and unwavering commitment to protecting children’s health and futures. The attorneys featured in this guide have proven their dedication to this cause through their exceptional results and their continued efforts to hold negligent property owners accountable.
While no amount of money can undo the harm caused by lead exposure, skilled legal advocacy can provide families with the resources they need to give their children the best possible future. In a state where lead paint violations continue to endanger children, these attorneys serve as essential guardians of justice and protectors of the most vulnerable members of our society.