Lead Paint Poisoning
Protecting Families from Landlord Negligence
The Hidden Threat in Older Homes
As Maryland and D.C. lead paint lawyers, we’ve seen firsthand how toxic hazards can linger in the very homes meant to protect children. Lead-based paint was widely used in rowhomes in Baltimore and Washington, D.C., as well as older multi-unit apartments throughout Maryland and D.C., before it was banned in 1978. When that paint deteriorates—peeling, chipping, or turning to dust—children can ingest or inhale it. The results can be devastating: permanent brain damage, learning disabilities, developmental delays, and behavioral problems. Even low levels of lead exposure can harm a child’s growth and future.
We help families hold landlords and property owners accountable under Maryland and D.C. lead laws, drawing on our deep knowledge of federal, state, and local housing regulations to ensure children are protected and property owners meet their legal obligations.
Landlord Duties Under Maryland Lead Laws
Maryland’s Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing law places strict obligations on landlords of older rental properties, especially those built before 1950. Across Maryland and in Washington, D.C., this means landlords must:
- Register qualifying properties with the Maryland Department of the Environment.
- Meet lead risk reduction standards before a new tenant moves in.
- Provide tenants with lead-related notices and educational materials.
- Act quickly if a child is diagnosed with elevated blood lead levels, arranging certified inspections and repairs to make the home lead-safe.
When landlords fail to meet these responsibilities, they can be held legally liable for the harm that follows.
How Lead Poisoning Cases Are Built
A lead poisoning lawsuit in Maryland or Washington, D.C. starts with proof. We investigate:
- Medical evidence – blood test results showing elevated lead levels.
- Property history – age of the building, prior lead violations, landlord registration status.
- Maintenance records – whether peeling paint was reported and how the landlord responded.
- Environmental inspections – dust wipe tests, XRF readings, and Health Department reports confirming lead hazards.
We also collect developmental assessments and school reports to document the lasting impact of lead exposure on the child’s life.
Holding Negligent Landlords Accountable
When a child is poisoned due to a landlord’s negligence, our goal is to secure compensation that supports the child’s needs now and into adulthood. That includes funds for medical care, tutoring, special education, and other resources. Attorney Alan J. Mensh—our experienced counsel in toxic exposure and lead poisoning—has decades of experience proving landlord liability and tracing the source of exposure, even in cases where children have lived in multiple residences.
Proving the Case with Strong Evidence
Lead paint claims demand a high standard of proof. We connect environmental inspection results to the child’s medical records, showing how conditions in the home caused the poisoning. In many Maryland and Washington, D.C. cases, Health Department inspection reports become critical evidence, documenting violations and linking them to the property owner’s failure to comply with the law.
Our Experience in Maryland and Washington, D.C. Lead Paint Litigation
Over the years, we’ve recovered settlements for families across Maryland and Washington, D.C.—including Baltimore City, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Charles County, Harford County, Carroll County, Howard County, and other communities throughout the region—whose children suffered elevated lead levels. Many cases come to us through referrals from other attorneys who trust our knowledge of Maryland and D.C. lead laws and our proven track record in these complex claims.
A Legal Team That Understands Families’ Fears
We know that when a parent hears “lead poisoning,” it’s more than a legal issue—it’s a personal crisis. We handle these cases with both skill and compassion, helping families access early intervention programs and educational resources, while working to prevent other children in the community from facing the same harm.
Free Case Evaluation
Get a Free Case Evaluation
If your child has elevated lead levels and lived in a Maryland or Washington, D.C. rental property built before 1978, contact us for a free consultation. We’ll review your medical and housing records, explain your legal rights, and fight for the compensation your family needs. No fees unless we win.