A Buffalo landlord has agreed to pay $515,000 to settle allegations that unsafe conditions at dozens of rental properties exposed children and families to dangerous lead poisoning. New York Attorney General Letitia James announced Friday that her office reached the settlement with the landlord and associated companies following a lawsuit filed in March 2023.
The agreement, filed in Erie County Supreme Court, resolves accusations that the landlord neglected unsafe conditions across 78 Buffalo properties, many located in low-income neighborhoods. According to investigators, 14 children suffered lead poisoning between 2017 and 2025, with 75 percent of the managed properties cited for hazardous conditions. All properties allegedly contained lead paint that was allowed to peel and deteriorate despite repeated warnings from Buffalo and Erie County officials. For more details on the original report, see the full news coverage.
Common Causes of Lead Poisoning in Rental Properties
Lead poisoning in residential properties, particularly rental units, typically occurs due to several preventable factors:
- Deteriorating lead-based paint - Paint applied before 1978 often contained lead, which becomes hazardous when it chips, peels, or creates dust during renovations
- Inadequate property maintenance - Landlords failing to inspect, maintain, and promptly address peeling or chipping paint
- Improper renovation practices - Disturbing lead paint without proper containment and cleanup procedures
- Contaminated soil - Lead particles from exterior paint or other sources contaminating soil around properties
- Poor ventilation and housekeeping - Allowing lead dust to accumulate in living spaces
- Lack of regular testing - Failing to conduct required lead inspections and risk assessments
- Ignoring violations - Property owners disregarding official citations and warnings from health departments
- Targeting vulnerable populations - Concentrating substandard housing in low-income communities with limited housing options
When property owners, landlords, or management companies fail to address these known hazards, their negligence may entitle victims to legal compensation for the serious health consequences that follow.
Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Claims in Buffalo Lead Poisoning Cases
Lead poisoning cases in Buffalo and throughout New York can result in significant personal injury claims, particularly when children are affected. Lead exposure can cause irreversible developmental delays, learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and other serious health complications that impact a child's entire life. In severe cases, lead poisoning can be fatal, leading to wrongful death claims.
Potentially liable parties in these cases may include property owners, landlords, property management companies, contractors who performed unsafe renovations, and in some cases, municipalities that failed to enforce safety codes. Victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, ongoing treatment costs, special education needs, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and in wrongful death cases, loss of companionship and support. Our track record of successful outcomes demonstrates our commitment to holding negligent parties accountable.
Damage and Compensation in Lead Poisoning Cases
Lead poisoning cases often involve substantial damages due to the long-term nature of the injuries. Economic damages typically include immediate and ongoing medical expenses, specialized therapies, educational support services, and reduced future earning capacity. For children affected by lead poisoning, these costs can span decades as they require continued intervention and support.
Non-economic damages encompass the pain and suffering experienced by victims and their families, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life. In cases involving egregious negligence, punitive damages may also be available to punish wrongdoers and deter similar conduct. Compensation calculations consider medical evidence, expert testimony regarding future needs, and documentation of how lead exposure has impacted the victim's development and daily functioning. The purpose of compensation extends beyond restoration - it holds negligent parties accountable and serves as a deterrent to prevent future lead poisoning incidents. Contact our team at info@porterlawteam.com to discuss your specific situation.
Legal Protections for Tenants in New York
New York State maintains strict laws requiring landlords to address lead hazards in rental properties, particularly when children under age six are present. Property owners must provide annual disclosures about known lead hazards, conduct inspections, and remediate dangerous conditions promptly. The recent settlement demonstrates that these requirements are actively enforced, with substantial financial consequences for landlords who fail to comply.
Tenants have the right to safe, habitable housing free from lead hazards. When landlords violate these obligations, they can face both criminal penalties and civil liability for resulting injuries. Families affected by lead poisoning should document their exposure, seek immediate medical attention, and preserve evidence of the landlord's knowledge of hazardous conditions. Our experienced legal team can help families understand their rights and pursue appropriate legal action to secure the compensation they deserve for these preventable injuries.
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Why Choose Porter Law Group?
The lawyers at Porter Law Group have decades of experience representing families whose lives have been devastated by preventable injuries like lead poisoning. We understand the complex medical, legal, and financial challenges that arise when children suffer from toxic exposure due to landlord negligence. Our state-wide firm handles the most challenging cases with a personalized, hometown approach that puts our clients' needs first.
With seasoned trial lawyers who have secured significant settlements and verdicts throughout New York State, Porter Law Group has the resources and expertise necessary to take on large property management companies and their insurance carriers. We know how these cases develop over time and can help families secure compensation not just for immediate medical needs, but for the long-term care and support that lead-poisoned children often require.
You only get one chance to hire the best legal representation for your family. Choose the firm most recommended by former clients and local attorneys - the team that consistently obtains superior results while providing compassionate support during your family's most difficult time.
Contact Porter Law Group for Your Free Consultation
If your child has been affected by lead poisoning in a rental property, don't wait to seek legal help. Lead poisoning cases require immediate action to preserve evidence and protect your family's rights. Contact the experienced legal team at Porter Law Group today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
We serve clients throughout all of New York State and work on a contingency fee basis - meaning you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for your family. Let us put our knowledge, resources, and dedication to work for you while you focus on getting your child the medical care and support they need.
Call 833-PORTER9 or email us at info@porterlawteam.com to schedule your free consultation. Time may be limited for filing your claim, so reach out today to learn how we can help you through this difficult time.
