Taylor v. Francois ($856,343 settlement)

Lead-Paint Poisoning -Neurological Defects

Injuries alleged: Neuropsychological deficits

Name of case: Taylor v. Francois

Court/case #: Boston Housing Court, No. 91-01268

Name of judge: E. George Daher

Amount of judgment: $856,343, damages; $435,538, interest

Date of judgment: Jan.10, 1996

Most helpful expert: Dr. Richard A. LeBel, a licensed psychologist

Attorney for plaintiff: Chris A. Milne, Rainer & Rainer, Boston

Other useful information:

There were two minor plaintiffs who were lead poisoned. S. Taylor, 7, and M. Taylor, 6, both had speech and language deficits, and therapy was recommended. Dr. LeBel testified that the children would be permanently impaired as a result of the lead poisoning. He further testified that the exact degree of damage and future losses could not be determined.

Damages awarded by the court for S. Taylor were: $16,873, medical bills; $250,000, neuropsychological damages; $100,000, loss of employment; and $50,000, pain and suffering. Damages awarded M. Taylor were: $10,569, medical bills; $250,000, neuropsychological damages; $100,000, loss of employment; and $50,000, pain and suffering. D. Taylor, the mother of the minor plaintiffs, was awarded $28,900 for diminution in the rental value of the apartment and emotional distress.

Published with permission of Lawyers Weekly All contents copyright Robert K. Rainer, P.C., Attorneys at Law, 2000.