Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless and colorless gas commonly called the silent killer. Exposure to high levels of CO leads to severe health complications or even death. Victims of CO poisoning can sue the negligent party with the help of a seasoned attorney for damages due to exposure.
When Should I Hire a Carbon Monoxide CO Poisoning Attorney?
Victims must prove negligence after a CO poisoning incident to hold the at-fault parties liable for damages. You can file a lawsuit to receive compensation against the landlord, manufacturer, property owner, building manager, and maintenance worker. Individuals who sustain injuries after a carbon monoxide poisoning should hire a reliable attorney to secure maximum compensation. Learn more here about the instances that warrant the assistance of a carbon monoxide poisoning attorney:
Faulty Appliances
Faulty appliances, including boilers, central heating systems, cookers, and water heaters, are the primary causes of accidental carbon monoxide exposure. Incorrectly installed, poorly maintained appliances and poorly ventilated household equipment increase the risk of poisoning. Hire a reliable technician to install and maintain your household appliances to minimize the possibility of leakages.
Faulty Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Routine maintenance of carbon monoxide detectors minimizes the possibility of leakages. Faulty detectors may fail to notify the occupants of hotels, apartment buildings, schools, or churches regarding the rising carbon monoxide levels. Prolonged CO exposure affects your quality of life, and you may sustain injuries in the long run. A carbon monoxide poisoning lawyer determines whether the defendant disregards the safety standards as they craft an airtight claim.
Brain Injuries or Wrongful Death
Prolonged carbon monoxide exposure leads to severe brain damage as the gas interferes with oxygen delivery into the tissues, increasing the risk of anoxic brain injury. In extreme cases, the poisoning leads to death. If a loved one dies due to CO poisoning caused by the negligence of another party, a seasoned carbon monoxide attorney can provide the legal guidance you need.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
As seen above, carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that is a byproduct of combusting fossil fuels. It’s considered a silent killer, creating extra complications if undiagnosed. The primary causes of carbon monoxide poisoning include clogged chimneys, gas appliances, building fires, and generators. These symptoms vary from individual to individual and older adults, children, people with lung or heart disease, and those living at high altitudes have a higher risk of poisoning.
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning aren’t apparent during low-level exposure, though victims may catch the flu without any fever. If several individuals in the same house or room experience related symptoms, it may be due to increased carbon monoxide levels. The main symptoms of CO poisoning include:
Shortness of Breath, Loss of Balance, and Nausea
Carbon monoxide replaces oxygen in our blood which starves your heart, brain, and body of oxygen. Inhaling CO gas leads to tiredness, shortness of breath, loss of balance, and blurred vision. Exposure to moderate or low levels of carbon monoxide yields symptoms similar to those caused by food poisoning. Victims may also experience vomiting, stomach upsets, and nausea.
Persistent Headaches and Loss of Consciousness
Headaches are common for those who get exposed to carbon monoxide. Individuals usually experience tension-type headaches when exposed to mild carbon monoxide levels. Due to severe exposure, individuals who inhale carbon monoxide for extended durations can lose consciousness within two hours. In most cases, pets usually become unresponsive or weak before humans. If you notice these symptoms in your pet, you may be exposed to severe carbon monoxide levels.
Other symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- Loss of hearing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Respiratory failure
- Disorientation
- Seizures
- Death
- Cardiac arrest
Individuals who suspect exposure to carbon monoxide should seek immediate attention from a healthcare professional.
If you or your loved one sustain injuries from carbon monoxide poisoning, you should contact a reliable law firm advising you about your legal options and rights. A seasoned attorney assesses the facts surrounding your case to assist you in filing a solid lawsuit. Following a successful claim, individuals who sustain injuries due to carbon monoxide poisoning are eligible for compensation for lost income, medical bills, and mental anguish.