Carbon monoxide poisoning is both serious and extremely dangerous. Every year, many people are made sick as a result of the exposure and some die as a result of being exposed to the gas. In many cases, those who are exposed are not aware of the situation taking place. Since carbon monoxide is both an odorless and colorless gas any exposure is without notice. Being exposed to carbon monoxide can have long-lasting or permanent injuries. If you have been exposed and are now injured as a result you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. A skilled attorney who has experience in carbon monoxide cases can help bring you a fair settlement.
Laws for Carbon Monoxide Detectors
California law does require that you install carbon monoxide detectors in your “dwelling” as per California Health and Safety Code Section 17926 (a). This particular code required that all owners of a dwelling that is used for human occupancy install a detector. It is required that they install an approved device if the dwelling has occupants and certain attributes. This includes any property that burns fuel, has a gas heater or appliance, fireplace, or an attached garage.
Keep in mind that the landlord has a duty to rent you a property with carbon monoxide detectors. However, it is the duty of the tenant to notify the landlord if and when the detector fails to work or is not working properly. This includes drained batteries or any other issue with the device. Make sure you immediately notify the landlord of the issue so that you can have the device repaired. Any request for repairs should be made in writing.
If your landlord does not act in a timely manner and you get sick or injured from carbon monoxide, you can enlist the help of one of our experienced lawyers.
What if I was injured from Carbon Monoxide?
Injuries are very common from monoxide poisoning. In many cases, the injured party will begin to feel much better the moment they get clean or fresh air. However, in more serious cases, significant injuries can arise. If no detector is present, injured parties can suffer serious poisoning that can cause brain damage and other related injuries. This is common when the exposure takes place at night time when the parties are asleep. Additionally, if the home does not have detectors in place they will not notify the parties of the threat of exposure.
Common injuries are often related to the concentration of the exposure. In other words, what is the ratio of the carbon monoxide to oxygen present in the room? In cases where you have high concentrations, you have significant injuries which can come about. Additio, ally chronic exposure can continue to cause extensive cardiovascular injuries. If you have been exposed, you must speak with a medical professional immediately, and follow up with a qualified lawyer experienced in carbon monoxide injury cases.
What are my rights?
Depending on the extent of your injuries you are entitled to certain options. If you had suffered a serious injury you will be entitled to recovery for your damages. In most cases you recovery will be proportional to the extent of your damages. However, in certain cases you can pursue a claim for damages even when you are not seriously hurt. It is important to discuss these issues with an experienced attorney at a top law firm to get a better understanding of your case.
Our Law Firm
At the top-rated Normandie Law Firm, our expert attorneys with experience in carbon monoxide cases are here to help bring you ample compensation for your damages. You can receive a free legal consultation with an accomplished attorney with expertise in carbon monoxide injury lawsuits, and you can ask any questions you want about your case. Our team of lawyers is empathetic and knowledgeable and will help you in the best way possible. We also give you a zero fee guarantee on your case – if we don’t win, you don’t pay, and if we win you a settlement, our fees are taken from the settlement itself, and not your pocket.
Contact Normandie Law Firm today to speak to an attorney with experience handling carbon monoxide injury claims.
Additional Information:
CDC Information on Carbon Monoxide
