Carbon monoxide is a gas that’s often referred to as the silent killer, due to its nature of being colorless and odorless with no discernable taste. That’s why CO can go undetected, and this is not a problem as long as the levels do not exceed a certain level. However, if the gas builds up because of improper ventilation and other issues, those who are on the premises can be seriously harmed.
Many places that we visit and stay at throughout our lives can be the scene of a CO poisoning incident. Sadly, many cases could have been prevented had the owner implemented basic protective measures. Various parties may be sued in these instances, like a negligent landlord or the maker of a defective appliance.
If you are in need of legal advice from a carbon monoxide injury lawsuit attorney in Riverside, CA, contact the offices of Normandie Law Firm. We can talk to you about the possibility of filing a lawsuit and obtaining monetary damages from the responsible party.
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Why is Carbon Monoxide Dangerous?
Exposure to carbon monoxide happens naturally, but the gas becomes dangerous when you inhale it in high amounts. A failure to properly burn fuel sources and/or ventilate the emissions is normally the cause of CO poisoning among people and animals. Severe injury or even death can happen from products that run on fuel sources like propane, gasoline, and kerosene. Common sources of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- Motor vehicle exhaust, especially with larger vehicle like commercial trucks and buses
- Defective stoves and other appliances that release excessive CO emissions
- Failure to maintain heating systems by landlords and building operators
- Wildfires that affect the air quality with contaminants like carbon monoxide
- Toxic fumes from industrial waste
- Lawn and gardening equipment such as lawnmowers and leaf blowers
- Emissions from smoking products, like cigarettes and cigars
What are Signs of Poisoning by Carbon Monoxide?
The symptoms associated with inhaling high levels of CO can mimic those of other common illnesses. This is why many patients are not alarmed enough to get help right away, which can lead to severe health problems when they finally do see a doctor. In the event you have some or all of the symptoms listed below, please go to an emergency room:
- Headaches
- Feeling confused or disoriented
- Dizziness / headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue and muscle weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting (loss of consciousness)
Once you are at the hospital and inform the staff that you may have CO poisoning, your blood levels will be checked to see if there is a deprivation of oxygen. This problem must be rectified right away to prevent permanent damage to your brain and other internal organs.
Life-Altering Injuries from CO Poisoning
Seeking medical treatment immediately is crucial when you are suffering the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. If you fail to seek medical care, you can have permanent health issues, such as:
- Brain damage resulting in cognitive impairments, memory loss, etc.
- Irreversible breathing problems
- Chronic headaches
- Sleep disorders
- Heart conditions, including coronary artery disease
- Sleep deprivation
- Death
Knowing Who You can Sue for CO Poisoning
Whether you live in Riverside, commute to the city for work, or came for a visit, the effects of CO poisoning on neglected property can stay with you for a lifetime. Some cases of toxic exposure to carbon monoxide are simply a matter of bad luck. For example, some people who are elderly or have pre-existing health conditions may be extremely sensitive to CO, even at moderate levels.
However, it’s safe to say basic, reasonable care is effective in preventing most incidents of CO poisoning. Let’s take, for example, apartment buildings where the landlord neglects their duty of care to the tenants. Those renting units in the building have the right to working carbon monoxide detectors and appliances that work properly. Layouts for apartments should also have proper ventilation so that CO gas does not accumulate in excessive amounts. Furnaces, boilers, and other heating systems must also be checked to ensure that there are no issues that can cause carbon monoxide buildup.
Those who own and operate commercial properties also have a duty of care to prevent CO poisoning on the premises. Otherwise, people working in and visiting places like hotels, supermarkets, and office buildings may be exposed to CO gas at dangerous levels. Those who are left with serious health issues can sue the business owner, along with people whose loved ones die from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Please note that property and business owners are not the only entities that may be at fault. A furnace, for example, may be improperly installed or have a design flaw that caused ventilation problems. These circumstances are generally blamed on the manufacturer, and this is another party you can sue for bodily harm and death resulting from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Figuring out who should be sued in these cases can be challenging, especially if more than one party is to blame (the manufacturer as well as the business owner, for example). Thus, it’s essential to discuss your case with a CO poisoning attorney in Riverside as soon as possible.
What Payments can I Recover if I File a Lawsuit?
We can help you obtain a variety of compensation as someone in Riverside who is dealing with the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning. Damages you may be entitled to as an injury victim include:
- Short and long-term expenses for medical care
- Lost wages, i.e., income from a job or business, which includes job benefits that you were forced to use because of your medical needs
- Compensation for intangible losses, like pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages for CO poisoning trials where the defendant’s actions constitute gross negligence
Rather than being an injury victim, you may have lost a family member or spouse to an incident of CO poisoning. Surviving loved ones may have claim to wrongful death compensation, which may result in payments such as loss of consortium, funeral costs, and loss of expected income.
Contact a CO Poisoning Lawyer in Riverside
At Normandie Law Firm, you will find a ready and available team of lawyers that specialize in carbon monoxide poisoning claims. By reaching out to us, you will be connected with a Riverside CO exposure attorney who can advise you of your rights and legal options. This is critical to making an informed choice on what to do as someone who is suffering due to another party’s neglect or misconduct.
If you decide that filing a personal injury claim is the right course of action, you do not pay us any fees upfront, as we protect all clients with the Zero Fee Guarantee. We agree to work on contingency, and that means our only source of payment is a percentage of the funds you receive from a lawsuit. That way, you lose absolutely nothing if we don’t win your case.
Our legal team is here 24/7 to help with all your questions and concerns. Contact Normandie Law Firm to schedule a free case evaluation.
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