Confidential Settlement: 20-Year-Old Struck and Killed by a Johnson County School Bus -- Read more

Should You File a Lawsuit for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

May 30, 2022

Carbon monoxide poisoning is entirely preventable.

When temperatures plummet during the winter, home heating systems tend to run for hours, consequently increasing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. The risk of poisoning also increases when using fuel such as kerosene, oil, gasoline, or charcoal in closed-air spaces like homes, apartment buildings, motels, or hotels. Instances of poisoning may also happen when people switch to alternative fuels during power outages.

detector.jpg

Exposure to carbon monoxide can lead to severe injuries and side effects. For some victims, these injuries may be permanent. One may sustain permanent brain damage, damage to the heart, or death. Depending on the degree and length of carbon monoxide exposure, fetal death or miscarriage may also occur. 

Here are several key facts that you should keep in mind regarding carbon monoxide poisoning.

  • Yearly, at least 430 people die in the U.S. due to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Roughly 50,000 people visit emergency departments every year due to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • When you inhale carbon monoxide, the body replaces the oxygen in your bloodstream with carbon monoxide.
  • If you are asleep or drunk, you can die from carbon monoxide poisoning without experiencing any symptoms.

When carbon monoxide poisoning is caused by the negligence of other parties, such as a property owner or an employer, you can sue the negligent party for damages caused by the exposure. An attorney can help you file a carbon monoxide poisoning lawsuit to recover medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and other losses involved in the accident.

What Are the Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that's a byproduct of burning fossil fuels. It is a silent killer that often goes undiagnosed, creating additional complications. Neither people nor animals can tell if they are inhaling this gas, but it can be fatal. Common carbon monoxide poisoning causes include gas appliances, clogged chimneys, generators, and building fires.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning vary from person to person. Children, older adults, smokers, people at high altitudes, and people with heart or lung disease are at a higher risk of poisoning.

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may not be obvious, particularly during low-level exposure. These symptoms are often described as flu-like. You may feel as though you have flu without any fever. If several people in the same room or house experience similar symptoms, they may all be experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning.

Loss of Consciousness or Persistent Headaches

Headaches are common when one is exposed to carbon monoxide. You may experience a tension-type headache during mild carbon monoxide poisoning. 

The longer you inhale carbon monoxide, the worse your symptoms become. If there's a lot of carbon monoxide in the air, you may lose consciousness within 2 hours. Loss of consciousness may indicate severe exposure.

In most cases, pets become weak or unresponsive before humans. If you notice your pet is sick, you may be exposed to carbon monoxide.

Loss of Balance, Shortness of Breath, and Nausea

When you inhale carbon monoxide, the gas replaces oxygen in the blood. Your brain, heart, and body eventually become starved of oxygen. This may lead to shortness of breath, tiredness, blurred vision, and loss of balance.

Exposure to low or moderate levels of carbon monoxide may also exhibit symptoms similar to those of food poisoning. You may experience stomach upsets, vomiting, and nausea.

Other carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms may include:

  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Cardiac arrest
  • Loss of hearing
  • Respiratory failure
  • Seizures
  • Disorientation
  • Death

If you suspect you have been exposed to carbon monoxide, seek immediate medical attention.

When Should You Hire a Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Lawyer?

After a carbon monoxide poisoning incident, you have the burden of proving negligence and identifying the at-fault parties. You may file a carbon monoxide poisoning lawsuit to receive compensation against a:

  • Property owner
  • Manufacturer
  • Building manager
  • Contractor
  • Landlord
  • Maintenance worker

If you've sustained injuries due to carbon monoxide poisoning, consider hiring a carbon monoxide poisoning lawyer. Here are some instances that may warrant the help of an attorney:

Faulty Carbon Monoxide Detectors Leading to Damages

When building owners fail to maintain carbon monoxide detectors, the consequences can be fatal. Faulty carbon monoxide detectors may fail to warn occupants of apartment buildings, hotels, churches, or schools about rising levels of carbon monoxide. 

If you are exposed to carbon monoxide for a long time, you may sustain injuries that may affect your quality of life. A carbon monoxide poisoning attorney can determine whether the defendant disregarded required safety standards as they build an airtight claim.

Faulty Appliances Resulting in Carbon Monoxide Leaks

Faulty appliances such as water heaters, boilers, central heating systems, and cookers are common sources of accidental exposure to carbon monoxide. Incorrectly installed, poorly ventilated, or poorly maintained household appliances increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Wrongful Death or Brain Injuries Caused by Carbon Monoxide Exposures

Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide can lead to severe brain damage. Carbon monoxide poisoning interferes with oxygen delivery into the body's tissues, risking an anoxic brain injury.

In extreme cases, carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to death. If your loved one dies due to carbon monoxide poisoning and you believe someone else is to blame, a carbon monoxide poisoning lawyer can offer you legal guidance.

Hire a Wyoming Personal Injury Attorney for Your Carbon Monoxide Lawsuit

If you or your loved one were harmed by carbon monoxide poisoning in Wyoming, there are law firms that can advise you about your legal rights and options. An attorney can look into the facts of your case and help you file a carbon monoxide poisoning lawsuit. You may be eligible for compensation for such things as medical bills, lost income, and mental anguish after a successful claim.

The Spence Law Firm is ready to guide you throughout the claims process. Our Wyoming carbon monoxide poisoning lawyers can review the details of your case and advise you accordingly. We will handle investigations, file your claim, and deal with the insurance company to ensure you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

Contact The Spence Law Firm today to schedule your free initial consultation.

Schedule a free consultation with The Spence Law Firm, LLC

Meet with us.

If you are struggling with a serious injury, or are fighting against seemingly impossible odds against big corporations, insurance companies or the government, call us to speak with our team of trial lawyers who will fight for you. We take no fee unless we earn it by winning your case.