Carbon monoxide poisoning may pose a very serious threat to the health and safety of you and your family. According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, carbon monoxide takes the lives of 400 people every year and injures another 20,000 people throughout the country every year. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas, so it is impossible to determine if one is being exposed. Exposure to carbon monoxide can result in death in just a matter of minutes. Even when a person survives exposure to the poisonous gas, they may suffer long-term damage to their heart or brain, early on-set dementia, memory issues, psychosis, and drastic changes in behavior. If you believe that you or someone you love has been hurt, contact our Carlsbad carbon monoxide poisoning lawyer for a review of your case.
How Does Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Happen?When gasoline, natural gas, or other fuels are burned, carbon monoxide is created. If these fuel-burning devices do not operate properly and fail to completely burn all fuel, or the area is not well ventilated, it can result in unsafe levels of carbon monoxide. Anyone can suffer the most serious dangers posed by carbon monoxide. However, even at its lowest levels, older adults, infants, and people with pre-existing respiratory issues, heart conditions, or anemia are more at risk.
After a person inhales carbon monoxide, it attaches itself to the red blood cells in the body. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the brain and heart, but it transports carbon monoxide faster. As such, the brain and heart are essentially starved of oxygen.
There are no levels of carbon monoxide that are safe. Low levels of the poisonous gas can cause a person to experience nausea, headaches, and shortness of breath. Moderate levels can cause dizziness, chest pain, fainting, weakness, confusion, and loss of muscle coordination. High levels can have catastrophic results, including death.
Who Is Liable for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?Determining liability for carbon monoxide poisoning is challenging. If you or someone you love suffered from exposure in your home, your landlord may be held liable with the help of a Carlsbad carbon monoxide poisoning attorney. Under California’s Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010, property owners must install carbon monoxide detectors in all dwellings. This also applies to hotels, condominiums, apartment buildings, and other accommodations. If a property owner has failed to install a detector, and ensure it remains in proper working order, they can be held liable for exposure.
In some cases, the manufacturer of a smoke detector may also be to blame. Manufacturers of carbon monoxide detectors have a legal obligation to ensure their products are free of defects and flaws and that they will not cause consumers harm. Like property owners, when manufacturers fail to fulfill this legal duty, they can be held liable.
Call Our Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Lawyer in Carlsbad TodayAt Brod Law Firm, our Carlsbad carbon monoxide poisoning attorney can help your family during this difficult time. We can determine where you or your loved one was exposed, and ensure you receive the full and fair settlement you are entitled to. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 or contact us online to schedule a free review of your case and to get the legal help you need.