Carbon monoxide is an extremely dangerous gas that is created during the combustion of fossil fuels. The gas is colorless and odorless and is commonly found in gas furnaces, stoves, vehicles, and other equipment that relies on fuel. When carbon monoxide is created in an enclosed space with little ventilation, it can cause serious health issues and even death for the people within that space. If you or someone you love has suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury claim for compensation. Our Compton carbon monoxide poisoning lawyer can help you do it.
Why Is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning So Dangerous?Carbon monoxide poisoning that is not fire-related results in 400 deaths, 4,000 hospitalizations, and 20,000 visits to emergency rooms every year in the United States. Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the bloodstream. Hemoglobin is the protein that transports oxygen throughout the body. Carbon monoxide competes with hemoglobin and displaces the oxygen. At the same time, the poisonous gas also deprives the brain of oxygen. These combined factors can be fatal and kill a person in as little as three minutes.
Even when levels of the gas are low, prolonged exposure can cause lifelong health problems, including memory loss, brain damage, and heart issues. The fact that the gas cannot be detected only exacerbates its dangerous nature, which is why it is so critical to use carbon monoxide detectors in homes and other dwellings to avoid tragedy.
What Causes Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?There are many common causes of carbon monoxide poisoning in hotels, apartment buildings, condos, homes, and other dwellings. The most common of these include:
Property owners have a legal duty to install carbon monoxide detectors in all dwellings and certain buildings under the California Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010. When property owners fail to fulfill this legal duty, they can be held liable if you or someone you love becomes sick. Property owners are not the only ones liable for carbon monoxide poisoning, however. If you are not sure who is liable in your case, a carbon monoxide poisoning attorney in Compton can help.
Other potentially liable parties include:
If you have become sick due to carbon monoxide poisoning or you have lost someone you love, our Compton carbon monoxide poisoning attorney can advise on your case. At Brod Law Firm, our knowledgeable attorney can review your case, advise on the damages you are entitled to, and ensure your rights are protected. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 or contact us online to schedule a free review of your case with our experienced attorney.