San Luis Obispo Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Lawyer
Carbon monoxide is a very toxic gas that is created when fossil fuels are combusted. Odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is found in many places including stoves, gas furnaces, vehicles, and other devices that rely on fuel. When carbon monoxide is present in an enclosed area without proper ventilation, it can result in some of the most serious health issues for anyone in the same space. In the most tragic cases, it can result in death. If you or a loved one has been harmed due to carbon monoxide poisoning and someone else is at fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Our San Luis Obispo carbon monoxide poisoning lawyer can help you file a personal injury claim for the full damages you are entitled to.
The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide PoisoningAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), carbon monoxide poisoning results in 20,000 emergency room visits, 4,000 hospitalizations, and 400 deaths every year in the United States. Carbon monoxide attaches itself to the hemoglobin in the bloodstream. Hemoglobin is a protein, and it carries oxygen throughout the bloodstream. As it competes with hemoglobin, carbon monoxide shifts the oxygen, moving it out of place. Meanwhile, carbon monoxide also deprives the brain of oxygen. Combined, these factors can all be fatal, causing a person to lose their life in just three minutes.
Even when levels of carbon monoxide are relatively low, they can still result in lifelong health problems such as brain damage, memory loss, and heart issues when a person is subject to prolonged exposure. The inability to detect the toxic gas only exacerbates its dangerous nature, which is why it is so important that all homes and dwellings are equipped with carbon monoxide detectors.
Determining Liability for Carbon Monoxide PoisoningUnder the California Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010, property owners in San Luis Obispo and throughout California are required to install carbon monoxide detectors in certain buildings, including dwellings. Anytime a property owner fails to fulfill this legal duty, they can be found liable for carbon monoxide poisoning with the help of a carbon monoxide poisoning attorney in San Luis Obispo. They may have to pay compensation if someone becomes sick.
Although property owners are commonly found liable for carbon monoxide poisoning, there are other liable parties, as well. These are as follows:
- Manufacturers, designers, and distributors of defective products
- Gas companies that improperly inspect or locate leaks
- Service technicians or appliance delivery companies that fail to install appliances properly
- Auto mechanics who do not properly identify problems that could cause carbon monoxide poisoning
- Hotels and motels that violate safety regulations
- Contractors who do not install carbon monoxide detectors or fail to comply with other safety measures
If you have been exposed to carbon monoxide poisoning and become sick or you have lost someone you love, you need legal advice. At Brod Law Firm, our San Luis Obispo carbon monoxide poisoning attorney can determine who is liable for your losses, accurately value your claim, and help you obtain the full settlement you are entitled to. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 or contact us online to schedule a free case review and to learn more about how we can help.