Santa Maria Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Lawyer

Carbon monoxide poisoning kills more Americans than terrorism and mass shootings combined, according to the American Council on Science and Health. This makes it the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 50,000 people visit emergency rooms due to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, and for more than 400 people, the toxic gas is fatal. These tragedies are completely preventable. Our Santa Maria carbon monoxide poisoning lawyer explains further.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is defined as a life-threatening emergency that is a result of inhaling toxic carbon monoxide fumes. Carbon monoxide is a gas that is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. It is created when fuels, such as gasoline, wood, natural gas, coal, or kerosene, are burned. Some of the most common causes of carbon monoxide poisoning occur from exposure to:

• Defective cooking appliances
• Fires
• Tobacco smoke
• Diesel-powered or gasoline engines
• Idling vehicles and auto exhaust
• Clogged chimneys
• Defective wood, oil, coal, or gas furnaces
• Defective water heaters
• Gas log burners and wood-burning fireplaces
• Defective gas clothes dryers
• Boat engines
• Gas or fuel-burning appliances in campers and cabins, pool and spa heaters, barbecue grills, and ceiling-mounted heating units
• Inhaling smoke from wildfires

Carbon monoxide poisoning causes many unpleasant symptoms, which include:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Impaired judgment
• Shortness of breath, especially on exertion
• Confusion
• Chest pain
• Hallucinations
• Depression
• Agitation
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Abdominal pain
• Visual changes
• Drowsiness
• Seizure
• Fainting
• Issues with walking
• Memory problems

Inhaling carbon monoxide fumes can result in brain damage and even death. Due to the fact that it is odorless and colorless, people are often not even aware that they are being exposed to it and, as such, are slowly being poisoned. Unfortunately, when a person has passed away from carbon monoxide poisoning, the cause is often not discovered until it is too late. If you have lost a loved one, reach out to a carbon monoxide poisoning attorney in Santa Maria today.

In 2010, California lawmakers passed the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act in an effort to protect its residents and visitors, and reduce the number of fatalities caused by the poisoning. The Act requires all property owners to install carbon monoxide detectors in all homes, apartments, condominiums, and apartments that have fuel-burning furnaces, appliances or heaters, or that have an attached garage.

Unfortunately, landlords and other property owners often prefer to take shortcuts and save money by not installing these detectors or failing to ensure that they are in proper working order. When they fail to take these steps, property owners can be held liable.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be devastating for you and your family. At Brod Law Firm, our Santa Maria carbon monoxide poisoning attorney knows this and can help you and your loved ones claim the compensation you deserve. 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.