Carbon monoxide (CO) is a potentially deadly gas that is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, making the gas almost impossible to detect without the proper equipment. While some incidents of CO poisoning might be attributed to an error in judgment or a failure to understand the dangers of the gas, many cases of carbon monoxide accidents are the result of preventable situations. Examples of CO accidents that might have been caused because of another party’s negligence or carelessness include:
- Defective products releasing dangerous levels of CO
- A landlord failing to maintain the rental property
- Leaks in exhaust pipes or vents
- Improper installation, repair, or maintenance by a company or repairman
- Lack of proper ventilation for passengers on a boat or other vehicle
- Cases of premises liability involving hotels, resorts, office buildings, restaurants, shopping malls, and other businesses
If a party is negligent, that party can be held liable for injuries and damages arising from a carbon monoxide accident. Most cases fall under the category of premises liability law or product liability law. Therefore, some of the parties that could be liable for damages include product designers, manufacturers, property owners, landlords, installation companies, maintenance companies, business owners, and repair companies. Identifying the parties who are responsible for the CO accident is crucial.
Cases involving CO poisoning are complex and difficult to litigate because these cases involve complicated legal theories, technical questions, multiple parties, and expert witnesses. Early investigations by experienced Houston carbon monoxide poisoning attorneys can increase your chance of recovering full compensation for injuries and losses.
We urge you to contact Weycer Law Firm at (713) 668-4545 for a free consultation. You can discuss your case with a knowledgeable and skilled Houston carbon monoxide injury lawyer who understands how to handle cases involving complex legal issues, multiple parties, and complex equipment and machinery.
How is Carbon Monoxide Produced?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is generated in a variety of ways. CO is a by-product of using methane and gasoline in gas-powered vehicles, equipment, and tools. It can also result from the burning of any material that contains carbon, such as oil, coal, kerosene, propane, and wood.
Normally, CO dissipates into the air and is not a threat. However, when CO builds up, or you are exposed to the gas for prolonged periods, you can die. The gas displaces oxygen in your blood, thereby depriving your brain, heart, lungs, and other vital organs of oxygen. Most victims of CO poisoning lose consciousness and suffocate.
Examples of situations that could result in dangerous levels include:
- Running a vehicle or other equipment powered by gasoline in a garage or other space without sufficient ventilation
- Household appliances that malfunction or become damaged (i.e. stove, furnace, water heater, oven, clothes dryer, etc.)
- Children riding in the back of an enclosed pickup truck
- Swimming near the engine of a boat while the engine is running
- Generators, portable generators, and portable heaters
- Fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, and charcoal/gas grills
- Defective products
- Blocked or clogged vents
To protect yourself from CO poisoning, you should inspect appliances to ensure they are in good working condition; operate equipment in a well-ventilated area; routinely inspect and unclog vents; never leave your vehicle running in your garage; and, install a CO alarm on every level of your home. Even though everyone is at risk when exposed to dangerous levels of the gas, seniors, infants, children, and persons with lung or heart problems have an increased risk of CO poisoning.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Because you cannot see, taste, or smell CO, it is often referred to as a silent but deadly gas. The symptoms and warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning are often mistaken for another condition. Therefore, many people do not even realize they are suffering from this deadly condition.
Symptoms of CO poisoning include:
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Headaches
- Vomiting and/or nausea
- Tightness in the chest or chest pain
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of consciousness
- Blurred vision
CO poisoning can be treated, but you must seek medical attention immediately. Left untreated, exposure to carbon monoxide can be life-threatening or result in permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and heart.
Call a Houston Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Attorney
For a free consultation with one of our Houston carbon monoxide attorneys, contact Weycer Law Firm 24/7 by calling (713) 668-4545 or using the chat feature on our website.
We want to help you hold the parties responsible for your injury or the death or injury of your loved one accountable. We are dedicated to seeking justice for our clients, even when large companies and corporations are determined to avoid taking responsibility for the pain and suffering they caused because of their negligence.
