Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and extremely poisonous gas. When released into the air, it can quickly cause permanent injury or even death.
Causes
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a direct result of combustion. When gas, coal or oil burn, the fumes emit CO into the air. When someone breathes in those fumes, the CO replaces the oxygen in the blood stream your body needs to function.
Anything that relies on combustion creates carbon monoxide. Common sources of CO poisoning include:
- Cars
- Trucks
- Boats
- Stoves
- Furnaces
- Hot water heaters
- Room heaters
It’s important when using any of the above, that the area is properly ventilated and exposure to the fumes is minimal. The longer someone is exposed to carbon monoxide, the more severe the consequences.
Symptoms
Someone exposed to CO should look out for the symptoms of poisoning right away. Victims will frequently experience:
- headache
- dizziness
- confusion
- loss of balance
- short term memory loss
- nausea
- vomiting
- chest pain
Longer term exposure can mean loss of consciousness, brain damage and death.
Compensation
If someone is exposed to carbon monoxide due to another person’s negligence, they are entitled to compensation. For example, a landlord who fails to fix a leak and tenants fall ill. Similarly, an appliance-maker has the responsibility to provide equipment that properly releases fumes to keep consumers safe.
Survivors can pursue damages for things such as medical bills, physical impairments, lost wages, pain and suffering. In cases of wrongful death, the family of the deceased can pursue damages for loss of life.
Representation for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
For a legal team you can trust, contact the experienced attorneys at Maginnis Howard. Our results speak for themselves, and our clients are our number one priority. We represent clients across the Carolinas on a contingency basis. That means you don’t pay unless we recover compensation for you. We have three conveniently located offices in Raleigh, Charlotte, and Fayetteville.
