Carbon Monoxide Injuries: Knowing Your Legal Rights
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly, dangerous gas. Because it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, it is possible to suffer from long-term exposure and carbon monoxide poisoning without even realizing it. That’s where the lawyers of Tawwater Law Firm, PLLC can help.
The attorneys at our Oklahoma City, OK law firm would like to consider the dangers related to carbon monoxide poisoning. We’ll note the sources of these hazards and common symptoms first, and then cover the kinds of injuries related to carbon monoxide.
Sources of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
There are many potential sources of carbon monoxide exposure. These include:
- Boilers
- Generators
- Furnaces
- Gas heaters
- Poorly ventilated motor vehicles
- Fireplaces
- Charcoal grills
- Stoves
- Faulty pipes
The Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Even though the gas is hard to detect, there are a number of telltale symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning to consider:
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
In moderate or severe cases of carbon monoxide poisoning, a person may experience the following symptoms:
- Memory loss
- Shortness of breath
- Low blood pressure
- Chest pain
- Poor coordination
- Impaired judgement
- Depression
- Psychosis
Brain Damage from Carbon Monoxide
Given the lack of oxygen and constant inhalation of carbon monoxide, one of the biggest dangers of CO poisoning is brain damage. When the brain is deprived of oxygen, major harm can occur. Even when he carbon monoxide exposure is not acute, the risk to long-term brain function is quite high. This impacts both cognitive function as well as motor skills.
Heart Problems and Carbon Monoxide
In addition to problems with the brain, oxygen deprivation can similarly impact the heart. Carbon monoxide poisoning has been linked to heart problems and damage to the heart itself. This can make immediate cardiovascular events more likely, and result in poor heart health years down the road as well.
Treating Carbon Monoxide Issues
If you have experienced carbon monoxide poisoning, medical attention and professional help are a must. Proper ventilation of a room can help if you notice symptoms. Beyond that, supplemental oxygen can help repair some of the damage done.
More advanced therapies may be considered depending on the nature of the carbon monoxide exposure, the duration of the exposure, and the harm done to the person’s overall health and wellness.
Can I File a Lawsuit for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Yes.
If a product manufacturer is the reason for carbon monoxide poisoning, they can be held accountable for fault design, manufacturing, or marketing of said product.
If a landlord’s negligence in maintaining a property has led to carbon monoxide exposure, affected tenants can seek compensation given the impact on their health and the legal obligations of landlords to tenants/renters.
If an employer’s negligence at a workplace is what caused the carbon monoxide exposure, lawsuits can be filed by employees who have suffered from health problems due to CO poisoning.
In all of the above cases, there is a party whose negligence resulted in a dangerous situation. We encourage you to discuss your circumstances with us. We can offer an honest assessment on your legal options.
Learn More About Your Legal Rights
If you or someone that you love has suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning, we encourage you to contact our team of lawyers today. The team at the Tawwater Law Firm, PLLC is here for you and your loved ones in your time of legal need.