How Does Someone Get Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Carbon monoxide (also known as CO) is a gas produced when natural gas, gasoline, or other fuels burn. Dangerous levels of CO are generated when fuel-burning devices operate inefficiently and fail to burn off all available fuel completely. Faulty furnaces, water heaters, and gas stoves are common culprits. But even smaller appliances like space heaters, generators, and fireplaces can pose a threat if not properly maintained and ventilated.
Everyone is at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. The risk is even greater in winter because people use their heaters more often–even in southern California.
What Happens if I Am Exposed to Carbon Monoxide?
Your red blood cells carry oxygen to your brain, heart, and the rest of your body. Your brain and other organs need oxygen to live. Red blood cells take in and carry CO faster than oxygen.
When adults and children are exposed to high levels of CO, oxygen is “crowded out” of the body, starving the brain and heart of oxygen.
No level of carbon monoxide is safe. Low-level CO poisoning can cause headaches, nausea, and shortness of breath. Moderate levels of CO can cause chest pain, dizziness, weakness, fainting, loss of muscle coordination, confusion, severe headaches, upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting.
High levels of CO can cause death, permanent brain damage, permanent heart damage, and personality changes.
Often Overlooked Symptoms of Long-Term, Low-Level CO Exposure
The dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning aren’t always immediate or obvious. Long-term exposure to low levels of CO can mimic other illnesses, making it difficult to diagnose.
Victims often experience:
- Fatigue, confusion, or difficulty concentrating: These can be easily dismissed as everyday stress or lack of sleep, but they can be warning signs of a serious underlying issue.
- Subtle behavioral changes or mood swings: Increased irritability, depression, or anxiety can all be linked to chronic CO exposure.
- Respiratory issues that may mimic other illnesses: Shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness can be mistaken for allergies or a common cold.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, especially if they coincide with spending time in a particular building or using certain appliances, it’s crucial to seek medical attention and have your home inspected for carbon monoxide leaks. Don’t let these subtle signs go unchecked. Your health is too important to ignore.
Your Rights as a Carbon Monoxide Exposure Victim
If you or a loved one has suffered from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, it's crucial to understand your legal rights and options. Many victims are unaware that they may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress caused by this preventable exposure.
At Riley Ersoff, we are dedicated to helping victims and their families navigate the complexities of personal injury claims related to carbon monoxide poisoning. Here are some key points to consider:
- Filing a Claim: Our experienced attorneys can guide you through the process of filing a claim against negligent parties, which may include property owners, landlords, or manufacturers of faulty appliances.
- Gathering Evidence: We understand the importance of documentation. Our team will assist you in collecting medical records, incident reports, and other vital evidence to support your case.
- Understanding Liability: CO poisoning can often result from various sources—recognizing who is at fault is essential for a successful claim. We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your poisoning.
- Maximizing Compensation: Our legal experts will work diligently to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, including medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and potential long-term care needs.
Don’t let your legal rights slip away amidst your recovery. Contact Riley Ersoff today for a free consultation and let us help you fight for a brighter, healthier future.
Your Rights: Understanding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Claims
When it comes to carbon monoxide poisoning, victims may not realize that they have legal rights that can help them seek compensation for their suffering. Whether the exposure occurred at home due to a faulty heater or in a public place, it's crucial to understand the path to justice and recovery.
At Riley Ersoff, we believe that knowledge is power. Here are key points to consider about filing a personal injury claim for carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Establishing Negligence: To build your case, you must demonstrate that someone’s negligence led to your exposure. This could involve improper maintenance of appliances, lack of warning systems, or failure to adhere to safety standards.
- Documenting Your Injuries: Medical records, symptom diaries, and expert testimonies can help illustrate the extent of your injuries and their impact on your daily life.
- Compensation Options: Victims may be entitled to various types of compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and even punitive damages in cases of gross negligence.
- Time Limits: Be aware of the statute of limitations in California, which limits the time you have to file a claim. Contacting a lawyer soon after your incident can help ensure that your rights are protected.
Seeking financial recovery can be a challenging journey, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Our experienced attorneys at Riley Ersoff are dedicated to advocating for your rights and helping you secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us guide you through the complexities of your case.
Is My Landlord Responsible for Protecting Me from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Yes! There is a California carbon monoxide detector law stating that every apartment and rental home must have one or more CO detectors.
They must be operable when you enter into your lease. Make sure the batteries in your CO detector are changed every year.
Every good landlord should check your CO (and smoke) detectors at least yearly. If your landlord wants to check your CO (and smoke) detectors, please cooperate and let them enter your rental home.
Who Else Can Be Liable for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Landlords aren’t the only ones who can be held responsible for carbon monoxide poisoning. Whether a defective appliance, improper installation, or negligent maintenance led to your injuries, we are prepared to investigate every avenue to identify all liable parties.
This could include:
- Appliance manufacturers: If a faulty product is to blame, we’ll hold the manufacturer accountable.
- Contractors and maintenance companies: Negligent installation or repair can have devastating consequences. We’ll pursue those responsible.
- Property managers and HOAs: In shared housing complexes, these entities may be liable for failing to provide safety and proper maintenance.
At Riley Ersoff, we leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice. We can meticulously investigate your case to determine who is responsible for your suffering.
Can I Sue My Landlord if Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Harms Me or Someone I Love?
Like every personal injury case, carbon monoxide poisoning cases are all about the facts. The carbon monoxide lawyers at Riley Ersoff can investigate, drill down, and analyze the facts of your case.
Did your landlord install CO detectors? Did your landlord maintain and repair your CO detector on a yearly basis? Was your CO detector working when you or a loved one suffered CO poisoning? Was your heater malfunctioning and in need of repair? What was your CO level, and how were you harmed?
These are all important questions that our L.A. carbon monoxide lawyers can analyze and answer on your behalf. If you do have a viable carbon monoxide poisoning case, we can help.
What Evidence is Needed to Support a Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Claim?
To build a strong claim, you will need medical documentation confirming CO poisoning, such as blood tests showing elevated carboxyhemoglobin levels. Additional evidence may include photographs of faulty appliances, reports from fire departments or emergency responders, witness statements, and maintenance records showing negligence. A CO detector's absence or failure may also serve as key evidence in proving liability under California premises liability laws.
How Long Do I Have to File a CO Poisoning Lawsuit in Los Angeles?
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those involving carbon monoxide poisoning, is typically two years from the date of the injury. If the exposure happened in a rental unit and was caused by a landlord’s negligence, you must act within this timeframe or risk losing your right to compensation. However, if symptoms appeared gradually or were discovered later, exceptions might apply, making it important to consult an attorney promptly.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Receive for a CO Poisoning Claim?
Victims of carbon monoxide poisoning in Los Angeles may be entitled to several types of compensation, including medical expenses, ongoing treatment or rehabilitation costs, lost income, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. In severe cases involving permanent injury or wrongful death, compensation can be significantly higher, potentially including punitive damages if gross negligence or reckless conduct is proven.
Contact a Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Lawyer in L.A. Today
When carbon monoxide poisoning turns your life upside down, you need a law firm that knows how to fight relentlessly for the justice you deserve. These cases can be incredibly complex, and the stakes are high. You need advocates who understand the science, the law, and the tactics needed to win.
Choosing to work with our team comes with numerous benefits, such as:
- No fee unless we win: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay an attorney’s fee unless we recover compensation for you.
- Proven track record: We have recovered over $170 million for our clients.
- Trial-ready: We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, so we’re always ready to fight for your rights in court.
- Direct communication: We believe in clear, straightforward communication. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way and answer your questions honestly.
- Personalized attention: We offer free initial consultations, both in-person and virtually, to discuss your case and understand your needs.
- Experienced advocates: We’ve been fighting for justice since 2004, and our attorneys have earned prestigious accolades for their work.
- Multilingual services: We speak Spanish, making our services accessible to a wider range of clients.
At Riley Ersoff, we have a deep understanding of the devastating consequences of carbon monoxide poisoning. We know how to navigate these challenging cases and hold negligent parties accountable.
Don’t face this challenge alone. Contact Riley Ersoff online or call (888) 658-9695 to schedule a free consultation with a Los Angeles carbon monoxide poisoning lawyer today today.
