Omaha Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Lawyers
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Aptly called "The Quiet Killer" in a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) TV presentation, carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless and odorless gas which can cause sudden illness, or even death. It is found in combustion fumes, like those of cars, trucks, stoves, small gasoline engines, burning wood and charcoal, gas ranges, lanterns, portable generators and heating systems. CO is of the same density as air and so mixes quickly, even when coming from a combustible (heated) source. In addition, the body’s red blood cells pick up CO more quickly than they do oxygen, replacing oxygen in the blood with CO. Unfortunately, carbon monoxide poisoning is also often slow, as the result of a small leak in a gas appliance, and by the time it is discovered, the damage has already been done.
Symptoms of CO Poisoning
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- Dizziness;
- Confusion;
- Weakness;
- Headache;
- Vomiting;
- Nausea;
- Chest Pain; and in extreme cases
- Loss of consciousness; and
- Death.
Unfortunately, because the symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to those of other illnesses, it is difficult to diagnose. Finding any CO leak before suffering symptoms is ideal and possible by ensuring that household appliances are inspected and maintained regularly, in addition to installing a carbon monoxide detector in your home, apartment, and/or workplace.
Causes of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Most often, CO poisoning occurs over a prolonged period of time where the CO builds up gradually, and unnoticeably in the environment, but more sudden and lethal cases usually involve a high level of CO concentration that has accumulated over a short period of time. Carbon monoxide truly is a quiet killer and its dangers should not be taken lightly.
If you are not cooking or baking and your heater is shut off and you suddenly smell "gas," it could be a large leak and you should open all windows and doors to the outside and leave your house/apartment before reporting it. CO poisoning is usually the result of inadequately vented gas appliances, poor installation of gas appliances, poor ventilation systems, and poor maintenance.
Liability in CO Poisoning
It is a property (home, apartment, office building) owner’s responsibility to ensure that all gas stoves, heaters, water heaters, other gas appliances as well as ventilation systems are to code, are installed properly, and are adequately maintained. It is also the responsibility of the installer to make sure that everything is properly done. When a person rents or leases an apartment or house, or a company leases office space, they trust that they are entering a safe environment. If through negligence, the property owner or manager does not maintain gas appliances or the installer completed an improper installation, they may be held liable for the illnesses and injuries caused by CO.
Clearing the Air
Carbon monoxide truly is a quiet killer and its dangers should not be taken lightly. As physicians, we are well aware of the potentially lethal consequences of CO poisoning. As lawyers, we are well aware of the responsibility of property owners and appliance installers to do their jobs in accordance with the law. At Cullan & Cullan, Physicians and Trial Lawyers, our experienced Nebraska personal injury attorneys can help you determine fault in a CO poisoning case and thus seek compensation for the losses and damages you have suffered. We are committed to justice for our clients. If you have suffered an illness or injury as the result of CO poisoning, contact our Omaha personal injury lawyers today to learn more about your legal rights and options.
