Many items in our home are considered poisonous. You probably have a bunch of cleaners under your kitchen sink, each with a warning label. However, there might be something lingering in your home without a label. In fact, it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, but it might just be the most dangerous thing you could have in your home. We’re talking about carbon monoxide, which is often referred to as the “silent killer.”
Carbon monoxide exposure is something every homeowner should be aware of and take precautions against, such as installing carbon monoxide detectors. This is also a situation where you might not be responsible for exposure.
If you rent a home or apartment, your landlord should provide carbon monoxide monitors. There may also be issues with defective products that could trigger exposure. These are issues to discuss with an experienced Lanham carbon monoxide injury attorney. It will help to understand the full scope of carbon monoxide exposure.
The Silent Killer: Why Carbon Monoxide Is So Dangerous
If you turn on your stove but the pilot light doesn’t ignite, you might smell gas. That’s because gas utility companies operating in Maryland, such as Columbia Gas of Maryland or Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE), add a chemical additive to make the gas smell.
Natural gas is odorless. By adding the “smell,” you can detect when gas is present where it shouldn’t be. Unfortunately, that doesn’t work with carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that takes direct aim at replacing the oxygen in your blood system. When that happens, your brain, heart, and organs start to break down because they need oxygen to function. From a medical perspective, carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in your red blood cells. That creates a condition called carboxyhemoglobin, which prevents oxygen from reaching your tissues.
Exposure to carbon monoxide can also develop with a rapid onset, which can cause unconsciousness and suffocation within minutes.
Common Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Exposure
Carbon monoxide exposure can sneak up on a person without warning. It is worse when it happens overnight while you’re asleep, when you might not be aware of the exposure. This type of exposure can also present with flu-like symptoms.
Here are the common symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure that you need to be aware of:
- Headache
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Weakness or fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Upset stomach
- Moderate to Severe Symptoms
- Confusion or impaired judgment
- Chest pain or rapid heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Blurred vision
- Loss of muscle control or coordination (clumsiness)
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
- Seizures
Identifying Common Sources of Carbon Monoxide Leaks
One of the most common sources of carbon monoxide is cars’ exhaust. This isn’t an issue unless the car is running in a confined space, such as a home’s garage. Carbon monoxide can also be generated from the following sources:
- Furnace and boilers
- Gas stoves and ovens
- Water heaters
- Clothes dryers
- Space heaters
- Generators
- Blocked chimneys
The best way to prevent exposure is to install carbon monoxide detectors throughout the house. It also helps to have regular inspections of all your fuel-burning appliances. It is also crucial to have proper ventilation around any of those appliances.
Establishing Liability in Carbon Monoxide Cases
If you or someone in your family has suffered because of exposure to carbon monoxide, you might be able to pursue a personal injury claim if it can be established that the exposure was due to someone’s negligence. To prevail, you and your personal injury attorney need to establish that the responsible party breached their duty of care when it comes to providing a safe environment or product.
You also need to establish a direct link between your injuries and the exposure. Finally, have to demonstrate that you suffer damages. That can include medical records, proof of lost wages, and any pain and suffering you might have endured.
Who can be held responsible? Consider the following:
- Landlords
- Property Owners
- Property Managers
- Manufacturers
- Contractors
- Installers
- Hotels and Short-Term Rentals
Determining who is responsible for carbon monoxide exposure requires a thorough investigation. It will also mean support from expert witnesses who can corroborate the investigation’s findings. The experienced attorneys at GDH Law have a network of skilled investigators and experts who provide the right support for such complex claims.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
If you’ve been exposed to carbon monoxide poisoning, you might think it was an unavoidable accident. However, if negligence was involved, it is vital to speak with an attorney to get answers to your questions, starting with the following:
Q1: Can I sue my landlord for carbon monoxide poisoning?
A: Yes, you can sue your landlord if their negligence, such as failing to maintain gas appliances or failing to install required CO detectors, led to your exposure. Landlords have a legal duty to provide a safe living environment. An experienced attorney can help you gather evidence of building code violations to support your claim.
Q2: How long does it take to recover from CO poisoning?
A: Recovery time varies significantly depending on the level and duration of exposure. While mild cases may resolve within days of receiving fresh air or oxygen therapy, severe cases can result in permanent neurological damage that requires lifelong care. Immediate medical intervention is the most critical factor in improving long-term outcomes.
Q3: What are the first signs of a carbon monoxide leak?
A: The first signs often include a dull headache, weakness, dizziness, and nausea. You may also notice soot or brownish-yellow stains around furnaces, or a pilot light that frequently goes out. If multiple people in the same building become ill simultaneously, evacuate and call emergency services immediately.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You
Carbon monoxide poisoning cases are often far more complex than they appear at first glance. Establishing this chain of events is critical to proving negligence and holding the responsible parties accountable. A skilled personal injury attorney also understands how to identify all potentially liable parties in a carbon monoxide poisoning claim.
At GDH Law, we have the experience and resources needed to handle these technically demanding cases. We work closely with trusted experts and investigators to build strong, evidence-based claims designed to pursue maximum compensation for injured clients.
If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to carbon monoxide exposure, do not assume it was an unavoidable accident. Contact GDH Law today to schedule a free consultation and learn how an experienced personal injury lawyer can protect your rights and help you move forward.
