Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent killer, one that affects thousands of people each year. In Lanham, Maryland, people who are exposed to this toxic gas can suffer serious health consequences, including permanent neurological damage or even death.
When exposure results from negligence, you and your family may have legal options to seek compensation through a personal lawsuit.
A Lanham carbon monoxide injury lawyer can help you work through the complexities of these types of cases and hold responsible parties accountable. Reach out to GDH Law today.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas created when fuels such as oil, wood, and charcoal don’t burn completely. Because it can’t be detected by sight or smell, you may not realize you’re being exposed until symptoms become severe.
The gas interferes with your body’s ability to carry oxygen, leading to a range of serious health effects.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that each year:
- More than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning not linked to fires.
- More than 100,000 visit the emergency room.
- 14,000 or more are hospitalized.
Early symptoms of poisoning often include dizziness, headache, nausea, and confusion, all of which can escalate to unconsciousness, brain damage, and even death if exposure continues.
Exposure often occurs in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas where appliances like furnaces, stoves, water heaters, or generators are malfunctioning or improperly installed. Employers, landlords, and property owners must maintain these systems and make sure that they’re safe for residents and workers.
They may be held liable for resulting injuries when they fail to fulfill this responsibility.
Health Effects of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
The severity of carbon monoxide poisoning depends on the exposure concentration and the time the gas is inhaled.
Mild exposure may cause flu-like symptoms such as headache and fatigue, while moderate exposure can lead to confusion, shortness of breath, and problems with vision. However, more severe cases can result in loss of consciousness, seizures, permanent brain damage, or death.
Long-term exposure or high levels can have lasting consequences. Victims may suffer from memory loss, mental impairment, heart issues, and chronic headaches.
Children, the elderly, and people with underlying health problems are even more vulnerable to the harmful effects of carbon monoxide. Extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care may be required in many cases.
Common Causes of Carbon Monoxide Exposure
Carbon monoxide poisoning often results from negligence, whether in a home, the workplace, or in public spaces. Some of the most common sources include:
- Faulty furnaces or heating systems that leak CO into homes or businesses.
- Blocked chimneys or vents that prevent proper ventilation.
- Malfunctioning gas stoves or water heaters
- Running vehicles left idling in enclosed spaces like garages.
- Defective or poorly maintained generators used indoors.
- Inadequate ventilation in workplaces that use gas-powered equipment.
Landlords of rental properties are responsible for maintaining heating and ventilation systems, and businesses must ensure that equipment used by employees does not pose a risk of CO exposure.
When these obligations are ignored, legal action may be necessary to seek justice.
Legal Liability for Carbon Monoxide Injuries
Determining liability in a carbon monoxide poisoning case can be difficult. There may be multiple parties responsible, depending on the circumstances of exposure. Landlords, property managers, employers, manufacturers, and maintenance companies may all play a part.
When poisoning happens on a rental property, landlords are legally required to install working carbon monoxide detectors and maintain appliances that could produce CO. If they fail to do so and a tenant suffers harm, they may be held accountable. Similarly, businesses must adhere to workplace safety regulations to prevent CO exposure among employees.
Manufacturers of faulty equipment may also bear liability if a defect in a furnace, water heater, or generator leads to CO exposure. Product liability claims can arise when a dangerous appliance malfunctions due to design flaws, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warnings about risks.
The Role of a Lanham Carbon Monoxide Injury Lawyer
Carbon monoxide injury attorneys play a critical role in helping exposure victims seek justice and maximum compensation.
Their responsibilities can include:
- Investigating the cause of exposure – Identifying faulty appliances, inadequate ventilation, or negligence that led to carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Determining liability – Establishing who is responsible, whether a landlord, employer, manufacturer, or maintenance company.
- Gathering evidence – Collecting medical records, inspection and maintenance reports, and getting expert testimony to build the strongest possible case.
- Negotiating with insurance companies – Advocating for fair compensation while keeping insurers from undervaluing and dismissing a claim without adequate legal cause.
- Filing legal claims – Preparing and submitting lawsuits against responsible parties if a settlement cannot be reached.
- Pursuing maximum compensation – Seeking financial recovery for medical costs, lost or reduced wages, the pain and suffering you’ve experienced, and expenses related to long-term care.
- Representing clients in court – Litigating cases when necessary to get justice for you and your family.
A skilled lawyer ensures you receive the support you need while holding negligent parties accountable for their actions. They can also increase the chances of securing maximum financial recovery on your behalf.
What to Do If You’ve Been Exposed to Carbon Monoxide
After experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning, seeking immediate medical attention is critical.
Symptoms may not always be apparent right away, but exposure can cause internal damage that worsens over time. A medical evaluation helps document the effects of poisoning and establishes a connection between exposure and injuries.
Reporting the incident is also important. If exposure occurs in a rental unit, tenants should notify their landlord and request an inspection. If it happens in a workplace, an employer should be informed so that proper safety measures can be taken. Keeping records of medical visits, appliance maintenance, and any prior complaints about heating or ventilation issues can help support a legal claim.
Consulting with a lawyer right away can help make sure that your legal rights are protected.
Statutes of limitations are state-mandated time limits, and they apply to personal injury claims in Maryland, meaning that waiting too long could result in losing your right to seek compensation.
Compensation Available for Victims
As a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning, you could be entitled to various types of compensation based on how severely you were injured and the circumstances of exposure.
This compensation may cover:
- Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, hospitalization, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages for time missed from work due to illness.
- Pain and suffering caused by physical and emotional distress.
- Long-term care costs for victims suffering from permanent neurological damage.
- Funeral expenses in cases where exposure leads to wrongful death.
A Lanham carbon monoxide lawyer will assess the full extent of damages and work to ensure that victims receive fair compensation for their losses. The goal is to help individuals and families recover financially while holding negligent parties accountable.
Choosing the Right Lawyer
Selecting the right lawyer or firm to represent you is crucial in pursuing justice after a carbon monoxide injury. You’ll want someone experienced in handling personal injury and premises liability cases, as these claims often involve technical investigations and complex legal arguments.
A lawyer with a strong track record of securing favorable settlements and verdicts can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Communication and availability are also important to consider.
You want to feel confident that your attorney can answer your questions, provide updates, and guide you through the legal process.
At GDH Law, we understand that carbon monoxide poisoning can have devastating consequences, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Our Lanham carbon monoxide injury lawyer can provide the legal support you need to pursue compensation and hold negligent parties accountable.
Whether your exposure happened in a rental home, workplace, or public space, taking legal action can help make sure that similar incidents are prevented in the future.
Seeking experienced legal representation is the best way to protect your rights and secure the financial recovery you and your family need to move forward.
Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.
