Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that is generated by the burning of fuel, including wood, coal, charcoal, natural gas and the like. CO can also be deadly. This hard-to-detect gas can quickly kill unsuspecting victims that inhale it. While some CO poisonings are the result of pure accident, others arise from negligence on the part of landlords, business owners, product manufacturers and more.
Our Atlanta personal injury lawyers at Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at law, understands the dangerous nature of CO, which is known as a silent killer because of its odorless, colorless nature. When landlords, business owners, product manufacturers and others act in a negligent manner, CO can escape and turn deadly. We assist CO poisoning victims and their families in seeking compensation from the at-fault person(s) and/or company(s) responsible for their injuries.
The Silent Killer
CO kills thousands of individuals each year and sends numerous others to the hospital. The gas is extremely difficult to detect and when it is inhaled, it enters the blood stream while preventing oxygen from circulating through the body. Symptoms of CO poisoning can be confused with many other conditions, including the flu or even food poisoning. For this reason, CO poisoning might not be diagnosed until it is too late.
Signs of CO poisoning include:
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Disorientation
- Heart irregularities
- Coma
If the CO exposure is not stopped in time, death can result. This makes it imperative for CO poisoning victims to receive prompt treatment.
Liability for CO Poisoning
While some CO poisoning instances are the result of pure accident on part of the victim, many others are caused by negligence on the part of someone else. Landlords and business owners, including hotel owners, must take certain precautions to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Standard safety precautions include installing CO detectors, conducting routine tests, complying with all safety codes (including codes for the safe installation of cooking equipment), hot water heaters and more. The makers of these products also have a legal obligation to ensure their products will be safe for intended use, which includes preventing an abnormal risk of CO leaks.
CO poisoning can devastate a family. Those injured due to carbon monoxide leaks should consult an attorney in order to determine if a person or party was responsible. Landlords, business owners and product manufacturers are all potential defendants in the event of a CO poisoning. Your ability to file a personal injury claim depends upon the circumstances of the case and your attorney can help evaluate your potential action.
Put Our Law Firm’s Over 39 Years of Legal Experience to Work For You!
If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of another person or party, you will need experienced counsel to assist you with your potential case. The Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer at Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, helps accident victims and their families in Georgia and in the Southeast. Our firm has over 39 years of experience that we will bring to your case. The sooner you act after your accident, the greater your chances of reaching the best possible outcome. As such, it is important that you seek the assistance of a licensed lawyer as soon as possible. Call Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law, 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED® (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.