Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas that kills over 400 people per year (not linked to fires) according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Plus, an estimated 20,000 people visit the emergency room, and more than 4,000 are hospitalized for CO poisoning, the CDC reports.
Poisoning is often related to consumer products under some of these circumstances.
- Defective
- Improperly used: using a gas cooking stove to heat your home
- Poorly vented: using a charcoal grill in an enclosed space like your garage
If you have recently lost a loved one because of CO poisoning, or if you were recently exposed to carbon monoxide and have suffered long-term damaging health effects, you might be entitled to file a premises liability claim for compensation. You’ll want to consult a local personal injury attorney to review your case and pinpoint liability for carbon monoxide poisoning.
Exposure to Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide exposure occurs in these locales.
- A facility with poorly maintained or unvented heating equipment, such as a furnace
- A facility that uses improperly vented natural gas appliances, such as stoves or water heaters
- A garage with running vehicles
- A building fire
- A building where someone is using a charcoal grill indoors
- A building that has a clogged chimney
- Indoors where there are generators or other gas-powered tools running
Exposure to CO can quickly kill and incapacitate victims. Children, adults, and people with certain health conditions are more susceptible to poisoning. If the victims don’t die, they may sustain long-term serious health issues.
Who can be held liable for a carbon monoxide poisoning claim?
Determining liability for carbon monoxide poisoning is somewhat complicated. It depends on why the poisoning occurred and who was legally responsible for that. If another party’s negligence is what caused the incident to occur, then the victims will be able to file a suit or claim against the negligent party to recover damages.
For example, if you were staying at a country lodge, and the owners failed to provide enough ventilation for the generator in the room, you can likely file a premises liability claim against the owners. If the poisoning resulted from a defective CO detector or another type of broken appliance or product, you could file a product liability claim against the manufacturer or installer.
The best way to determine liability is to speak with an injury attorney who handles CO poisoning claims. For a lawyer in Georgia that takes claims of this nature, you are welcome to call the Law Office of Jason R. Schultz to discuss your case. Contact the office today to schedule a free consultation: 404-474-0804.