The carbon monoxide exposure lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. investigate potential lawsuits for individuals throughout the United States who have been diagnosed with CO poisoning that may have been caused by the negligence of another person or entity, such as a landlord who failed to adequately maintain their property, a builder or manufacturer who negligently designed a property or product, or a company that may be responsible for maintenance of a product that caused a carbon monoxide leak.

Exposure to carbon monoxide is often referred to as a “silent killer” because it involves an odorless and colorless gas, which makes it hard to detect. In addition, symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure often resemble a common cold or flu, leading to a high rate of fatalities because victims often remain unaware they are being exposed until it was too late.

The most effective means of protection against carbon monoxide is a functioning CO detector, which should be placed in the home just outside of the sleeping areas. Also important is the upkeep of appliances within the home that may emit carbon monoxide gas.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) makes the following recommendations for preventing carbon monoxide exposure:

• Have your heating system, water heater and other gas, oil and coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
• Install a battery-operated CO detector in your home and check or replace the batteries whenever you change the clocks in spring and fall for Daylight Savings Time.
• If your CO detector goes off, leave your home immediately and call 911. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning or feel dizzy, light-headed or nauseous.
• Do not use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device in your home, basement, garage or near a window and do not burn anything in a stove or fireplace that is not vented.
• Do not heat your home with a gas oven.
• Do not run your car or truck inside an attached garage, even if the door is open.

CARBON MONOXIDE EXPOSURE ATTORNEYS

The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. provide free consultations and claim evaluations for individuals who suspect that they or a family member may be entitled to compensation through a carbon monoxide exposure lawsuit. If a gas leak could have been prevented by the exercise of reasonable care by another person or company, it is important to contact one of our carbon monoxide attorneys as early as possible after exposure.

All cases are reviewed under a contingency fee agreement, which means that there are never any out-of-pocket expenses to hire our law firm and there are no attorney fees unless a recovery is obtained for a carbon monoxide exposure injury.

CONTACT OUR LAWYERS ABOUT CARBON MONOXIDE EXPOSURE

>>MORE INFORMATION: Mesothelioma from Asbestos Exposure

For decades, American workers in construction, navy shipyards, the automotive industry, insulators and other professions worked in close proximity to products containing asbestos, without realizing that they were potentially poisoning themselves. They were also unwittingly allowed to put their families at risk by carrying home asbestos fibers on their clothing and in their hair.

Most companies who exposed these workers to asbestos were well aware of the health risks long before most uses of asbestos were banned in the United States. However, they often failed to take steps to warn about the dangers or protect workers, placing their desire for profits before the safety of these individuals and their families.

More than three decades after most use of asbestos in the United States was stopped, thousands of people are continuing to be diagnosed with mesothelioma each year due to the long latency period between exposure and the first symptoms of the terrible disease.

Mesothelioma is a rare type of a lung cancer and chest cavity cancer caused by damage from asbestos fibers the victim has breathed in over long periods of time. By the time the cancer becomes symptomatic, it is usually too late for treatment and mesothelioma victims often only have months to live after a diagnosis.

Some estimate that mesothelioma continues to kill more than 3,000 Americans every year. However, the use of asbestos has still not been totally banned.

At this time, it is unclear whether similar problems may also be present in near-by developments, such as Martin Meadows, Saddle View, Watervale Farm and Deer Hollow. The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are investigating potential claims for residents of Grafton Ridge and these surrounding developments to determine if they may be entitled to financial compensation.

>>CONTACT AN ATTORNEY ABOUT A POTENTIAL CLAIM<<

Testing done so far has confirmed that lead contamination was present in drinking water for at least 14 homes in the Grafton Ridge development, which is located in Harford County near Fallston. The investigation is continuing and the scope of the problem has not yet been confirmed.

The homes in Grafton Ridge were built by Richmond American Homes, and recent reports suggest that certain equipment, such as plumbing fittings in well pressure tanks, may be contributing to the high lead levels. The homes were built between 2006 and 2009, with estimated property values between $550,000 and $750,000.

Elevated lead levels may pose a serious problem for home owners, especially those with young children living in the house. Exposure to high lead levels in drinking water could potentially result in lead poisoning, causing children to face a risk of permanent brain injury, nervous system injury, seizures, growth problems, mental retardation, coma or even death.

The attorneys at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential legal claims for residents of the small Grafton Ridge community, as well as residents of nearby developments, such as:

• Martin Meadows
• Saddle View
• Watervale Farm
• Deer Hollow

If you, a friend or family member own property in any of these communities or have young children who resided in these areas, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

>>MORE INFORMATION: Mesothelioma Cancer Lawsuits

According to a study published online in the medical journal Environmental Health Prospectives, researchers estimate that for every four or five cases of mesothelioma reported worldwide, there is another case that goes unreported. In addition, researchers said that countries still using asbestos, which was banned nearly three decades ago in the United States, need to prepare for a large number of cases of mesothelioma cancer in the future, as the condition has a long latency period and a mesothelioma diagnosis can come decades after the last exposure to asbestos.

The researchers looked at data on asbestos exposure and mesothelioma from 56 countries, correlating data from mesothelioma cases collected from 1994 through 2008 with data on asbestos use from 1920 through 1970. Of the 56 countries that report, there were 174,300 cases of mesothelioma during a 15-year time period. The researchers estimate that in the 33 countries that do not report, there were about 38,900 cases of mesothelioma in the same time period. They point out that their numbers are conservative and have urged all countries to stop using the substance in interviews regarding their findings.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer found in the lining of the chest and lungs, which is only known to occur as a result of exposure to asbestos. The disease carries a limited life-expectancy after diagnosis, since it is often not discovered until decades after asbestos exposure. When inhaled, asbestos fibers can also cause asbestosis and lung cancer.

Asbestos was widely used in a variety of manufacturing and construction applications throughout the last century, including home insulation, with use peaking in 1973. Most uses of asbestos were banned in the United States in the mid-1980s, but a number of countries still use asbestos.

MESOTHELIOMA CANCER LAWYERS

The mesothelioma cancer lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. review potential asbestos exposure lawsuits for individuals throughout the United States. Although many cases involve individuals who worked directly with asbestos, potential mesothelioma lawsuits are also reviewed for individuals who developed the condition as a result of asbestos exposure from fibers carried home on the clothes or in the hair of family members who worked around the fibers.

To review a potential claim for yourself, a friend or family member, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

>>PRIOR POST (12/21/2009): Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Tips

On Sunday, a carbon monoxide leak in Baltimore County at a Pikesville home resulted in the death of two construction workers who were boarding with a family. The rental home did not have a carbon monoxide detector as required by local law.

According to Baltimore County Fire Department officials, carbon monoxide levels in the home were at 400 parts per million (ppm), while carbon monoxide is considered hazardous at 9 ppm.

By the time the carbon monoxide leak was detected, fumes were so strong in the home that police and civilians who entered the home were also quickly overcome with the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning. In addition to the two deaths, five people were taken to the University of Maryland Medical Center and treated in the hyperbaric unit, and another five were treated and released at Maryland Shock Trauma Center.

The Baltimore County leak came just two days after a carbon monoxide leak in Baltimore City grabbed the headlines with the evacuation of 36 children and 12 adults from the Pleasant View Gardens Child Care Center. People in the building, which is a joint Head Start center and child care facility, were promptly alerted to high levels of carbon monoxide by a detector, and were able to get out of the building.

Five people were evaluated and released at a local hospital, but none showed signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. Baltimore Hazmat units detected carbon monoxide levels of 68 to 70 ppm in the building, but were able to ventilate it before levels got any higher.

The vastly different outcomes from these two Baltimore carbon monoxide leaks highlight the importance of having a detector to alert you when the colorless, odorless and tasteless gas is present. Although carbon monoxide lacks any irritating factors that could cause someone to realize there is a leak, it is very toxic and carbon monoxide is the leading cause of fatal poisonings in the United States.

The first symptoms of CO poisoning, which could include headaches, nausea, light headedness and flu like symptoms, are often not attributed to a gas leak, potentially resulting even longer exposure if a detector or alarm is not installed.

Carbon monoxide detectors are widely available for between $20 and $60, and can provide people with a chance to ventilate the area or leave the building safely.

CARBON MONOXIDE LAWYERS

The Maryland carbon monoxide lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. investigate potential claim for injuries caused by carbon monoxide leaks that may have been caused by the negligence of another person, such as a landlord, property owner, builder, appliance manufacturer, repair company or other entity. To review a potential carbon monoxide poisoning lawsuit for yourself, a friend or family member, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

>>LEARN MORE: Steps in the Investigation of a Popcorn Worker Lung Lawsuit

Most cases that have been filed throughout the United States have been brought by individuals who worked in factories where microwave popcorn is produced or in factories where chemicals are made to produce the artificial butter flavoring. However, some cases have also been filed by consumers who regularly ate large amounts of butter microwave popcorn.

Microwave popcorn flavorings are often complex mixtures of many chemicals, and production workers face a particularly risk as they are often exposed to high levels of those chemicals. Breathing in the vapors released when mixing butter flavoring has been shown to cause bronchiolitis obliterans, which has become more commonly known as popcorn lung or popcorn workers lung because of the high rate of occurrence among microwave popcorn factory workers.

Workers at factories throughout the United States may have been exposed to this severe and potentially life-threatening lung disease as a result of manufacturers’ failure to adequately test the chemicals, warn about the potential risk of exposure or take steps to ensure that workers are protected.

Bronchiolitis obliterans among popcorn workers could present as:

• Shortness of breath
• Dry Cough
• Wheezing
• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Emphysema
• Pheumonia

To review a potential case on behalf of yourself, a friend or family member, request a free consultation and claim evaluation with our popcorn lung lawyers.

The livelihood of millions of people who live and work on the gulf coast in Louisiana, Florida, Mississippi and surrounding areas has been threatened by the growing BP oil spill that started with the disaster on the Deepwater Horizon drilling platform in the Gulf of Mexico on April 20. The oil rig accident ruptured the wellhead and has caused a massive oil spill in the environmentally fragile gulf.

As a result of the oil spill in the region, substantial financial damages are likely to occur, including loss of business profits and earning capacity, as well as other damages.

The Gulf oil spill lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are investigating cases for victims of this disaster, including:

• Fisherman
• Oyster Harvesters
• Shrimpers
• Businesses Involved in Processing and Packaging of the Fishing Industry
• Owners of Charters and Private Boats
• Condo Owners
• Restaurant Owners
• Marina Owners
• Dock Owners
• Waterfront Property Owners
• City, County or State Governements

To review a potential claim and determine whether compensation may be available, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lead paint rule requires contractors performing renovations on homes or child care facilities built before 1978 to receive certification on safe lead paint removal by EPA. Contractors who are found to have violated the rule could face fines of up to $37,500.

Although lead paint was banned in 1978, due to the risk of lead poisoning in children and young adults, a number of homes throughout Baltimore City and the rest of the country continue to have the toxic paint on their walls. When young children living in homes with lead paint inhale dust particles, eat or suck on flaking lead paint chips, it can lead to elevated lead blood levels and ultimately cause permanent brain damage, seizures, developmental damage, physical and mental retardation.

While the lead paint rule is another step in the right direction of reducing the risk of lead exposure for children and pregnant women due to negligent and uninformed contractors or repair companies, enforcement relies on someone reporting a violation to the EPA. In addition, the rule contains a large loophole, where one can opt out of the rule if the property owner can show that there are no pregnant women or children living in the home at the time of the renovations.

According to a Baltimore Sun story, the EPA anticipates that 125,000 contractors nationwide have passed the $300 certification course required to be qualified to handle lead-paint renovations. The agency was originally hoping for 200,000 by the time the rule launched.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and some other construction groups have tentatively supported the bill, but expressed concerns that there would not be enough contractors certified. The NAHB anticipates that the lead rule will affect 8.4 million renovation jobs each year.

MARYLAND LEAD PAINT POISONING LAWYERS

The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. investigate potential lead paint poisoning lawsuits throughout Baltimore and the state of Maryland for children diagnosed with problems from elevated lead levels caused by poorly maintained homes that contained lead paint. To review a potential case for your child or family member, request a free consultation with our Maryland lead paint poisoning lawyers.

>INFORMATION: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Lawsuits

The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. investigate potential CO poisoning lawsuits throughout the United States for individuals who have been diagnosed with injuries as a result of exposure to carbon monoxide. Unfortunately, CO leaks often result in prolonged exposure because the gas is not detected and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often mistaken for a common cold or flu. The longer a person is exposed to carbon monoxide gas leaks, the greater the risk that they will be left with serious long-term injuries or die.

A recent reminder released by the Health Canada stresses the importance of the use of CO detectors in homes, in addition to the importance of upkeep on homes and appliances that can emit carbon monoxide gas. Carbon monoxide detectors are often the only way to detect CO emissions before they reach dangerous levels and cause injury or death. Health Canada recommends the following safety tips:

• Make sure that CO detectors are certified by an accredited safety organization.
• Install CO detectors in the hallways outside of every sleeping area in the home.
• Ensure CO detectors are not covered by furniture or drapes.
• Regularly test CO detectors to make sure they are functioning properly, and regularly replace batteries in battery-powered detectors according to manufacturer’s instructions.
• Have fuel-burning heating equipment vents, chimneys and other exhaust structures inspected annually by qualified technicians to ensure proper ventilation.
• Inspect vents for dryers, furnaces and wood-burning or gas stoves during and after snow storms to make certain the exhaust vents are not blocked by snow.
• Never operate generators or portable fuel-burning camping equipment indoors. In addition, never burn charcoal indoors or in a garage or tent unless it is specifically designed for indoor use.
• Do not idle vehicles or run gas-powered equipment in garages, particularly when the door is closed.
• Do not use gas appliances such as ovens or clothes dryers to heat your home.

If a CO detector emits a warning, you should leave your home immediately and seek fresh air, only then attempting to contact emergency services. You should not return to your home until the source of the carbon monoxide has been identified by a professional who can assure you that the leak has been eliminated.

CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING ATTORNEYS

The toxic tort attorneys at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. review potential carbon monoxide lawsuits throughout the United States for individuals who have experienced injuries as a result of a carbon monoxide leak caused by the negligence of another person, such as a landlord, manufacturer, repair company or other entity.

To review a potential claim with our carbon monoxide poisoning attorneys for yourself, a friend or family member, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

>>INFORMATION: Lawyers for Mesothelioma from Asbestos Exposure

The Mesothelioma Awareness Day has been organized by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, targeting local communities and radio stations across the country. The heart of the campaign will be radio airplay of music by Warren Zevon, who died of mesothelioma in September 2003. Zevon is best known for the single “Werewolves of London.” Songs by Zevon will be followed by a 20-second spot to raise awareness of mesothelioma and its causes.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers which get into the body through inhalation or consumption. The cancer attacks the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. Because it has a latency period of between 20 to 40 years between exposure and diagnosis, it is often at an advanced stage by the time it is detected. The median survival time following a mesothelioma diagnosis is under one year.

Every year, about thousands of Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma, and the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation is warning that there is likely to be an increase of mesothelioma cancer in upcoming years in New York and New Orleans. The organization estimates that 400,000 tons of asbestos was released when the World Trade Center collapsed during the terrorist attacks of 9/11, and a large amount of asbestos was likely released in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina struck.

According to a report released earlier this year by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of asbestos deaths each year from malignant mesothelioma continues to rise each year. Between 1999 and 2005, there were 18,068 mesothelioma deaths. While the annual death rate in the United States has remained stable at around 14 per million, the number of mesothelioma deaths increased from 2,482 in 1999 to 2,704 in 2005. The CDC indicated that the number of deaths from mesothelioma could peak next year, and hopefully return to background levels by 2055.

Asbestos was frequently used in a variety of manufacturing and construction processes throughout the last hundred years. Asbestos use peaked in 1973, before the toxic substance was banned from certain uses in 1982. However, it is still in place as insulation in many older buildings, ships and other structures, and is still used in some manufacturing processes in the U.S. and abroad in various forms.