Carbon Monoxide Exposure Lawyers: Risks Increase As Weather Gets Colder
Carbon monoxide leaks are one of the leading causes of fatal poisoning in the United States, and most cases occur during the winter months, as the temperatures drop and the use of heaters and other appliances that can emit the lethal gas increases.
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.
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