If you have found yourself in a situation where you may have suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless and odorless gas that can have adverse effects on the health and wellness of people and animals. Some common sources of carbon monoxide gas include engines, furnaces, and water heaters that run on natural gas, kerosene space heaters, open fires, and live coals. Let’s take a closer look at situations where someone may be exposed to carbon monoxide and suffer from such poisoning.
The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide
When there is carbon monoxide in a person’s system, it is attached to the hemoglobin in the red blood cells, making it difficult for the blood cells to properly carry oxygen, which is an essential function of the blood cells. When there is too much carbon monoxide in the blood, the vital organ will not receive the oxygen they need to function correctly. The results may prove fatal.
It’s estimated that there are 15,000 carbon monoxide-related hospital visits every year and that 500 cases of CO poisoning prove fatal annually.
Taking Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Seriously
Carbon monoxide can be quite severe and could require the mass evacuation of a building. There was a carbon monoxide scare in a Utah dorm between 1999 and 2004; the 1,200 residents evacuated the building. Of that number, 29 people were hospitalized for headaches and nausea.
The sure warning signs are headache, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, and chest pain. In some severe cases of carbon monoxide poisoning, a person may faint or fall unconscious.
An Obligation By Landlords and Business Owners
It’s of the utmost importance that people who own a business or an apartment building keep their customers and visitors safe. For landlords and business owners, this includes paying careful attention to carbon monoxide levels and general air quality at a given location. If carbon monoxide alarms go off or there are issues with overall air quality, these matters must be addressed sooner rather than later. This caution is preferable to putting countless lives in danger.
What to Do If You Are a Victim of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Suppose you or someone you care about is the victim of carbon monoxide poisoning resulting from a negligent property owner. In that case, it’s a good idea to meet with a skilled premises liability attorney to learn more about your legal options.
A premises liability lawyer, such as the personal injury lawyers at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton, will help determine if you have a legitimate case. A lawyer can help you pursue a negligent property owner and hold that individual accountable for their failure to maintain a safe environment for guests and inhabitants. A lawyer will fight to secure damages to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other losses sustained due to the carbon monoxide accident.
Speak with the Lawyers of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton
You must contact our injury attorneys today for more information about your legal rights following an instance of carbon monoxide poisoning. The lawyers of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton will help you in your time of legal need so you can receive the financial compensation you deserve.
We serve Utah County and Salt Lake County, Utah, with Provo, Orem, Saratoga Springs, and West Jordan offices. Contact us today for a case evaluation if you’re ready to take the next step closer to fair compensation.