Inhaling carbon monoxide can be extremely dangerous because it enters the bloodstream, eventually attaches to red blood cells (RBCs) carrying oxygen and can cause damage to vital organs, including the brain.
In many incidences, those exposed to the harmful gas do not receive medical treatment right away. Without identifying the source, individuals can suffer long-term exposure that could produce serious injuries or death.
The burning of fossil fuels including gasoline, kerosene, wood and natural gas can generate deadly carbon monoxide. The leading reasons CO claims are commonplace is because the toxic gas is odorless, tasteless, colorless and non-irritating. The amount of damage it can cause is based on the level of exposure, or the dosage of toxins breathed in. The exposure may create chronic, acute or sub-acute medical effects.
Brain Injuries and Fatalities Associated With Carbon Monoxide
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 500 individuals die in the nation each year by exposure to carbon monoxide. There are an additional 15,000 emergency room visits for injuries related to CO exposure.
The high incident rates of carbon monoxide cases are the result of exposure to the deadly gas from a variety of sources including:
- Automobile exhaust
- Portable diesel and gasoline generators
- Furnace ventilation malfunction
- Gas water heater
- Woodstove
- Fireplace or blocked chimney
- Gas dryer
- Gas stove and others
- Lawnmower
- Charcoal grill
- Snowblower
- Jet skis
- Damaged or missing ventilation pipes
- Yard equipment
- Any gas-powered device
Unfortunately, CO poisoning is an all too common occurrence, claiming the lives of hundreds and injuring tens of thousands every year in the United States. Usually, the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning tend to be nonspecific and subtle. In some situations, victims are diagnosed with other illnesses that tend to mimic those caused by CO exposure.
The Effects of Exposure to Carbon Monoxide
Many individuals suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning experience initial symptoms that tend to be minor. However, the exposure may have caused significant health complications and long-term consequences. As an example, many victims of CO poisoning suffer neurological issues, cognitive and language challenges, and problems associated with movement disorders. Other significant life-threatening injuries include memory loss, seizures, and coma.
The most common lingering dangerous side effects of exposure to carbon monoxide can produce significant medical issues including:
- Neurological impairment
- Mental problems
- Nausea
- Confusion and disorientation
- Brain damage including anoxic brain injury
- Changes in personality
- Depression
- Motor control issues
- Balance problems
- Loss of energy
- Loss of vision or hearing
- Heart issues
- Behavioral issues
- Headaches
- Seizures
If you, or a loved one, suffer any of the above symptoms, it is essential to leave the area where the exposure occurred and obtain immediate medical attention. The length of your exposure and the level of your symptoms might cause permanent damage to your brain, heart, lungs or other vital organs.
CO Brain Damage Lawsuit
Nearly all types of injuries caused by carbon monoxide exposure can be avoided when specific steps are taken to maintain a safe environment. Property owners and managers can install CO detectors and maintain gas-powered equipment properly. If the victim suffered severe brain damage from carbon monoxide exposure caused by the negligence of others, they have the legal right to seek financial compensation.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC are experienced with significant carbon monoxide injuries and can investigate potential claims for compensation by any individual suffering an injury caused by CO gas. Potential defendants in a carbon monoxide poisoning lawsuit might include property owners, landlords, builders, contractors, installers, and service companies.
If you believe you, or a family member, were exposed to CO gas leaks at home, your workplace, hotel, office, restaurant or other location, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC can assist you in handling a claim for compensation. Our legal team has extensive experience in cases involving brain damage from carbon monoxide exposure. Our lawyers can file a lawsuit on your behalf to recover the financial compensation you deserve for your losses.
Our law firm at (888) 424-5757 offers a free case review to assess the merits and value of your claim. As personal injury legal specialist, our lawyers can build the case for liability by determining your level of exposure, the injuries you have endured, the responsibility of others at fault for your injuries, damages and losses.
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