What Is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Inhaling Carbon Monoxide (CO) can be extremely dangerous, with life-threatening consequences. The gas is colorless and odorless, making it hard to detect. Once it enters the bloodstream, it binds tightly to the red blood cells, reducing the amount of oxygen carried in the bloodstream. The result is damage to vital organs, especially the brain.

In most cases, victims exposed to Carbon Monoxide suffer serious injuries or death if they don’t receive proper medical treatment immediately. If you were exposed to Carbon Monoxide due to the negligence of another person and consequently sustained organ or brain injuries, you could file a compensation claim. A San Antonio personal injury attorney can provide more advice.

How Does Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Happen?

Victims of Carbon Monoxide poisoning sustain injuries when they inhale the fumes, which can happen in various ways.

Anything that burns oil, coal, gas, or wood can produce CO, including the following:

  • Boilers
  • Generators
  • Pressure washers
  • Gas fireplaces
  • Open fires
  • Yard equipment
  • Central heating systems
  • Car exhaust systems
  • Generators

Lack of proper installation or maintenance on these appliances can cause them to release CO fumes into the air. If it happens in an enclosed place, anyone exposed to the fumes in the enclosed area can inhale the fumes, leading to CO poisoning.

Places Where CO Poisoning Commonly Happens

Carbon Monoxide poisoning can happen in various places, including the following:

  • Hotels, motels, and resorts
  • Condo and apartment complexes
  • Homes
  • Boats
  • Locations that use generators
  • Structures with chimneys and flues

The consequences can be severe and long-lasting for many people regardless of where the poisoning happens. If you suspect that you or your loved one suffered Carbon Monoxide poisoning due to someone’s negligence, talk to a San Antonio brain injury lawyer as soon as possible. They can evaluate your case and help you file a compensation claim for the damages.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

While Carbon Monoxide is hard to detect, you can tell if you have inhaled the fumes if you have the following symptoms:

  • Headache
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest and muscle pain
  • Weakness and dizziness
  • Feeling or being sick
  • Confusion
  • Seizures, coma, or death in severe cases

The symptoms can be on and off and may worsen by spending more time in the contaminated room or area. They may get better when you leave the enclosed space or go outside. Overall, it’s best to get medical attention as soon as possible. The doctor’s reports will be crucial in helping you present a strong case if you pursue legal action to get compensation for the damages.

What Are the Effects of Exposure to Carbon Monoxide?

The initial symptoms most people experience after Carbon Monoxide exposure are minor. However, the exposure may result in long-term health complications and consequences, including the following:

  • Brain damage, including anoxic brain injury
  • Neurological impairments
  • Mental problems
  • Cognitive and language challenges
  • Depression
  • Movement disorders
  • Changes in personality
  • Motor control issues
  • Confusion and disorientation

If you suffer any consequences from exposure to Carbon Monoxide fumes, leave the area immediately and seek medical attention. Doing so might prevent permanent brain damage and other organs like the lungs and heart.

Can I File a Lawsuit for CO Brain Damage?

Carbon Monoxide poisoning can be avoided by taking specific steps to maintain a safe environment. For example, property owners can install CO detectors and ensure the proper maintenance of all gas-powered equipment. If you suffer Carbon Monoxide poisoning due to negligence by other people, you have the right to seek financial compensation.

However, pursuing a lawsuit can be complex and lengthy, so you should work with a skilled brain injury attorney in San Antonio. They can evaluate the incident’s circumstances and determine liability based on their findings. Your lawyer will also help you gather all the necessary evidence for a successful lawsuit.

What Must I Prove in a CO Poisoning Lawsuit

Upon presenting your case to a brain injury attorney in San Antonio, they will determine if you have a strong case and help you file a negligence lawsuit. These are often filed against property owners, maintenance companies, landlords, and contractors, depending on the circumstances of the case. You may also file a product liability lawsuit against manufacturers for defective products.

For your claim to be successful, the evidence you present must prove that:

  • You were exposed to dangerously high levels of Carbon Monoxide. This is done through testing by the fire department, furnace repair company, or gas company.
  • Your blood contained levels of CO poisoning through a lab blood test
  • A product or premises was in poor condition and directly caused the poisoning
  • The toxic exposure caused you physical or psychological injuries or both. The injuries must be proven through medical records, evaluations, and neurological testing.

Your lawyer’s role is to help you collect all this evidence and create a strong case that justifies your compensating claim. They can help you calculate the compensation you deserve and fight to ensure you get the total amount.

A Professional Helping You Fight for Compensation in a Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Lawsuit

The aftermath of CO exposure can be devastating and near-fatal, and living with the effects can hinder you from living your life to the full. If you or your loved one suffered from Carbon Monoxide poisoning, you might be eligible to pursue legal action. However, you must prove that someone else’s negligence caused the poisoning.

An aggressive personal injury attorney in San Antonio can help you recover compensation for economic and non-economic damages associated with the injuries. Our law firm represents brain injury victims who have sustained injuries from CO exposure due to other people’s negligence. Contact us for effective legal representation in your case.