While Texas is not normally associated with high carbon monoxide poisoning rates, this fact is changing. Due in large part to extreme weather that has taxed the state’s power grid, Texas has seen a significant rise in cases of carbon monoxide poisoning. Austin isn’t immune from this increase in carbon monoxide poisoning and Austinites may need help proving carbon monoxide poisoning with the help of an Austin attorney.
Understanding how to detect a carbon monoxide leak and signs of subsequent poisoning can take time and trial and error. Working with a lawyer who has experience with carbon monoxide poisoning cases will give you the edge when pursuing a claim.
What Is Carbon Monoxide?Carbon monoxide is a gas and a common byproduct of burning fuel. Many appliances and machines we encounter every day produce carbon monoxide by necessity. Without these appliances and machines, essential functions like heating our homes, cooking our food, and driving would be much more difficult and time consuming.
Carbon monoxide only becomes a problem when you are exposed to it in a confined space. This issue can arise because of improper ventilation, improper installation or manufacturing of an appliance or machine, or the wear and tear of old machinery. Carbon monoxide poisoning can make victims incredibly sick and can even lead to death. If you suspect that you’ve been a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning, you should first seek medical attention and then speak to a Texas carbon monoxide poisoning attorney.
Diagnosing Carbon Monoxide PoisoningCarbon monoxide poisoning is hard for many people to understand for a few simple reasons. Because it lacks a taste, odor, or color, identifying carbon monoxide is almost impossible for most people. Because of the difficulty in identifying it, carbon monoxide is known by its nickname “the silent killer.”
On top of how hard it is to identify, figuring out that you’ve been exposed to carbon monoxide poses its own problems. Machines and appliances that produce carbon monoxide are around us all the time. However, we often don’t have access to these machines or the professional skills to assess them for a leak if we did.
Finally, carbon monoxide poisoning also produces a wide array of common and seemingly disconnected symptoms. Symptoms can also be experienced differently even by people who experience the same carbon monoxide leak. To make this problem even worse, carbon monoxide affects memory and brain function, which means that understanding that your various symptoms are connected can be difficult for victims of carbon monoxide poisoning in Austin.
Responsibly for Carbon Monoxide PoisoningResponsibility in cases of carbon monoxide poisoning depends on the source. Whether the leak originates from a stove, heater, fireplace, or even an automobile, the first thing that must be understood is whether the leak occurred in the manufacture, shipping, installation, or maintenance of the appliance or machine. Working with a seasoned attorney is key in identifying this first essential step in proving responsibility.
Here are some of the potential responsible parties in a carbon monoxide poisoning accident:
Because of the complicated nature of carbon monoxide-producing products, more than one of the above parties could be responsible for a leak and subsequent poisoning. Austin personal injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw can help you understand the potential responsible parties for your carbon monoxide leak.
Finding the Right Lawyer for You | Free Case ReviewCarabin Shaw are experts in carbon monoxide poisoning cases and will work hard to get you the settlement you deserve. To learn more call 800-862-1260 to receive a free case review. Our staff is standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week and are fluent in both English and Spanish. Take a look at Carabin Shaw’s client reviews and call us today.