Understanding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - Oklahoma Premises Liability Attorneys

Although you can’t see or smell carbon monoxide (CO), this gas can still hurt you in serious and lasting ways. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control report that CO poisoning causes the deaths of over 400 people in the United States each year.

Because many malfunctioning home appliances may release this deadly chemical, Oklahoma state code requires the proper installation of CO detection systems. Property owners must also maintain habitable conditions for tenants by ensuring that all appliances are safe for use. If your landlord fails to address CO hazards, the expert Oklahoma attorneys at Carabin Shaw can help you successfully seek justice for your CO poisoning injuries.

Burning fuel produces carbon monoxide when there isn’t enough oxygen to create the byproduct carbon dioxide. As a result, CO concentrations often increase in enclosed (or partially enclosed) spaces that have fuel-burning machines such as the following:

• Cars, trucks, and other garaged motor vehicles
• Charcoal, wood, or gas stoves
• Gas or wood fireplaces
• Furnaces and boilers
• Gas-powered generators

When you breathe air that contains abnormal levels of CO, the poisonous gas attaches more easily to red blood cells than oxygen does. Over time, CO replaces oxygen, causing a number of serious conditions. Because the noxious gas is often undetected, understanding carbon monoxide poisoning and how to reduce the risk can save your or a loved one’s life.

The consequences of CO poisoning vary, depending on the amount and duration of exposure. For instance, mild to moderate exposure might result in headaches or breathlessness. As severity increases, symptoms might include the following:

• Extreme headaches
• Dizziness and fainting
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Chest pain and breathing difficulties
• Impaired motor skills
• Loss of consciousness

Sadly, many of these symptoms go unnoticed, especially for those who are sleeping or intoxicated during exposure. Poisoning survivors who lost consciousness might contend with miscarriages, sustained cardiac issues, or permanent brain injuries.

An experienced attorney helps you enumerate your injuries and obtain records that prove their connection to CO poisoning. For example, Oklahoma carbon monoxide poisoning lawyers can recommend appropriate medical testing, such as diagnostic blood tests or chest radiographs, and documentation of physical findings in your home. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical both for your health and for a lawsuit.

Your awareness of your surroundings is key for reducing the risk of poisoning. Best practices include using appliances as intended, ensuring that appliances and CO detectors are functioning, and checking ventilation. If you feel unwell, noticing patterns can also help; for instance, feeling better when you’re away from home or sharing symptoms with everyone who lives with you can signal high levels of CO.

However, if you’re among the thousands of Oklahoma residents who rent property, you rely on your landlord to respond reasonably to your maintenance requests and to make the necessary adjustments for reducing CO risks. When your landlord neglects these responsibilities, your lawyer knows how to prove their noncompliance with CO-related safety regulations for rental properties in Oklahoma.

With a lawsuit, you can recover economic and noneconomic damages when someone else harms you. If a negligent landlord contributed to your injuries from CO poisoning, Oklahoma premises liability attorneys help you build claims for recovering damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Sound legal advice for your case can only come from a team that reviews your specific situation. By calling the toll-free number 800-862-1260, you take the first step toward your free case review and initial consultation at Carabin Shaw. Our English- and Spanish-speaking staff is available 24/7 to offer you the dedication and compassion that’s evidenced in each of Carabin Shaw’s client reviews.