Carbon Monoxide Poisoning May Be the Result of Negligence

It’s getting to be that time of year again when the temperatures drop, and the furnaces get turned on. This also means that it is the time of year that more and more people suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be very dangerous and serious. If you or your loved one suffered injuries or died as a result of being exposed to carbon monoxide, it is imperative that you seek the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney who can review the facts surrounding your case.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a gas that has no color and no odor. It is poisonous and is often called the invisible killer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics show that over 400 people die annually in the United States due to unintentional poisoning by carbon monoxide. In addition, another 20,000 people are treated each year in the emergency room and some 4,000 are hospitalized for the same reason.

Carbon Monoxide and Negligence

Florida laws require that every building in which a building permit is issued for a new construction that includes a fossil-fueled heater, fireplace, or appliance, or has an attached garage, must also have a carbon monoxide alarm installed within 10 feet of every room that is used for sleeping.

Lawsuits surrounding carbon monoxide poisoning are rooted in the laws of negligence, which means that if you or your loved one is injured or dies as a result of a property owner or landlord failing to take reasonable care of your home resulting in carbon monoxide exposure to their tenants, they may be held liable. Reasonable care means that they have an obligation to act in a similar manner to other property owners in the same or similar circumstances.

For example, a hotel may be held liable for carbon monoxide poisoning if the illness was the result of a poorly maintained heater or other equipment. In some cases, you may also be entitled to hold a maintenance company or product manufacturer liable for such poisoning if they produced faulty equipment or failed to properly maintain such equipment.

Damages from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Depending on the severity of your injuries and the nature of the situation that led up to them, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages sustained from the carbon monoxide poisoning. Compensation may include loss of wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.

If your loved one died from exposure to carbon monoxide, you may also be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit that would include compensation for the above damages as well as loss of companionship and funeral and burial costs.

Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you or your loved one has suffered injuries due to carbon monoxide exposure, it is imperative that you know what your legal rights and options are. That’s where the Boca Raton attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez come into play. We can review your situation and determine what your options may be. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Resources:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0500-0599/0553/Sections/0553.885.html

cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6303a6.htm