Although they may not happen as frequently as, say for example car accidents, carbon monoxide injuries are not to be taken lightly. Carbon monoxide, a type of flammable gas, can have fatal consequences. According to recent studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are upwards of 20,000 visits to the emergency room as a direct cause of carbon monoxide poisoning. Based on the same study, of the 20,000 emergency room trips, 4,000 end up resulting in hospitalization, and 400 result in fatalities. With no smell, taste, or sound, a carbon monoxide poisoning can seem to come out of nowhere, but the consequences can last a lifetime. It is important to know the various symptoms and signs of a carbon monoxide poisoning before it’s too late.
What sort of things can cause carbon monoxide poisoning?
Every carbon monoxide case is unique. However, a lot of the time, carbon monoxide poisoning is caused because of somebody else’s negligence. Most commonly, we see this is normal household products that have been manufactured poorly and, in turn, leak the gas into the air that can cause you a serious injury. It is important in cases where your carbon monoxide poisoning was caused by someone else to seek professional legal counsel in order to ensure you get your fair compensation for the injuries that you have suffered from.
Some of the more common examples of household, day-to-day objects that can cause carbon monoxide poisoning include (but are certainly not limited to):
- Electric grills
- Gas fireplaces
- Oil furnaces
- Clothes dryers
- Water heaters powered by gas
- Wood-burning stoves
- Refrigerators
Regardless of how big or small the appliance is, most gas-using objects can cause the same among of damage to your body. Something as small as a poorly manufactured mini electric grill that leaks carbon monoxide gas can cause you or somebody in your family to die.
What are common symptoms of a carbon monoxide poisoning?
Although carbon monoxide is somewhat of a silent killer, there are certain symptoms to identify before it is too late. It is critical to know the signs so you can pick out a potential poisoning and receive medical care as quickly as possible. The longer you wait, the more likely you or whoever else is suffering from the poisoning, can suffer much more fatal injuries. Common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Weakening of the body (such as unexpected body fatigue)
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty seeing
- Fainting
Please remember that none of these symptoms are exclusive to carbon monoxide poisoning. That being said, if you feel that some of these symptoms come on unexpectedly and seemingly ‘out-of-nowhere,’ it is important to seek medical attention, and later legal action.
If you or someone you know believes they have suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning, it may be in your best interest to reach out to Cohen & Cohen, a group of skilled attorneys that have been successfully serving Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, and the surrounding areas and specialize in cases like these. Do not hesitate to call Cohen & Cohen today and we will be more than happy to set you up with an expert carbon monoxide lawyer on our team who will help you get the compensation you deserve.
