At The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, our dedicated team provides legal representation for clients who suffered carbon monoxide poisoning. We are committed to ensuring victims secure the compensation they deserve for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages when their injuries result from another party’s negligence.
In this Article
What Is Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Where Does It Come From?
Carbon monoxide gas (CO) is a colorless, tasteless, and odorless gas produced through the incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels. Its toxic fumes are commonly released by vehicles, gas heaters, fireplaces, grills, and certain types of industrial equipment. Carbon monoxide exposure at high levels can lead to serious health risks, including CO poisoning.
What Causes Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be caused due to several reasons:
Malfunctioning Gas Heaters: Faulty space heaters can emit high levels of CO, resulting in poisoning.
Unventilated Fireplaces: Inadequate ventilation in fireplaces can lead to CO accumulation.
Improperly Installed Fuel-Burning Appliances: Appliances like gas ranges installed incorrectly may lead to a carbon monoxide leak.
Running Generators Indoors: Generators create CO; indoor usage can be fatal.
Blocked Chimneys: Built-up debris can trap carbon monoxide fumes, leading to dangerous concentrations.
A Malfunctioning Portable Gas Camp Stove: A worn-out stove can produce carbon monoxide.
What Are Common Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Symptoms of CO poisoning can range from headaches, dizziness, and nausea, to chest pain, confusion, and unconsciousness in severe cases. Long-term exposure may result in permanent neurological damage, heart disease, and in extreme cases, death. It’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you have been exposed to carbon monoxide and you suspect poisoning.
How Can CO Poisoning be Detected and Prevented?
Detecting CO levels in your environment can be achieved by installing carbon monoxide detectors in your home or workplace.
For prevention, ensure regular maintenance of heating systems and appliances, proper ventilation in areas with fireplaces, stoves or fuel-burning space heaters, and never run generators or grills inside enclosed spaces. Always consult professionals for the installation or repair of any carbon-based fuel equipment.
How Is CO Poisoning Treated?
CO poisoning is treated primarily by immediate removal from exposure to fresh air, followed by administering oxygen. In severe cases, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used to quickly reduce CO levels in the blood.
When Is CO Poisoning a Valid Personal Injury Claim?
Carbon monoxide poisoning cases become valid personal injury claims when:
The property owner or manager failed to install or maintain a carbon monoxide detector.
The poisoning resulted from a faulty heating system, water heater, or other equipment and appliances.
There was improper installation or repair of heating systems or appliances that were not vented properly.
The manufacturer of the CO-emitting device failed to provide adequate safety warnings.
Employer negligence led to CO poisoning in the workplace.
Landlords or property managers failed to provide adequate ventilation in the building.
Who Can Be Held Liable for CO Poisoning?
In cases of CO poisoning, various parties can be held liable. This includes landlords, property managers, manufacturers of faulty gas appliances, negligent employers, or any party responsible for maintaining CO safety standards.
What Compensation Can I Claim?
Victims of CO poisoning can seek a carbon monoxide poisoning settlement for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other financial losses connected to the incident. In tragic cases where CO poisoning results in death, families may pursue a wrongful death claim for loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and other relevant damages.
What Information Do I Need to Prove My Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Case?
To prove a poisoning case, carbon monoxide poisoning lawyers need evidence showing exposure to CO and its harmful effects. Medical bills, photos of the CO source, and witness statements can be beneficial. Test results showing high CO levels in the blood, and reports from a failed home or appliance inspection, can also support your case. Documentation of related financial losses, like missed work days, are crucial for seeking compensation. Always consult with an experienced attorney to guide you.
What Are the Legal Options if a Loved One Died of CO Poisoning?
If loved ones tragically died due to CO poisoning, Chicago carbon monoxide lawyers may file wrongful death lawsuits. This allows family members to seek compensation for loss of companionship, emotional distress, funeral expenses, and any potential income the deceased would have earned.
Do I Need a Carbon Monoxide Attorney?
The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers is a law firm that handles personal injury cases, including those related to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
A carbon monoxide poison attorney offers legal representation to victims of CO poisoning. We gather evidence to build a compelling case, identify liable parties, negotiate with insurance companies for fair compensation, and if necessary, represent victims in court. Our ultimate aim is to secure full and fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other damages for our clients.
Call Us for a Free Consultation
Don’t suffer in silence; reach out to us now and secure your rights with our experienced CO poisoning attorneys.
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$2.2 Million
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$2 Million
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$1.5 Million
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$1.4 Million
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$800,000
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$660,000
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$550,000
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$550,000
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$500,000
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$460,000
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$450,000
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$425,000
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$425,000
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$415,000
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$400,000
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$370,000
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$315,000
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$310,000
Recovery for a person injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$300,000
Recovery for a bicyclist struck by a vehicle.
$250,000
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$250,000
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$250,000
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$240,000
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$235,000
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$235,000
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$219,000
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$200,000
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$190,000
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$175,000
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$170,000
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$150,000
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Britt C.
Andrew Kryder went above and beyond to help me out with a case that I brought to him. He was prompt, attentive, and extremely thorough. It was a pleasure to work with him!