Between 2010 and 2015, accidental carbon monoxide poisoning killed a total of 2,244 Americans. In 2015 alone, a total of 393 people died from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning – with nearly 40 percent of those deaths taking place in the winter months of December, January, and February. In fact, carbon monoxide poisoning is the second most common cause of fatal non-medicinal poisoning in the United States. The most recent data on these personal injury incidents shows more than a 90 percent increase over the last decade – this despite increased awareness and detection equipment. Firefighters respond to nearly 90,000 incidents a year – which works out to about nine calls every hour. Our carbon monoxide lawyers out of Denver are here for you!
This “silent killer” is versatile, too. Someone can be poisoned by a small amount of carbon monoxide over an extended period of time or by a brief but large dose. The serious injuries – and even deaths – these incidents lead to can devastate entire families. Our attorneys specializing in CO poisoning understand the nuances of these cases and apply that understanding while representing our clients. Fill out a Free Case Evaluation form now or call us at 720-500-5995.
WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE AND WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?
Carbon monoxide is a gas you can not see, smell or taste. But it can easily kill you. As the name implies, carbon monoxide is produced by the burning of any material that contains carbon. The bloodstream absorbs it readily and displaces the oxygen, leading to brain damage or death. Young children and older adults are particularly susceptible.
Several common household appliances can generate carbon monoxide, such as:
- Gas water heaters
- Kerosene space heaters
- Charcoal grills
- Propane heaters and stoves
- Gasoline and diesel-powered generators and engines
- Cigarette smoke
- Boats engines
- Spray paint, solvents, degreasers, and paint removers./li>
If you or a family member have been poisoned by carbon monoxide, whether through the negligence of a landlord or because of a defective product, contact the attorneys at Burg Simpson today.
SYMPTOMS OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
According to the Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include headaches, lightheadedness, and blurred vision, among other things. In short, carbon monoxide poisoning can feel a lot like the flu, or even food poisoning. The concentration of carbon monoxide, typically measured in parts per million, is the most critical factor in the symptoms in an average, healthy adult. The National Fire Protection Association have produced a list of accelerating symptoms based on exposure:
50 ppm: No adverse effects with eight hours of exposure.
200 ppm: Mild headache after two to three hours.
400 ppm: Headache and nausea after one to two hours.
800 ppm: Headache, nausea, and dizziness after only 45 minutes; after just 60 minutes, unconsciousness can occur.
1,000 ppm: Loss of consciousness after one hour.
1,600 ppm: Headache, nausea, and dizziness after 20 minutes.
3,200 ppm: Headache, nausea, and dizziness after five to 10 minutes; collapse and unconsciousness after half an hour.
6,400 ppm: Headache and dizziness after just a couple of minutes; unconsciousness and danger of death after 10 to 15 minutes.
12,800 ppm: Immediate physiological effects, unconsciousness and risk of death after just 60 to 180 seconds.
You need to contact a Denver injury lawyer as soon as possible for help! Fill out a form for a FREE consultation here!
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU HAVE SUFFERED CO POISONING INJURY?
The most important action is to obtain the necessary medical evaluations and treatment to help you recover from the injuries. But if you or a loved one have suffered CO poisoning injuries because of someone else’s fault, it is critical that you immediately contact a lawyer experienced in handling personal injury claims, and particularly CO poisoning cases. Time is running on bringing a claim. You need a personal injury lawyer on your side to help make sure your rights are protected.
CONTACT A BURG SIMPSON DENVER INJURY ATTORNEY NOW
Carbon monoxide can be particularly deadly for people who are already asleep or intoxicated. Many of the tragic stories that make the news are those of entire families wiped out in their sleep because of a faulty furnace or space heater. These incidents often are the result of negligence or recklessness. Property owners and managers often fail to maintain appliances properly. Or they may have even been improperly installed. Manufacturers frequently produce unsafe products.
It does not matter how or why these personal injuries happen. If you have been poisoned by carbon monoxide, or if you have lost a loved one to carbon monoxide poisoning, you need to talk to our carbon monoxide poisoning lawyers right now! You need an objective, experienced professional who has handled these cases before. At Burg Simpson, a Denver injury lawyer has dozens of professionals eager to fight the battle for you. If you think you may have a case, call for help today at 720-500-5995 or fill out a Free Case Evaluation form now.
