Orange County Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Lawyer
Skilled Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Lawyers In San Clemente, California
Carbon monoxide is a hazardous gas that results from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. It is odorless, colorless, and commonly present in the fumes generated by gas stoves, furnaces, gas-powered vehicles, and other fuel-dependent equipment. When carbon monoxide accumulates in enclosed spaces, it can cause severe health issues or even death. If you or a loved one has suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning due to a defective product or someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim. The skilled carbon monoxide poisoning attorneys at Aitken * Aitken * Cohn in Orange County can help you pursue accountability and secure financial compensation for your losses.
How Dangerous is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
According to the Centers for Disease Control, non-fire-related carbon monoxide poisoning leads to over 20,000 emergency room visits, 4,000 hospitalizations, and 400 deaths in the United States each year.
Carbon monoxide (CO) not only deprives the brain of oxygen but actively removes oxygen from the bloodstream. It binds to hemoglobin, the protein responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body, competing with and displacing oxygen. This process can be deadly, potentially killing a person in as little as three minutes. Prolonged exposure to lower levels of carbon monoxide can also result in long-term health complications, including brain damage, memory loss, and heart problems. The danger of carbon monoxide is exacerbated by its undetectable nature, making it crucial to use CO detectors in homes and workplaces to prevent tragedy.
Common Causes of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Common causes of CO poisoning can include:
- Malfunctioning gas ranges and ovens
- Malfunctioning gas dryers
- Malfunctioning gas water heaters
- Fire
- Gas generators
- Oil, gas, or coal furnaces
- Motor vehicle exhaust
- Clogged chimneys
- Gas fireplaces
- Smoke from wildfires
- Gas or charcoal grills in an enclosed space
If you suspect that you are suffering from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, it is crucial to seek both medical and legal assistance immediately. At Aitken * Aitken * Cohn, our skilled carbon monoxide poisoning attorneys in Orange County are committed to holding negligent parties accountable for their actions. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from CO exposure. Let us guide you through the legal process, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the justice you deserve. Don’t wait—your health and future may depend on it.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning is particularly dangerous because its symptoms often mimic those of the flu, such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. This similarity can make it challenging to identify CO poisoning in its early stages. The risk is even greater for individuals who are asleep or impaired, as they may not notice the symptoms at all, increasing the likelihood of serious harm or death. Since carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, it can accumulate without detection, making it essential to have working CO detectors in homes and workplaces. Early detection and swift action can save lives, but without these precautions, carbon monoxide exposure can quickly turn fatal.
Common symptoms can include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- A dull headache
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Breathing difficulties
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Slow movement
- Shaking
- Stiffness
Victims of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can suffer from severe and often irreversible conditions, including brain damage, Parkinsonism, and heart damage. The longer the exposure to CO, the greater the risk of these long-term, life-altering effects. One of the challenges with carbon monoxide poisoning is that it often goes undiagnosed for an extended period. Doctors may struggle to identify CO poisoning, as its symptoms can resemble those of other illnesses. Diagnosis is frequently made only after ruling out other potential causes of brain and heart damage. The delayed detection can make recovery more difficult, and victims may continue to suffer long after the initial exposure, facing significant medical costs and lifestyle changes.
When is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning a Matter of Negligence?
Under the California Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010, property owners are legally required to install carbon monoxide detectors in all homes, apartments, and buildings. If you suffer carbon monoxide poisoning in one of these locations and discover that no carbon monoxide detector was installed, you may have grounds to file a claim against the property owner, landlord, or management company for negligence.
In addition to property owners, other potential defendants in carbon monoxide poisoning cases may include:
- Manufacturers, designers, or distributors of defective products
- Appliance delivery or repair technicians who fail to improperly install appliances
- Gas companies that fail to detect a leak
- Vehicle mechanics who fail to identify CO-related issues
- Employers who neglect to ensure workplace safety
- Hotels and motels that do not comply with safety regulations
- Contractors who fail to install carbon monoxide detectors or other necessary safety measures
These parties may be held accountable for their role in contributing to or failing to prevent carbon monoxide exposure.
Contact Our Experienced Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Lawyers in Orange County Today
If you believe you are a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning or have lost a loved one due to CO exposure, our experienced carbon monoxide poisoning attorneys in Orange County are here to help. At Aitken * Aitken * Cohn, our dedicated personal injury lawyers are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and advocating for the rights of victims and their families. Contact us at (866) 434-1424 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. You won’t pay any attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you.