There is a reason carbon monoxide poisoning is called a silent killer. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is nearly undetectable. When a carbon monoxide leak or issue occurs, most victims do not know they have been exposed until it is too late. Individuals in Johnson City who survive carbon monoxide poisoning can suffer debilitating health complications and mental distress.

When careless individuals, property owners, or other parties fail to take reasonable measures to prevent or repair carbon monoxide leaks or to install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors, the results can be tragic. At The Terry Law Firm, our Johnson City carbon monoxide lawyers can hold careless parties accountable for their actions and help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.

Work with an experienced legal team that understands how to manage the complexities of carbon monoxide poisoning cases. Contact our Johnson City attorneys and arrange a free legal consultation to discuss your situation.

Common Sources of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Johnson City

Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a dangerous and potentially deadly gas. Its colorless and odorless nature makes it highly challenging to detect. Carbon monoxide is produced when fuel like natural gas, wood, coal, or gasoline burns. That means it can come from various sources in homes, vehicles, and workplaces.

Some of the most common sources of carbon monoxide exposure in Johnson City include:

  • Furnaces and boilers – One of the most common sources of carbon monoxide poisoning is old, malfunctioning, poorly ventilated furnaces and boilers. These heating systems can lead to an excessive buildup of CO gas in homes, offices, hotels, and other businesses, especially during winter.
  • Generators and space heaters – Colder months can also be dangerous when people use portable gas-powered generators or unvented space heaters indoors to keep warm. Improper use can also be hazardous during storms and power outages.
  • Grills and charcoal burners – These cooking tools can emit dangerous carbon monoxide gas into enclosed spaces. Grills and burners should be used only in ventilated outdoor spaces, never indoors or in areas like tents or campers.
  • Fuel-burning appliances – Natural gas may be a popular home appliance option, but it can also be dangerous. Stoves, ovens, water heaters, and dryers that use natural gas or propane can emit carbon monoxide when not correctly installed or maintained. Leaks from these appliances due to damage or wear and tear can also be life-threatening.
  • Automobiles – Running a car engine in a closed garage, even for a short time, can quickly lead to CO accumulation. Faulty exhaust systems also pose safety risks.
  • Fireplaces and wood stoves – Incomplete combustion, blocked chimneys, or improper maintenance can cause CO to enter living spaces from fireplaces and wood or coal-burning stoves.

Health Effects and Long-Term Consequences of Carbon Monoxide Exposure

Nearly 400 Americans die of carbon monoxide poisoning annually, and another 100,000 require visits to the emergency room, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Carbon monoxide is dangerous because it replaces oxygen in red blood cells, reducing the body’s ability to carry oxygen to vital tissues and organs. Slowly, the body is starved of oxygen, and tissue damage and organ failure can occur.

Exposure over time can cause flu-like symptoms. Signs of acute carbon monoxide poisoning can include:

  • Headache
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Confusion
  • Blurred vision
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Memory loss
  • Personality changes
  • Hallucinations

Most individuals do not know they are suffering from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning because of the brain fog and confusion that can occur during an episode.

The long-term consequences of carbon monoxide exposure depend on the amount of gas a person breathed in and for how long. Tissue death and organ damage are potential side effects of exposure. The brain and heart are highly susceptible to damage caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. Irreversible brain damage and life-threatening heart issues are possible.

When carbon monoxide poisoning leads to a loss of consciousness, the likelihood of death from carbon monoxide poisoning increases significantly because the individual cannot remove themselves from the source of the gas.

Legal Liability in Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Cases

Liability for carbon monoxide poisoning cases can be complicated because numerous entities may be involved and bear varying degrees of liability. In some cases, a negligent property owner or landlord may be responsible for failing to reasonably install or maintain carbon monoxide detectors or repair CO leaks. Such cases fall into the realm of premises liability.

Some cases involve carbon monoxide from defective stoves, appliances, or other consumer products. Other cases involve defective carbon monoxide alarms. Manufacturers of these products could be held accountable for design flaws, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warning labels advising of known risks.

Liability in a carbon monoxide lawsuit may fall on one or more of the following parties, depending on the circumstances:

  • Landlord
  • Property owner 
  • Maintenance or service company 
  • Employer
  • Product manufacturer 
  • Government entity 

Gathering substantial evidence is critical. It will help you establish liability, demonstrate the extent of your injuries, and pursue fair compensation.

Types of Compensation Available for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Victims

Carbon monoxide poisoning compensation should always be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The cause of the poisoning and the severity of a person’s injuries are only two of numerous factors that can affect the value of a claim. While the value can vary, the type of compensation a Johnson City carbon monoxide poisoning victim may pursue can include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of earning capacity 
  • Loss of quality of life
  • Emotional distress
  • Pain and suffering

Do not accept compensation from an insurer, manufacturer, landlord, or other party without consulting a skilled attorney at The Terry Law Firm. Responsible parties may attempt to skirt liability or offer you less than you deserve for the devastating consequences. Our personal injury attorneys can calculate the full value of your losses and negotiate for maximum compensation.

How The Terry Law Firm Can Help with Your Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Case

The legal team at The Terry Law Firm is prepared to advocate for you and provide proper legal guidance if someone else’s negligence caused your carbon monoxide poisoning. We proudly represent carbon monoxide poisoning victims in the Johnson City area and throughout East Tennessee, and we can help by:

  • Thoroughly investigating the cause of the CO poisoning 
  • Identifying all liable parties
  • Gathering and preserving evidence
  • Documenting your injuries and calculating your losses
  • Managing any insurance claims
  • Negotiating for maximum compensation
  • Filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit when necessary

You do not have to fight this battle without legal representation. The legal professionals at The Terry Law Firm are prepared to take on your case and fight to make a difference. If you are ready to learn more about your legal rights and options for pursuing compensation, our team is here to help.

Contact our office today to request a free consultation with our experienced Johnson City carbon monoxide attorneys and find out how we can help you seek justice.