Cold Weather and Carbon Monoxide: A Hidden Danger in the Winter Months

This winter, while you’re bundling up in layers to stay warm, consider wrapping yourself in a bundle of knowledge, too—especially about the hidden risks that come with staying cozy. You might not realize it, but the very appliances and tools that keep you warm could also be releasing carbon monoxide. Even vehicle exhaust can be a major source.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 100,000 people visit the emergency room each year due to non-fire-related carbon monoxide poisoning. Of those, approximately 14,000 are hospitalized, and around 400 cases turn fatal.

That’s a chilling statistic—but don’t worry, you don’t have to avoid heating devices altogether. This article breaks down the risks of carbon monoxide exposure and the legal options available if you or a loved one is affected.

If you need legal guidance regarding carbon monoxide poisoning, Carabin Shaw is here to help.

What Is Carbon Monoxide and How Can I Tell If I Inhalled It?

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless and colorless gas usually produced from burning fuels, wood, small vehicles, and even unvented appliances. It is the “silent killer” as it doesn’t show significant symptoms. 

Commonly, mild symptoms of CO poisoning include:

• Headache
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Disorientation
• Unconsciousness

Severe symptoms, on the other hand, can be fatal like:

• Brain damage
• Heart attack
• Lung damage
• Hearing or vision loss
• Paralysis and/or;
• Death

When you or your loved one inhales carbon monoxide, seek immediate medical care to prevent adverse health effects.

Suing for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

There are laws and regulations around Texas to prevent CO poisoning. These mainly focus on the installation and maintenance of CO detectors in certain areas and properties. Failure to comply means negligence and can harm the public. 

If you or your loved one got poisoned by carbon monoxide, liable parties can include: 

1. Landlords — This is if you’ve obtained the poisonous CO from a rental property. Texas law requires landlords to install and maintain CO detectors in particular rental places. 
2. Product Manufacturers — If you got CO exposure due to a product defect or fault. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their consumers. 
3. Maintenance Companies — If CO poisoning happens because of the absence of maintenance or repair work.
4. Employers — If you were exposed while working. Employers are responsible for providing a safe working environment for their employees. 

Remember that liability can be on a case-to-case basis. Also, you need to have suffered losses to have grounds for a claim. If you only got a severe headache and then recovered, you have not suffered significant loss and have nothing to sue for. But, if you suffered brain damage, missed significant amounts of work, or were otherwise injured, you likely have grounds for a claim.

Carbon monoxide poisoning cases are complex. If you want to take action for your incident, it is essential to seek legal advice from a carbon monoxide attorney to guide you through the process.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning? Call Shaw. 

If you or your loved one experienced carbon monoxide poisoning due to the negligence of another anywhere in Texas, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:

• Ambulance Costs,
• ER Treatment,
• Pain and Suffering,
• Medical Bills,
• Missed Work,
• Wrongful Death,
• And more.

We can help you find out for free.

Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 today or use the live chat to schedule your free case evaluation with one of our premises liability attorneys. No fees, no obligations, just expert legal advice. We put our clients first because we care.

We look forward to serving you.