Agoura Hills Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Lawyer
In the United States, carbon monoxide poisoning is the fourth-leading cause of death, killing more people than terrorism and mass shootings combined, according to the American Council on Science and Health. While all deaths are tragic, those caused by carbon monoxide poisoning are especially frustrating because they are largely preventable. In many cases, these deaths are caused by negligent property owners, manufacturers, and other entities. While there have been instances of people becoming sick before making a full recovery, this is not usually the case. Carbon monoxide poisoning is usually fatal. If you have become sick or you have lost someone you love, you may be entitled to compensation if another person’s negligence is to blame. Obtaining the fair compensation you are entitled to is not easy. Below, our Agoura Hills carbon monoxide poisoning lawyer explains in further detail.
Why is Carbon Monoxide So Dangerous?
Carbon monoxide has been given the moniker ‘the silent killer’ because while it is extremely toxic, it is also odorless, tasteless, and colorless. When the air is contaminated with carbon monoxide, people will inhale it and become very sick, even if they are not aware of it. In fact, many people suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning the most when they are sleeping. If the initial symptoms do not wake a person up, they may suffer the most catastrophic effects.
People can easily become exposed to carbon monoxide because there are many everyday appliances and devices that create it. Combustible engines that rely on fuel sources such as natural gas, oil, wood, or gasoline create carbon monoxide. The most common of these are as follows:
- Fuel-burning camping appliances such as grills and heating units
- Boat engines
- Defective wood, oil, coal, or fas furnaces
- Defective gas-powered clothes dryers
- Clogged chimneys
- Defective water heaters
- Exhaust from idling vehicles
- Defective cooking appliances
The hotels, motels, Airbnbs, and other properties in Agoura Hills all contain at least one of the above appliances. The property owners at these locations have a duty to ensure the premises are safe so no one suffers serious harm from carbon monoxide poisoning. When they fail to do this, they can be held liable with the help of a carbon monoxide poisoning attorney in Agoura Hills.
What is the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010?
In 2010, California legislators enacted the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act. This law requires all property owners to install carbon monoxide detectors in all dwellings that contain a fuel-burning device. A ‘dwelling’ is defined under the law as any home, apartment, hotel unit, condominium, or other type of housing. Buildings that have an attached garage are also required to be equipped with carbon monoxide detectors.
When property owners fail to comply with this Act and someone suffers harm as a result, the property owner can be held liable.
Call for a Free Consultation with a Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Lawyer in Agoura Hills
Our Agoura Hills carbon monoxide poisoning attorney at Brod Law Firm has seen the devastating impact this toxic gas has on families and is committed to helping our clients make things right. We can put that expertise to work for you, too. Call us now at (800) 427-7020 or contact us online to request a free consultation and to get the legal guidance you need.