Carbon Monoxide Exposure in a Lake Charles Home or Apartment

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 300 Americans die every year from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. The state of Louisiana now requires that all instances of carbon dioxide exposure are reported to the State Health Officer within five business days. The Louisiana Department of Health reports that there are “approximately 100 calls per year to Louisiana’s Poison Control Center for carbon monoxide poisoning, and an average of approximately five deaths per year from unintentional non-fire-related carbon monoxide exposures.”

Lake Charles, an area of Louisiana tragically affected by catastrophic storms, is one of the most at-risk cities for CO poisoning. Due to storm-related power loss, families often resort to bringing generators indoors to power their homes. However, these generators are among the most common sources of carbon monoxide leaks and can result in severe injuries or death caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.

If you have experienced carbon monoxide poisoning in your Lake Charles home, you may be unsure what steps you should take. An experienced Lake Charles personal injury lawyer can answer your questions about filing a carbon monoxide poisoning claim, but it may be helpful to know the basics of carbon monoxide poisoning in homes before contacting an attorney.

Carbon monoxide is a by-product of burning fossil fuels. Gas-powered generators are one of the most common sources of carbon monoxide exposure in a Lake Charles home or apartment.

Other sources of CO exposure can include:

• Heating units
• Motor vehicles
• Gas stoves
• Power tools
• Fireplaces
• Lawn equipment

These common household appliances can be dangerous precisely because carbon monoxide leaks are so difficult to detect; a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, victims have no way of knowing they are being exposed unless they have a functioning carbon monoxide detector. Injuries caused by carbon monoxide poisoning can be severe, but with the help of a carbon monoxide poisoning lawyer in Lake Charles, carbon monoxide poisoning victims can receive compensation for their injuries.

Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide may result in the following injuries:

• Impaired cognitive ability
• Loss of consciousness
• Cardiac arrest
• Loss of mobility
• Miscarriage
• Fatality

Lake Charles homes and apartments should be protected from the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. By making sure your carbon monoxide detectors and fossil-fuel burning appliances are properly maintained, you can protect your home from carbon monoxide leaks. However, if your landlord fails to provide a functioning carbon monoxide detector in their property or a parts manufacturer sells faulty carbon monoxide detectors, they can and should be held financially liable for the harm caused by their negligence.

According to Louisiana law, the statute of limitations for toxic tort cases (such as a carbon monoxide poisoning claim) is one year from the date of exposure. A comprehensive carbon monoxide poisoning claim will include the full extent of your financial, physical, and emotional damages, so be sure to keep detailed records of your losses in the aftermath of your carbon monoxide poisoning exposure.

The sooner you begin searching for Lake Charles lawyers to help you begin filing your claim, the better. Remember: It is important to consult with a qualified carbon monoxide poisoning lawyer in Lake Charles before taking any legal action.

Were you or a loved one exposed to carbon monoxide in your Lake Charles home? Experienced and trusted Louisiana attorney Berit Hanna can help you seek financial compensation for your injuries.

If you would like to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation initial consultation and case review with attorney of Counsel Berit Hanna at Carabin Shaw, call our office today at 800-862-1260.