Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Signs & Symptoms

Each year in America, accidental carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning kills more than 400 people, hospitalizes 4,000 people, and sends an estimated 20,000 people to the emergency room. And frighteningly, everyone is at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning—which means it’s crucial to know about carbon monoxide poisoning signs & symptoms to mitigate the dangers.

If you suspect or know that you’ve been harmed due to CO poisoning in San Antonio, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. Read on to learn the symptoms of CO poisoning, find out when to enlist the help of a personal injury lawyer in San Antonio, and learn how to receive a free consultation with property owner negligence attorneys.

Carbon monoxide is often referred to as a silent killer; it has no smell and no taste, meaning it is impossible for people to tell if they are breathing it.

Carbon monoxide is also very common. Many common household items—such as charcoal grills, generators, and gas stoves—can emit CO, which is a byproduct of combustion. For this reason, every residence should have a functioning carbon monoxide alarm.

Carbon monoxide poisoning may occur in many different scenarios, including:

• Blocked chimneys preventing CO from escaping
• Inhaling paint remover fumes
• Leaving cars running in closed garages
• Working in an environment with high levels of CO (firefighters, mechanics, and welders are all in high risk groups)
• Malfunctioning household appliances (such as water heaters or stoves)
• Defective carbon monoxide detector
• And more

The symptoms of low level carbon monoxide exposure can be difficult to correctly identify, since CO poisoning symptoms mimic the symptoms of the flu or food poisoning. They include:

• Mild headaches
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath

However, the longer a person is exposed to CO, the worse the symptoms will become. Moderate exposure to carbon monoxide may cause the above symptoms, in addition to:

• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Fainting
• Confusion
• Loss of muscle coordination
• Vision difficulties
• Loss of balance
• Nausea, vomiting, or upset stomach
• Severe headaches
• Memory problems

If you’re experiencing flu-like symptoms but no fever—or if you notice that several people in the same residence are experiencing these symptoms—you may be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause long-term problems, such as heart damage. If you suffered carbon monoxide poisoning due to a faulty appliance or a negligent landlord, you may have legal grounds for a personal injury claim to recover damages for your medical expenses and pain and suffering. At Carabin Shaw, we believe that negligent property owners must be held accountable whenever people are injured. If you decide to entrust us with your case, our property owner negligence attorneys will fight for you tirelessly to get you the settlement you deserve.

To find out what we can do for you, reach out to the experts at Carabin Shaw today. We offer all new clients a no cost, no obligation initial consultation with an attorney, meaning you have nothing to lose by giving us a call and speaking with a qualified lawyer. We can help you determine whether or not you may have grounds for a claim and help you decide how to move forward.

To receive your free consultation with a qualified personal injury lawyer in San Antonio, contact our San Antonio office at 210-222-2288. Don’t wait—call us ASAP and learn how we can help you recover after CO poisoning and get the justice you deserve.