Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Attorneys Serving All of Nevada
The Las Vegas carbon monoxide poisoning lawyers at Burg Simpson Law Firm are committed to providing legal assistance to victims of long-term and acute carbon monoxide exposure. Known as “the invisible killer,” carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas caused by the incomplete burning of products containing carbon, such as natural gas. Responsible for hundreds of deaths and hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations every year, carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when this gas is inhaled for sustained periods of time.
Carbon monoxide can be particularly deadly for people who are asleep or intoxicated. Many of the tragic stories on the news involve entire families killed in their sleep because of a faulty furnace or space heater. These incidents are often the result of negligence or recklessness on the part of property owners and managers who have failed to maintain or install appliances properly, or of manufacturers who have produced unsafe products. Determining where fault should lie is an essential part of establishing your right to seek compensation.
If you have suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning or lost a loved one to this silent killer, contact Burg Simpson at 702-668-2070 to schedule a FREE and confidential case review with one of our carbon monoxide poisoning attorneys right away. We provide legal services to individuals and families dealing with the aftermath of carbon monoxide poisoning across Nevada from our offices in Las Vegas.
What Is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that is slightly lighter than air. Not naturally abundant in the atmosphere, carbon monoxide is primarily produced when fuels like gasoline, coal, wood, charcoal, kerosene, natural gas, or oil don’t receive enough oxygen to burn completely. This process occurs in various appliances and engines, including cars, stoves, grills, fireplaces, and furnaces.
Industrial processes are significant sources of carbon monoxide, making exposure common on several worksites throughout Nevada. At home, poorly ventilated heating systems or gas-powered appliances can cause a dangerous build-up as well, placing families and individuals at serious risk. Regular maintenance and inspections of fuel-burning appliances may help to prevent carbon monoxide production and buildup, though even these efforts are not failsafe.
When carbon monoxide build-up creates a dangerous environment and you or someone you love suffers harm, you may be entitled to hold the responsible party accountable. The Las Vegas carbon monoxide poisoning lawyers at Burg Simpson are here to review your claim, discuss your options, and provide a clear path towards recovery.
What Are the Leading Causes of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur due to various sources at home, at work, or in public places. Some of the primary causes of dangerous exposure are:
Faulty Heating Systems
A malfunctioning furnace or heater, especially in poorly ventilated spaces, can lead to hazardous levels of carbon monoxide.
Portable Generators
These can produce a high level of carbon monoxide and should never be used indoors or in enclosed spaces.
Blocked Chimneys or Vents
Poorly vented fireplaces, woodburning stoves, and vents can cause carbon monoxide to build up within a property rather than being safely vented outside.
Car Exhaust
Enclosed garages or indoor areas exposed to car exhaust can lead to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
Faulty Gas Ranges and Other Appliances
Malfunctioning or improperly vented gas ranges, ovens, or other appliances can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup.
Industrial Exposure
Workers in certain industries may face an elevated risk of carbon monoxide poisoning due to workplace conditions or the nature of their work.
Carbon monoxide is all around, posing risks under a variety of conditions and circumstances. It may be the result of poor construction, improper installation, poor upkeep or maintenance, or a number of other factors. Regardless of where carbon monoxide poisoning occurs, if it leads to significant harm, you might be eligible to seek compensation for all related damages.
Our Nevada carbon monoxide poisoning lawyers welcome the opportunity to meet with you, free of cost and obligation, to help you determine the best course of action.
What Are the Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Carbon monoxide poisoning can have severe and sometimes fatal consequences due to its ability to deprive the body’s vital organs of oxygen. However, not all carbon monoxide poisoning is acute. It is common for people to be poisoned incrementally by small amounts of carbon monoxide over an extended period of time.
The effects of carbon monoxide poisoning vary based on the concentration and duration of exposure. Early symptoms might include:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Dizziness
Progressively higher levels of carbon monoxide exposure can lead to more severe symptoms, such as:
- Confusion and impaired judgment
- Rapid heartbeat
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness
- Cardiac arrest
- In extreme cases, death
While many people recover fully from mild symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning once the source is removed, delayed onset of neurological issues is entirely possible, even following low-dose exposure. The long-term effects of more significant carbon monoxide exposure are often severe, leading to neurological issues like memory problems, difficulty with complex cognitive tasks, mood disorders, and much more.
If you or a loved one has suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning, you might be entitled to seek compensation through legal action. Contact our Las Vegas carbon monoxide poisoning lawyers to understand how we can help.
How Is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Treated?
Exposure to carbon monoxide often requires prompt medical intervention, including emergency treatments to restore oxygen levels to the bloodstream and reduce the risk of additional damage to the brain, heart, and organs. In cases of long-term exposure, doctors will also need to address potential neurological damage, heart problems, and other organ damage caused by the poisoning.
Depending on the damage done through carbon monoxide poisoning, ongoing medical treatment with a team of specialists, including neurologists, cardiologists, and physical and occupational therapists, may be needed. So too might cognitive and physical therapy to address issues such as memory and concentration problems, mood disorders, coordination problems, and potentially life-altering disabilities. Psychological support and counseling are often essential in helping patients cope with the long-term emotional and psychological consequences of carbon monoxide poisoning as well.
Every carbon monoxide poisoning case is unique, with victims often experiencing different symptoms and requiring various treatment and rehabilitation protocols. Several of these medical treatments and rehabilitation services are extremely costly, particularly when needed for the long term. When the exposure was due to another party’s negligence, you shouldn’t be burdened with these expenses.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Carbon monoxide poisoning often occurs in the home or workplace. Who might be liable for damages following carbon monoxide poisoning depends largely on the specifics of how and where the exposure occurred. Having an experienced legal team investigate your claim is the best way to determine who is responsible and how to move forward with your claim.
If the poisoning occurs in a residential setting, landlords or property owners may be held responsible for issues such as failing to install carbon monoxide detectors or neglecting to maintain appliances, heating systems, or ventilation. Similarly, builders or contractors could be liable if they’ve improperly installed or repaired gas appliances, flues, or ventilation systems.
In the case of faulty consumer products such as heaters, stoves, or generators, the manufacturers of these devices could be held liable under product liability law if it can be demonstrated that design defects, manufacturing flaws, or insufficient warnings led to carbon monoxide exposure.
In workplaces where carbon monoxide is a known risk, such as garages, factories, or construction sites, employers can be held liable if they fail to provide appropriate safety equipment, adequate ventilation, or sufficient training to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Establishing liability in cases of carbon monoxide poisoning can be incredibly complex. It’s essential to work with experienced attorneys who understand the intricacies of these cases. If you or a loved one has suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Las Vegas carbon monoxide poisoning lawyers. We are here to stand by your side, protect you from predatory insurance adjustors, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How Much Is My Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Case Worth?
In Nevada, you can seek both general and special damages through a personal injury lawsuit following carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s important to remember, however, that if you accept an offer from an insurance company, you will no longer have the option of seeking compensation through legal action. It is always best to talk to an attorney and learn what your case is really worth before you accept an insurance settlement.
There are no caps on personal injury claims in Nevada. (See NRS: Chapter 42) When you file a claim, your carbon monoxide poisoning lawyer will seek maximum compensation for:
- Economic Damages. Also known as special damages, these will include medical expenses, therapeutic services, assistive technologies, wage and earning capacity losses, and other issues with a firm financial cost.
- Noneconomic Damages. Also known as general damages, these include pain and suffering, emotional duress, psychological struggles, and other issues that do not have a direct financial impact.
In extremely rare cases, punitive damages may also be sought following carbon monoxide poisoning. These damages seek to punish egregiously reckless or willfully negligent behavior that results in serious or fatal harm.
Without knowing the specifics of your case, it’s impossible to honestly gauge its worth. If you believe you have cause to file suit, we encourage you to reach out to the Las Vegas carbon monoxide poisoning lawyers at Burg Simpson to schedule a complimentary case review right away. We will listen to your story, assess your claim, and help you determine how best to proceed.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Claim?
You have a two-year window to file a claim for injuries resulting from carbon monoxide poisoning in Nevada. (See NRS: Chapter 11) However, it is typically best to take action long before this period approaches. Waiting until the statute of limitations nears its end could create unforeseen hurdles in your case.
The Nevada carbon monoxide poisoning lawyers at Burg Simpson are prepared to get to work on your case right away. We will handle the collection of evidence, collaboration with experts, and consultations with healthcare practitioners to build a robust and compelling case, but time is of the essence. As time passes, unearthing evidence to corroborate your claim can become increasingly difficult.
Despite having a two-year statute of limitations to submit a legal claim for carbon monoxide poisoning in Nevada, it’s advisable to set the wheels in motion as soon as you can. Our dedicated team of carbon monoxide poisoning lawyers is here to navigate you through the complexities of the legal system and work to ensure you receive the compensation you are truly due.
Contact a Las Vegas Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Lawyer Today for FREE!
Led by experienced trial attorney Jack F. DeGree, our Las Vegas practice is solely dedicated to helping victims of serious injury get fair and full compensation. With more than 40 years of proven results and effective representation, Burg Simpson has the background, resources, and tenacity needed to help victims of serious injury get justice.
Good Lawyers. Changing Lives.®
If you or someone you love has suffered serious injury following carbon monoxide exposure, Burg Simpson is here to help. Please contact us online or call us at 702-668-2070 to schedule your FREE and confidential case evaluation with one of our experienced Las Vegas carbon monoxide poisoning lawyers today.
