Part of what makes carbon monoxide so dangerous is that it is a deadly gas that humans cannot see or smell. Breathing high levels of carbon monoxide can cause severe illness or death in mere minutes. Signs of CO poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and loss of consciousness, Death can result from prolonged or high-level exposure to CO.
In an average year, more than 20 people die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning in Washington State. Most carbon monoxide poisoning occurs in the fall and winter months as people use heat to stay warm. You can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning with basic safety tips.
When carbon monoxide poisoning occurs due to someone else’s negligence, victims may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim to recover compensation for their injuries. If you lost a loved one due to carbon monoxide poisoning, contact a local personal injury attorney to review your potential case.
Common Causes of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Many carbon monoxide injuries are preventable. CO exposure is often caused by faulty or poorly maintained heating systems, gas appliances, furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, or generators. Carbon monoxide can also build up inside a home or building because of blocked vents or chimneys or from improperly installed appliances.
In rental properties and multi-unit buildings, tenants typically rely on landlords or property owners to keep these systems safe. When those responsibilities are ignored, the consequences can be severe, and the landlord or property owner may be held liable for damages.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Personal Injury Claim
Determining fault is a critical step in securing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, long-term health complications, and pain and suffering. Your personal injury attorney will conduct interviews and gather evidence to establish liability. Here are the two main parties that may be liable in carbon monoxide poisoning injury claims:
Landlords and Property Owners:
Washington law places clear obligations on landlords and property owners to help protect occupants from carbon monoxide exposure. All residential properties are required to have functional carbon monoxide detectors installed near sleeping areas and on each level of the dwelling. Property owners must ensure these detectors are properly installed and operational at the start of a tenancy.
If a landlord fails to install CO detectors, ignores known issues with heating systems or appliances, or does not respond to maintenance requests, they may be held liable if a tenant or guest is injured by carbon monoxide poisoning. Even if detectors are present, a landlord can still be responsible if a dangerous condition, such as a malfunctioning furnace or gas appliance, was not properly repaired or inspected.
Manufacturers/Contractors/Maintenance Companies:
Carbon monoxide injury claims are not limited to landlords. Liability may extend to maintenance companies, manufacturers, or contractors, if a faulty heating system or appliance was the cause of the accident. For example, if a heating system was improperly installed, the installer may share responsibility. If a gas appliance has a defective design or was improperly manufactured, a product liability claim against the manufacturer may be appropriate.
Washington’s Statute of Limitations
Timing is extremely important in personal injury claims. In Washington State, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims-including those involving carbon monoxide exposure-is three years from the date of injury. If a claim or lawsuit is not filed within this three-year period, the injured person forfeits the right to recover compensation.
Protecting Your Rights After CO Poisoning
If you or a loved one has suffered carbon monoxide poisoning, seeking immediate medical attention should always be the first priority. Once your health is stabilized, it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you understand your legal options. Early legal action helps preserve critical evidence from faulty equipment.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is often the result of preventable negligence. A qualified injury lawyer can assess liability, navigate legal deadlines, and pursue fair compensation on your behalf.
Seek the Help of a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! Since 1979, our personal injury law firm, Tario & Associates, P.S., has been dedicated to fighting for the rights of people injured throughout Washington State, with local offices in Bellingham and Mount Vernon to serve residents of Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and Snohomish counties. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
