Known as the “silent killer” due to the absence of any detectable odor or color, carbon monoxide is responsible for the unintentional poisoning deaths of hundreds of people each year. The majority of deaths occur in private homes, including short-term vacation rentals, and a smaller number occur in hotels.
In non-lethal cases, carbon monoxide poisoning can also cause serious physical harm. Whether you were inhabiting a rental property or a hotel, you may have legal options to pursue if you are a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning or you’ve lost a loved one to it.
The law firm of Eason & Tambornini has over 30 years of experience helping people recover damages from personal injury situations. If you think you might have a case, call us today at (916) 438-1819 to schedule a free consultation. We offer a contingency pay model, which means you pay nothing until your case is settled; if you don’t win, you don’t pay.
Learn more about our Sacramento Wrongful Death Attorney Services.
How Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Happens
Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels, such as charcoal, natural gas, propane, oil, and wood, are burned. If the machines or engines that burn the fuel are not working or the room is not ventilated correctly, carbon monoxide can accumulate. It can even seep into adjoining rooms through ventilation systems and the spaces under doors. If a person is wide awake and realizes what’s happening, escaping to fresh air and surviving is possible.
Anyone who suspects they may be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning should immediately seek medical attention. Unfortunately, if a person is asleep when the poisoning occurs, they will often lose consciousness while sleeping.
Common Appliances that Can Emit Carbon Monoxide
- Clothes dryers
- Fireplaces (gas or wood)
- Grills (charcoal or gas)
- Portable generators (operating indoors or in a closed space like a shed or garage)
- Space heaters (gas or propane)
- Vehicles (running in a closed garage or an open window that allows fumes to enter a room)
Recent Cases of Carbon Monoxide Poisonings
There has been much attention lately on the story of a young man, the minor son of a professional baseball player, who died of carbon monoxide poisoning while on vacation with his family in Costa Rica. Toxicology reports showed high (lethal) levels of the deadly gas in his blood and ruled it as the official cause of death.
Duty of Care
Hotels and other businesses that serve the public have a duty of care to ensure their guests stay safe from harm. If proper safety measures are not taken and a person falls ill or worse, owners, managers, or hotel staff may be held liable.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors: It’s the Law (Sometimes)
In California, property owners (including hotels, and long- or short-term rental properties) are legally required to install carbon monoxide detectors in any room with a fuel-burning appliance or mechanism, such as a gas fireplace. The detectors must be inspected regularly and maintained; simply plugging them and never checking if they are operational is not enough.
If a property is entirely electric-powered, carbon monoxide detectors are not required.
If the actions of a property owner or an employee are found to be the direct cause of the victim’s injuries, the hotel may be liable for damages.
Seeking Damages for a Carbon Monoxide Injury or Wrongful Death in California
It is crucial to seek legal representation if you are a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning. Personal injury and wrongful death claims of this type can be complicated; having an experienced attorney who can skillfully determine liability and calculate damages can significantly increase your chances of a full and fair settlement. Some of the damages that your attorney may look at pursuing include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Injury Lawyers in Sacramento Can Help
Call Eason & Tambornini at (916) 438-1819 to schedule a free, no-risk consultation. You can ask questions and learn what your options are for recovering damages if you are a victim or a loved one of a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning. We will work tirelessly for a fair outcome, and you pay nothing until you win.