Salt Lake City Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Attorneys
Undetectable and fatal, carbon monoxide (CO) is the foremost cause of fatal poisoning in the United States. An estimated 40,000 Americans annually seek medical treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning with 500 people suffering death from unintentional poisoning often after only a few minutes of exposure. In particular, those most vulnerable to exposure of carbon monoxide include fetuses, infants, young children, the elderly and people suffering respiratory disease, heart disease or anemia.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless toxic gas that results from incomplete or improper ignition of certain fuels. Sources of fuel include:
- Wood
- Oil
- Coal
- Natural Gas
- Kerosene
The sources of CO are commonplace and can be found in nearly every home, office and recreational environment including furnaces, gas heaters, generators, motor vehicles and watercraft. With proper maintenance and use, CO levels are not considered dangerous but malfunctioning products or improper use of products can quickly result in production of hazardous CO levels, with the chief offender being idling cars.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure can be relatively vague and improperly diagnosed as food poisoning, the flu or even malnutrition. Misdiagnosed or undiagnosed occurrences of carbon monoxide poisoning can consequently lead to death if the affected patient returns to the source of the toxic gas, often the home or vehicle.
Symptoms of low level exposure to carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Irregular breathing
Symptoms of middle level toxic poisoning exposure include:
- Severe nausea
- Severe headache
- Unconsciousness
- Mental confusion
Carbon monoxide is so harmful to the body because it displaces levels of oxygen within the blood, starting with the death of cells and leading to damage to major organs because they are also starved of oxygen. Long term effects of toxic poisoning by carbon monoxide can be severe. Nearly 40 percent of toxic poisoning victims suffer impairment of important cognitive abilities leading to memory loss, amnesia, loss of coordination, diminished vision or changes in behavior and personality. Additionally exposure may also affect the major organs, contributing to a weakened heart, loss of muscle and muscle building tissue, and weakened bladder control. Several long-term effects do not appear immediately and may only appear several weeks after exposure. In some cases, the effects may be transitory and disappear over time, yet cases including organ and brain damage may be permanent.
If you or a loved one has suffered the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning, please contact the Utah carbon monoxide poisoning lawyers at Eisenberg & Gilchrist. We help victims get through this difficult process following an accident by utilizing our resources, character and commitment so they can move forward towards recovery.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Links
Utah Safety Council Release on Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
State of Utah Carbon Monoxide Detector Code
Houseboat-Associated Carbon Monoxide Poisonings on Lake Powell
The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide
For a free consultation with Eisenberg & Gilchrist call toll-free 877.850.3030 or contact us online.
