Tennessee Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning is among the deadliest of household hazards; primarily because its detection is so difficult. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, and without proper monitoring equipment, victims are often unable to recognize their own exposure.
The attorneys at Terry, Terry & Stapleton in Morristown, TN have helped victims of carbon monoxide poisoning throughout East Tennessee, including Hamblen, Hawkins, Greene, Sevier, Knox, Washington, Sullivan and Cocke counties. You have our unwavering commitment to help you recover damages to the fullest extent of the law.
The Centers for Disease Control has tracked carbon monoxide poisonings in recent years. During 2001 to 2003, the agency found that an estimated 15,200 persons with confirmed or possible non fire-related CO exposure were treated annually in hospital emergency rooms. In addition, during 2001 to 2002, an average of 480 persons died annually from non fire-related CO poisoning. About two-thirds of the nonfatal CO exposures occurred in homes.
Carbon monoxide results from the incomplete combustion of fuels, including charcoal, furnaces, wood stoves, fireplaces, automobiles and hot water heaters. But some of the main sources of poisoning instances in Tennessee are from propane and natural gas leaks.
- When gas appliances are not installed correctly and do not burn the gas completely or are not adequately vented, carbon monoxide can be produced.
- Propane heaters without oxygen depletion sensors or carbon monoxide safety devices can fail to alert people when the heaters malfunction and release CO into the air.
- Carbon monoxide is also a common problem in factories, garages and around internal combustion engines.
- Even seemingly harmless appliances such as floor buffers may be powered by propane – and can release dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
Overexposure to carbon monoxide is lethal.
- Early symptoms of exposure are flu-like, including nausea, dizziness and headache – and as a result, are often missed until more permanent damage has been suffered.
- Victims often become disoriented and lapse into an unconscious state.
- Carbon monoxide exposure can cause permanent organ damage, miscarriage and death.
If you suspect you are experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning, you should get fresh air and immediately seek medical attention. Home and business owners are advised to maintain effective carbon monoxide detectors, which can alert residents or visitors to any hazardous levels detected in the air. When a business fails to install or maintain carbon monoxide detectors, innocent people can become very ill or die – and victims and their families may have legal recourse against the negligent companies. If a carbon monoxide detector fails to operate despite correct installation, and does not alert of a dangerous leak, the manufacturer may be held liable. If home heating devices are installed improperly and vent carbon monoxide into the home, the installer may be liable for any injuries.
If you or a loved one has suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by faulty detection devices or negligent installation or maintenance, the Morristown, Tennessee carbon monoxide poisoning attorneys at Terry, Terry & Stapleton are ready to help. There are time limitations for bringing personal injury or wrongful death cases in Tennessee, however, so prompt action is important. For immediate assistance with carbon monoxide poisoning claims or to schedule an evaluation of your case, contact us by calling 1-800-518-3779.
