CO (carbon monoxide) results from the build-up of this gas in blood by inhaling its combustion fumes from the environment. It is produced in improperly ventilated, tight, and enclosed spaces by the combustion of fuels like charcoal, wood, or gasoline. Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to many fatal consequences on the body as it causes oxygen displacement in RBC by carbon monoxide. If you or your loved ones have suffered from CO poisoning due to someone else’s negligence or fraudulent act, you can seek help from carbon monoxide poisoning lawyers to get you fair compensation. Depending upon the type of CO exposure, liability is established toward the manufacturer, workman, installation companies, property owners, or management companies. Below are the types and dangers of CO poisoning, in addition to compensation a victim may be eligible for.
Types of CO Poisoning:
There is no air in natural gas, but it is released from some sources in considerable amounts. Most common type of CO poisoning involves sources like automobile exhaust and stoves in kitchens. However, CO poisoning also involves other sources like engines, indoor and portable heaters, furnaces, grills, exhaust, fireplaces, factory emissions, etc. In chronic cases, there is gradual exposure to a low concentration of it over a considerable duration.
Dangers of CO Poisoning:
CO poisoning leads to dangerous consequences depending upon severity. These symptoms include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Blurred Vision
- Agitation and Confusion
- Disorientation
- Impaired Judgment
- Unconsciousness
- Difficulty In Breathing
It can also lead to low blood pressure and chest pain. However, in case of extreme exposure, it leads to coma and convulsions, seizures, permanent brain damage, heart failure, circulatory system complications, or even death. During pregnancy, CO poisoning can lead to abortion or fetus death. In rare cases, Parkinson’s may be the effect of severe CO poisoning in the long run. CO poisoning has chronic effects on the person’s memory, activities, and movement.
Compensation for Victims:
Carbon monoxide poisoning falls under the category of personal injury. Calculating compensations for CO poisoning depends on the injury’s type, extent, and severity. You can include medical bills, physiotherapists or other specialist expenses, travel expenses, and job loss in the compensation amount. If there is brain damage or death, the compensation amount is much more significant. The time that compensation claim is going to take depends on the time liability proof will take and on the insurance of the at-fault party.
CO is a silent killer with many dangerous consequences for the intoxicated or asleep person because they may not realize what’s happening as it is colourless and odourless. First, the victim should be removed from the exposure area to open air, then oxygen is administered, and another symptomatic treatment is done. Next, you should follow preventive measures to keep yourself safe from these toxic injury effects. For example, ensure ventilation of fuel-burning appliances and vehicles, install CO detectors, be cautious, and follow instructions when using appliances.
