Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas well-known among medical professionals for its sinister reputation as a "silent killer." However, average people may not know of its existence let alone understand the threat it presents. San Antonio personal injury and carbon monoxide lawyers at Wyatt Law Firm are well-versed on this topic.
Carbon monoxide molecules are commonly released into the air as byproducts from burning combustible fuels like petroleum, wood, propane, and charcoal. Burning fuel in an open space allows carbon monoxide molecules to diffuse into the surrounding air. However, burning fuel in an enclosed space allows carbon monoxide to collect in the air and increases the chances of a person inhaling it.
Carbon monoxide poses such a threat since a person can be poisoned even in the presence of abundant oxygen. Our bloodstreams contain hemoglobin, which brings oxygen to body tissues and organs. However, carbon monoxide binds tightly to hemoglobin with a strength almost 200 times greater than oxygen's binding power to hemoglobin. When carbon monoxide collects in the bloodstream and binds with hemoglobin, it overpowers the oxygen in the bloodstream and cuts off the body's supply of oxygen. Consequently, those exposed begin to suffocate from lack of oxygen. Vital cells, tissues, and organs begin to die. Oxygen is the only cure.
If you have been affected, contact Wyatt Law Firm for a thorough legal evaluation. Persons with mild exposure may exhibit various flu-like symptoms including dizziness, nausea, and neurological symptoms like confusion and seizures. Severe cases of acute exposure can result in debilitation, coma, and death.
If you think you have been exposed to carbon monoxide, remove yourself from any enclosed areas and get to fresh air. Next, seek immediate medical attention.
Go to the hospital and tell medical professionals that you think you have been exposed to carbon monoxide. Request a blood test as well as supplemental oxygen. Get your blood tested first. A severe yet nonlethal case may warrant additional emergency treatment and insertion into a hyperbaric oxygen chamber.
After you have obtained the appropriate medical oversight, contact Wyatt Law Firm Regardless of your case's perceived severity, you may already be affected by exposure.
The health effects of carbon monoxide poisoning depend greatly on how much a person is exposed and the amount of time a person is exposed. Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning is further complicated by the fact that someone can be poisoned without knowing it. Carbon monoxide attorneys at Wyatt Law Firm have found this to be true in many cases. However, the best medicine for carbon monoxide poisoning is prevention, and buying a carbon monoxide detector can save your life.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration mandates that businesses protect their employees from serious risk of harm, including carbon monoxide poisoning. Newer legislation also requires hotels, motels, and apartments to use and maintain carbon monoxide detectors. Though such establishments are now required by law to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning, property owners may fail to upkeep detectors or follow the law. Negligence like this results in preventable personal injury.
The personal injury lawyers at Wyatt Law Firm handle cases of carbon monoxide poisoning throughout San Antonio and surrounding areas.
If you or a loved one has been affected by carbon monoxide poisoning, contact carbon monoxide and personal injury lawyers at Wyatt Law Firm We will fight for your compensation.
Call 210-340-5550 today for a free consultation.
For more information about carbon monoxide exposure, visit /premises-liability/escalator-accidents/.