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Free Confidential Consultations: 216-223-7535
Carbon monoxide poisoning happens when excess carbon monoxide is in the air and the body replaces oxygen molecules with carbon monoxide. When too much carbon dioxide builds up in the blood, a person can suffer brain damage, permanent disability, and even death.
Carbon monoxide, known as the silent killer, is a tasteless, odorless, invisible gas. It is commonly produced by devices that use heat or flame to produce heat, such as ranges, ovens, space heaters, and furnaces. To protect against carbon monoxide poisoning, many people rely on carbon monoxide detectors to keep themselves safe. But unlike fire alarms and smoke detectors, which are normally required in hotels and apartment buildings, carbon monoxide detectors are not. But when the detectors do not work, are not properly maintained, or are not present, people can be exposed to carbon monoxide, often with life-changing and even deadly consequences.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
The most severe cases of carbon monoxide poisoning can result in permanent brain damage, heart damage, miscarriage, or death.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is especially dangerous for small children and older adults. In addition, people who are sleeping or under the influence of drugs or alcohol are at higher risk of suffering prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide can cause brain damage before anyone realizes there is a problem. If you feel ill and believe you were exposed to carbon monoxide, we recommend seeking medical attention immediately.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is particularly dangerous in hotels and apartments because people sleep there. Carbon monoxide poisoning in a hotel or apartment usually has one of three causes:
Pool heaters are among the most common causes of carbon monoxide poisoning in hotels and apartment buildings. Because the pool heater is often separate from the rest of the HVAC system, these heaters are more likely to be neglected. In addition, exhaust fumes can leak into adjacent spaces, including rooms where people are sleeping.
Most modern hotels and apartment buildings use heat pumps to heat each room. Heat pumps generally do not burn fuel and run on electricity instead. But older hotels and apartment buildings may still use fuel-burning appliances or even space heaters, both of which increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Fuel-burning heating appliances are most common in low-rise hotels where the rooms are suites, with each room set up like an apartment.
Hot water boilers can provide hot water for an entire hotel or apartment building. When these large appliances are poorly maintained and malfunction, carbon monoxide can leak into living spaces and common areas, creating a potentially deadly situation.
Prevention is the best way to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends remembering the acronym I CAN BE:
If you are experiencing signs or symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, seek fresh air immediately. Open doors and windows, turn off stoves, ovens, heaters, and other similar appliances, and leave the building.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be caused by the negligence of the hotel or apartment building owner or by service technicians who fail to observe proper safety precautions when servicing hotel and apartment heaters, furnaces, boilers, and hot water heaters.
When carbon monoxide poisoning is caused by another individual or business entity, our personal injury lawyers can investigate to hold the negligent parties responsible for the harm they caused. If you were injured or someone you love was killed because of carbon monoxide poisoning in a hotel or apartment building, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and other damages caused by exposure. Call (216) 223-7535 or contact The Robenalt Law Firm, Inc., today to schedule a consultation to discuss your situation and obtain the compensation you deserve.
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