“Tis the season for carbon monoxide poisoning and resulting personal injury cases.
Carbon Monoxide poisoning is caused by the incomplete combustion of natural fossil fuels – natural gas, propane, oil, coal, kerosene, gasoline, wood and other flammables. Some common causes are running a generator in an enclosed room, a clogged chimney, cracked heat exchangers, and faulty pipes.
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are difficult to detect, because they masquerade as the flu. Victims usually suffer headaches, nausea, fatigue and disorientation. Poisoning can lead to death. For survivors, the injury can last a lifetime – well after the poison leaves the blood stream.
The best way to prove carbon monoxide poisoning is to have a blood test that shows its presence. The definitive test is a carboxy hemoglobin test. The test is not part of the standard blood tests, and must be specifically ordered. Because carbon monoxide quickly passes out of the blood, the test should be given within a 4 hour window of exposure.
Finding the source of the poisoning is crucial to a personal injury case. Usually this involves a technician visiting the home or business and conducting a through investigation. Multiple codes, including the National Fuel Gas Code, The International Fuel Gas Code, The International Residential Code and the International Mechanical Code.
In Texas, a carbon monoxide poisoning personal injury case is usually subject to a two year statute of limitations – meaning it must be brought within two years of the injury. There are other time defenses that can be raised by a defendant, however.
If you think you are being poisoned by carbon monoxide, go the emergency room immediately and tell them your suspicions. And then contact the Hammerle Finley Law Firm.
