Michigan Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Lawyer

Our Michigan carbon monoxide poisoning lawyers can help if you or someone you care about was harmed by this deadly gas. We have won substantial settlements for victims harmed by this toxic gas exposure. You need a lawyer with experience in toxic poisoning lawsuits.  You may be able to sue if you suffered carbon monoxide poisoning.

We may determine your carbon monoxide poisoning case would be better suited by an attorney outside of The Buckfire Law Firm that specializes in your case type.  If so, our team will let you know and will be happy to make the referral directly for you if you wish.  Our goal is to make sure you get the best legal representation for your specific needs.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas-a by-product of incomplete combustion. It interferes with the delivery of oxygen in the blood to the rest of the body. High carbon monoxide exposures can result in physical problems, neurological problems, and even death.

• Common sources of carbon monoxide
• Non-fire carbon monoxide poisoning death statistics
• How to file a carbon monoxide poisoning lawsuit
• Carbon monoxide statute of limitations

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide causes a number of symptoms, including:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Chest Pain
• Confusion
• Impeded Coordination
• Fatigue
• Worsening Cardiovascular Conditions
• Neurological injuries, including brain damage
• Death

CO is referred to as the “silent killer” because the victim cannot smell the danger and occurs during sleep.

What are Common Sources of Carbon Monoxide?

The most common sources of carbon monoxide (CO) gas are:

• Vehicles running in a closed garage
• Furnaces
• Clothes dryers
• Gas ranges, ovens, and stoves
• Fireplaces
• Water heaters
• Space heaters
• Portable generators

Many unsafe exposures occur in campers and boats. When there is enough fresh air in the area, the CO produced by these sources is not typically dangerous. However, when an appliance is defective or an area is not properly vented, the gas can be poisonous and deadly.

The pie chart below shows the distribution of deaths by location in non-fire carbon monoxide poisonings from 2014-2016. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 80% of all deaths happen in the home or a temporary shelter, with all other deaths mostly happening around the home.

• Home: 68%
• Temporary Shelter: 12%
• Home – External Structure: 8%
• Vehicles & Boats: 5%
• Home, But Not House: 4%
• Other: 3%
• Outdoors: 1%
• Unknown: 1%

More than 150 people in the United States die every year from accidental non-fire-related CO poisoning associated with consumer products, including generators, according to CPSC. Other products include faulty, improperly-used, or incorrectly-vented fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, stoves, water heaters, and fireplaces.

The pie chart below shows the distribution of consumer product non-fire carbon monoxide deaths from 2014-2016 in the United States. According to the CPSC, three out of every four deaths are due to engine-driven tools and heating systems, with the rest of the products being responsible for all other deaths.

• Engine-Driven Tools: 45.03%
• Heating Systems: 29.82%
• Multiple Products: 7.02%
• Charcoal Grills, Charcoal: 4.68%
• Water Heaters: 4.09%
• Ranges or Ovens: 2.4%
• Lanterns: 2.34%
• Grills, Camp Stoves: 2.34%
• Other Products: 1.75%
• Pool Heaters: 0.58%

Because CO is odorless, colorless, and otherwise undetectable to the human senses, people may not know that they are being exposed. The initial symptoms of low to moderate CO poisoning are similar to the flu (but without the fever). They include:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Dizziness

Non-Fire CO Poisoning Death Statistics

The bar chart below shows the annual deaths of non-fire carbon monoxide poisoning from 2006-2016 in the United States. Deaths have stayed consistent over the past decade with only a range of 49 deaths between the high and low years.

• 2006: 180
• 2007: 186
• 2008: 178
• 2009: 148
• 2010: 159
• 2011: 163
• 2012: 137
• 2013: 146
• 2014: 164
• 2015: 172
• 2016: 179

Can I File a Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Lawsuit?

Negligence lawsuits are filed against property owners, landlords, maintenance companies, and contractors by people harmed by carbon monoxide. Product liability lawsuits are filed against the manufacturers of defective products that cause harm from the dangerous gas.  You can sue for carbon monoxide poisoning and get a settlement.

To win a carbon monoxide lawsuit settlement, the evidence must prove that:

1. You were exposed to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. This is often measured through testing by the gas company, fire department, furnace repairman, or a private inspector.
2. Blood tests show levels of CO poisoning. These labs are typically taken at the emergency room or a hospital after suspected exposure.
3. A product or premises was defective or in disrepair and caused your poisoning.
4. You suffered physical and/or psychological injuries from the toxic exposure. Injuries are proven by medical records, neurological testing, and other medical evaluations. An autopsy can determine if a fatality was caused by hazardous exposure.

How Much are Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Settlements?

Carbon monoxide poisoning settlement amounts are substantial. This is especially true in cases of brain damage, breathing problems, and other serious medical conditions. The medical bills and lost income also factors into the amount. Compensation includes payouts for physical pain, emotional suffering, disability, loss of enjoyment of life, and other damages.

In cases involving death, the surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit. Compensation includes payment for the pain and suffering of the decedent before death and loss of companionship by family members of the loved one. Other damages include loss of income, future earnings, and payment of funeral expenses.

Examples of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Settlement Amounts

Every case has a unique set of facts and there is no settlement calculator to determine the amount of compensation in a toxic poisoning case.  Below are some examples of settlements and jury verdicts in lawsuits filed for carbon monoxide poisoning victims.

• $ 4,800,000 court order for a brain injury caused by the lack of a carbon monoxide detector
• $ 2,500,000 settlement for a truck driver exposed to CO poisoning while driving a commercial truck
• $ 1,400,000 settlement for a 62 year old husband who died from carbon monoxide poisoning while at a friend’s house.
• $   950,000 settlement for a woman for carbon monoxide exposure from a defective furnace at her apartment.

Statute of Limitations to File a Lawsuit

In Michigan, you must file a lawsuit within three years of the date of the poisoning. The time is longer for cases involving minors harmed by CO exposure.

It is important to preserve all evidence for testing if possible. Hiring a lawyer soon after the incident gives you the best chance to win your lawsuit.

Choose the Best Michigan Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Lawyers

Toxic poisoning cases require significant legal and medical expertise. Our award-winning Michigan carbon monoxide poisoning attorneys have the skill and experience to win your case.

There are no legal fees or costs unless you receive a settlement.

Contact us now so we can start our investigation immediately.