Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that is produced whenever a fossil fuel is used, so victims may not even realize it when they are being poisoned by CO. Motor vehicles and portable generators also produce CO. If you or someone you love becomes ill, or if an accidental death in occurs in your family due to CO poisoning, contact a personal injury attorney in Pasadena about your legal rights and options under California law. CO poisoning victims and the families of wrongful death victims may be able to recover compensation for their medical treatment or for the loss of a loved one, but they’ll need the counsel and resources that only an experienced personal injury lawyer can provide.

About 175 CO-related deaths every year in the United States are tied to space heaters, water heaters, ovens, and furnaces. When it isn’t fatal, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CO poisoning sends thousands of victims to emergency rooms every year. You can work to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from CO poisoning by taking these simple precautions:

  • Never heat a home with gas appliances like ovens.
  • Never use generators indoors.
  • Make sure you have CO alarms installed and operating.
  • Have working chimneys and any other heating systems inspected once a year.
  • Heed building codes and manufacturer’s instructions when you install and use appliances.

Should you or a member of your family become ill due to CO poisoning, or if a tragic accidental death happens, a good personal injury lawyer may be able to help you obtain the compensation you need and deserve. If you’re injured by carbon monoxide poisoning in Pasadena, Los Angeles, or elsewhere in southern California, contact an experienced wrongful death lawyer as quickly as possible.