Leaking Wall Heater Causes Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Apartment
An adult and three minors, including an infant, were transported to a hospital in North Sacramento on February 25 with symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. According to authorities with the Sacramento Fire Department, the gas leak was reported at Arcade and Rio Linda boulevards at an apartment building around 5:30 p.m. The resident of the apartment phoned PG&E after smelling gas, along with others who lived in the building.
Four Transported to Hospital After Carbon Monoxide Exposure
An adult, two minors, and an infant were transported to a hospital. At the last report, the injuries they suffered did not threaten their lives, and they were stable. When the apartment was checked by PG&E, it was determined that a buildup of carbon monoxide had occurred due to a wall heater, which is in all of the building’s apartments. No issues were discovered in the others. PG&E contacted the Sacramento Fire Department after residents reported symptoms of poisoning from the dangerous gas.
The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Poisoning with carbon monoxide can be life-threatening and result in heart, brain and organ damage. This is because inhaling carbon monoxide prevents the body from being able to use oxygen correctly. Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms include:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Weakness
- Rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision and loss of hearing
- Disorientation
- Chest pain
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma
- Respiratory failure
- Death
Wall-Mounted Gas Heaters
Because of the dangers of a wall-mounted gas heater, they should be inspected periodically to ensure safety. Wall heaters that are older may not be equipped with the safety features of newer ones, which have oxygen depletion sensors and automatic shut-offs. According to Inspectopedia, inspections should include looking for the following danger signs:
- The blower fan is not operating correctly
- Burn marks or overheating
- Equipment damage, including cracks near the heat exchanger
- Blocked air intakes, including animal hair, debris, rugs or furniture
- Stains and the smell of gas
- Flue gas spillage on the draft hood
- Rust or leak marks
- Inadequate venting
- Wrong materials used in gas piping
- Red tag, which means the equipment should be shut down and not used
Premises Liability and Injury Accidents
Homeowners, as well as those who operate apartments, are required to provide a safe premises. If they fail to do so, they can be held liable for injuries that arise as a result of negligence. Over the years, we have been successful in handling many compensation claims that involve premises liability. We believe that when someone is injured because of another person’s or entity’s negligent actions, it is difficult enough to face the pain and suffering of recovery. They should not also be held responsible for their financial losses.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Lawyer in Sacramento
I am Ed Smith, a Sacramento carbon monoxide poisoning lawyer. If you were injured by a negligent property manager or owner, you may be able to place a claim for compensation, which can cover your medical bills, wages you lost and your pain and suffering. You are welcome to contact us for our free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. We can also be reached online by sending us a message if you prefer. We can set up a free, no-obligation consultation to go over your case, give you information on options to recover compensation and answer your questions.
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Photo attribution: Image by Hans Braxmeier from Pixabay
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