Sacramento Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Apartment
A Sacramento carbon monoxide poisoning may have caused the death of an apartment building tenant recently. The body of the man was discovered by a worker with PG&E. Sacramento police smashed a window to enter the apartment where the man’s body was discovered. The level of carbon monoxide in the apartment was found to be high. The incident is being investigated by authorities to determine what happened. I would like to take this opportunity to offer my condolences to the family and friends of the decedent.
Details of the Incident
The PG&E worker was checking a gas wall heater for one tenant at the apartment complex on Lampasas Avenue at about 5:30 in the afternoon. It was then that he saw that one of the gas meters was acting differently than the others. The worker located the unit and spotted a man inside and phoned authorities. The 10-unit building was evacuated after discovering the man’s body.
How Is a Sacramento Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Caused?
Sacramento Carbon monoxide poisoning can result when fuels such as wood and gas don’t burn completely. Appliances that are associated with the release of carbon monoxide are:
- Boiler
- Furnace
- Water heater
- Gas stove
- Gas dryer
- Fumes from a motor vehicle left running in a garage
- Gas fireplaces
- Wood burning fireplace
- Portable gas heaters
Signs of Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Carbon monoxide has no odor so knowing the signs of a leak is helpful. Signs that carbon monoxide poisoning may occur are:
- An appliance flame that is not completely blue. The flame may be yellow or orange.
- Problems keeping the pilot light on the unit lit
- Stains that can be brown, yellow or look like soot in the vicinity of the gas-using unit
- Smoke fumes in a residence
- No upward draft in the chimney
- Soot in the fireplace
- Slow burning wood in the fireplace
- Fumes inside the residence
How Leaks Can Be Prevented
One way of avoiding a Sacramento carbon monoxide poisoning is to ensure that appliances are in good working order and have adequate ventilation. Many gas companies offer a free or low-cost inspection. PG&E provides free in-home checks on gas-powered appliances, water heaters, and furnaces. The visits must be scheduled by calling ahead of time. The use of carbon monoxide detectors can help keep the family safe. One detector should be installed on each level of the residence. A carbon monoxide detector installed near appliances should be placed at a horizontal distance of one to three meters.
Symptoms of a Sacramento Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
The following are some of the common symptoms people will experience with carbon monoxide poisoning:
- The sudden onset of flu-like symptoms
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Feeling lightheaded
- Dizziness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Falling into unconsciousness
- Cherry red lips
What Should Be Done If You Suspect Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
The following steps should be taken:
- Evacuate the building if possible
- Open the windows if you can safely
- Turn the appliance off
- Obtain immediate medical care if anyone appears to be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning
- Immediately stop using the appliance until it is deemed safe to do so
Premises Liability
A landlord is responsible for the safety of his or her tenants. If the carbon monoxide leak was due to faulty appliances, water heater or furnace, the family of the deceased individual could file a claim against the landlord. For instance, let’s say a tenant notices the smell of gas after they light their stove and sees that the flame is yellow and not blue. The tenant calls the landlord and reports this. However, the landlord either does not respond or fails to inspect the faulty oven. A wrongful death lawsuit could be made based on premises liability, claiming that the landlord was negligent.
What an Attorney Can Do to Help
An attorney can investigate the situation by obtaining police and gas company reports when building a wrongful death case. If a gas burning appliance is found to be the cause of a Sacramento carbon monoxide poisoning and the individual’s death, the lawyer can file the wrongful death lawsuit in civil court.
Similar Carbon Monoxide Personal Injury Articles ~
- Two Carbon Monoxide Deaths Investigated in Berkeley
- Keyless Ignition Systems Linked to Carbon Monoxide Fatalities
- Ford Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento wrongful death lawyer. When a family member has died due to the negligence of another, the family’s grief is often enhanced. In order to find justice for their loved one and cover financial costs, you need the assistance of an injury lawyer. Call me at (916) 921-6400 in Sacramento and (800) 404-5400 nationwide for free and friendly advice. If it is easier for you, contact me online using our convenient form at AutoAccident.com, the website I founded and own.
I’ve helped many residents of Sacramento and the surrounding area in the past 37 years to obtain the compensation they deserve in all types of vehicular accidents, wrongful death lawsuits, traumatic brain injuries, and other serious trauma.
I belong to the Million Dollar Advocates, an organization that allows membership only to attorneys who have won more than $1 million for a client. I am also proud to say that the National Association of Distinguished Counsel awarded me membership. This organization is one that awards membership only to those lawyers they determine to use legal excellence in their practice.
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