Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Other Toxic Injury Claims
If you were exposed to a dangerous substance due to negligence, we’re here to help
Toxic substances can come from a broad range of sources and cause severe harm in the body. Ingesting poisons can lead to organ damage and other internal injuries. Some toxins even affect the brain, permanently harming the victim’s quality of life.
One of the most dangerous and often overlooked threats is carbon monoxide poisoning, which can occur in an apartment, workplace, or other enclosed space when proper safety measures aren’t taken. But carbon monoxide is just one of many hazardous substances that can leave victims facing serious injuries, overwhelming medical expenses, lost income, and other lasting consequences.
At the Law Offices of James Morris, we handle all of the following poisoning cases:
Proving negligence in a poisoning case can be a challenge. Our attorneys can look for evidence that you were exposed to a toxin due to a mistake made by a maintenance crew, a medical error or improper securing of materials by a home or business owner. We may also have a product liability case against a manufacturer who failed to warn consumers of the danger of a poisonous substance.
Our experienced attorneys know how to hold responsible parties accountable, stand up to insurance companies on your behalf and bring you justice after a poison-related injury. Get the compensation you need to move forward. Contact us at (800) 477-9044 to schedule your free case evaluation.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that can cause death in just minutes. Because it can’t be detected without a specialized alarm, it’s often called the “silent killer.” Indoors, CO buildup typically happens when fuel-burning appliances or systems malfunction or when ventilation is blocked.
Without prompt detection and treatment, exposure can cause severe health problems or even death. Survivors may face long-term neurological damage and other chronic health complications.
What are common sources of carbon monoxide leaks in New York?
Dangerous CO levels can build up in homes, apartments, and workplaces due to:
- Malfunctioning heating systems
- Blocked chimneys or flues
- Gas stoves or ovens used for heating
- Poorly ventilated fuel-burning equipment
- Missing or broken CO detectors
In New York, landlords, property managers, and employers have a legal responsibility to maintain safe premises, including installing and maintaining carbon monoxide detectors where required by law. Failing to do so can make them liable for resulting injuries or deaths.
Who can be held liable for a carbon monoxide poisoning case?
Determining who is legally responsible for a carbon monoxide poisoning incident in New York is an important step in securing compensation. Since CO is invisible and odorless, victims often don’t realize they’ve been exposed until serious harm has occurred. By that point, evidence may already be fading, and multiple parties could share the blame.
Liability often comes down to whether someone failed to take reasonable steps to prevent exposure such as maintaining appliances, ensuring proper ventilation, or following New York’s carbon monoxide detector laws. In some cases, more than one party may be at fault, making a thorough investigation essential. Parties that could be held liable include:
- Landlords who ignore maintenance issues or detector laws
- Employers that fail to provide adequate ventilation
- Maintenance personnel who perform faulty repairs
- Manufacturers that produce defective appliances or detectors
Our firm knows how to stand up to negligent parties and their insurers, and fight for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms
Recognizing the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning is crucial, as early detection can save lives. Symptoms often resemble the flu, which can make CO exposure harder to identify until it’s too late. Common symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Sleepiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Loss of consciousness
In severe cases, carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to seizures, brain damage, coma, or death. If you suspect CO exposure, leave the building immediately, seek fresh air, and get medical attention as soon as possible. If you were harmed by carbon monoxide poisoning in New York due to negligence, contact us for a free consultation.
Lead Paint
Many homes across upstate New York were built before lead paint use was banned by the federal government in 1978. Property owners legally are required to take precautions to prevent occupants, especially children, from being exposed. Young children are at particular risk because they may accidentally ingest lead paint chips or inhale dust that settles on toys and clothing. Lead poisoning can cause permanent emotional and cognitive disabilities, making immediate medical care and legal action critical. We hold negligent landlords and property owners accountable for failing to address these hazards.
Food Allergies
Restaurants, caterers, and other food service providers have a duty to warn customers about common allergens in their food. When they fail to do so, victims can suffer severe allergic reactions including asthma attacks, breathing difficulties, or even life-threatening anaphylaxis. Children are especially vulnerable as they are less likely than adults to know how to avoid their allergens. Common food allergens include:
- Peanuts
- Strawberries
- MSG
- Almonds and other tree nuts
- Shellfish
When negligence leads to an allergic reaction, victims may be entitled to compensation. Contact our offices for a free case evaluation.
Food Poisoning/Salmonella
Contaminated food can cause serious illness and be life-threatening, especially in children, elders, and those with weakened immune systems. The most common causes for the presence of these contaminating bacteria are:
- Undercooked foods
- Improper refrigeration of foods
- Food preparer’s hands or utensils are not clean
Commercial kitchens are required to follow strict regulations in order to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable. Give our firm a call today to see how you can obtain compensation.
Pharmaceutical Liability
Prescription drugs are supposed to undergo rigorous testing to make sure they are safe for use, but sometimes medications are “fast-tracked” without proper safety review. Doctors may also prescribe medications for unapproved uses (off-label) or fail to follow dosage guidelines, exposing patients to harmful side effects. For example, a medication that is only approved for up to 12 weeks of use may be prescribed for six months or a year.
Children are particularly vulnerable, and some physicians may not be fully aware of a medication’s risks. Liability can fall on the manufacturer, the prescribing doctors, or both, depending on the circumstances.
In these types of cases, our legal team investigates thoroughly, identifies every responsible party, and pursues maximum compensation for medical bills, lost income, and the long-term effects of toxic exposure.