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New York Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Attorneys
CARBON MONOXIDE - THE SILENT KILLER
Accidental Carbon Monoxide poisoning kills more than 400 Americans a year. Carbon Monoxide is called the silent killer because it is a colorless, odorless and tasteless toxic gas produced by devices such as natural gas-powered furnaces and portable generators, which are commonly used in construction sites. A line rupture or gas leak at a construction site could lead to Carbon Monoxide poisoning leaving many workers gravely injured.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, accidental Carbon Monoxide poisoning killed an average of 439 people a year in the United States. What makes carbon monoxide poisoning so dangerous is that many people are not aware of the symptoms of the illness and tend to ignore them.
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon Monoxide is a toxic gas that is composed of one carbon atom bonded to one oxygen atom. It is severely poisonous, which means even very small amounts could prove to be harmful or even lethal.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning
- Flu-like symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Light-headedness
Low levels of Carbon Monoxide poisoning can be confused with flu-like symptoms, food poisoning or other illnesses. It could have long-term effects if it is left undiagnosed or unattended. Moderate levels of exposure can be lethal if symptoms persist for a long time and if left untreated. High levels of exposure may lead to death within minutes.
Treatment
Immediate measures must be taken to help those suffering from Carbon Monoxide poisoning. If a construction worker exhibits symptoms, he must be taken outdoors or given fresh air right away. All combustive appliances must be turned off. The victim should be transported to a hospital emergency room immediately. A simple blood test will be able to determine if Carbon Monoxide poisoning has occurred.
Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro is committed to upholding the rights of laborers and construction workers who, in order to support their families, have been subjected to unsafe and negligent working environments. Carbon monoxide poisoning may lead to debilitating injuries or death. If you or a loved one has been exposed to carbon monoxide on a construction site, you will greatly benefit from having an experienced and knowledgeable NY personal injury attorney on your side, especially if it was caused because of someone else's negligence. If you or a loved one has been injured in a NY carbon monoxide poisoning accident, the chemical exposure attorneys at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro, L.L.P., would like to meet with you. Please call our office at 212-986-7353 to set up an appointment to discuss your case.