Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Are You a Victim?

While you may think that carbon monoxide leaks are becoming rare due to modern detection systems, a carbon monoxide leak was reported at a Microtel Inn in Sutton, West Virginia, on May 26, 2024. Officials were contacted when occupants complained of weakness, nausea, and numbness in their extremities. Out of the 68 people staying in the hotel when officials were contacted, seven were taken to a local hospital for treatment following evacuation.

While the West Virginia State Code requires that all hotels have operational carbon monoxide detectors, it was later revealed that the Microtel Inn did not have any sort of carbon monoxide detector installed. Instances such as this reinforce that we must be educated on the warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning in order to protect ourselves.

If you or a loved one were affected by the Microtel Inn incident, or any other carbon monoxide exposure, please call our compassionate personal injury lawyers today.

What Causes Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

As a colorless, odorless, and toxic gas, carbon monoxide is incredibly difficult to detect. However, there are certain products and activities where the gas is more likely to be present. Most often, carbon monoxide is found when burning fuel, whether that be gas, wood, propane, or even charcoal. This means that most engines or household appliances put you at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning, especially if you are using an item in an area that is not well-ventilated. Without a place for the gas to escape, it builds up, putting you and your loved ones at risk.

You might commonly see carbon monoxide buildup when you are grilling indoors or running a car inside a closed garage. However, carbon monoxide poisoning can occur through a variety of other household items as well, such as clothes dryers, hot water heaters, furnaces, fireplaces, or even gas stoves. For these reasons, it is even more important to know how to detect this gas.

How to Determine If You Are Affected by Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

While a colorless and odorless gas may not seem like it can cause irreparable damage to the body, carbon monoxide poisoning can be life-threatening. Over time, replacing oxygen with carbon monoxide deprives the body’s tissues and organs of the oxygen they need to function properly. Long-term effects of carbon monoxide poisoning can result in serious cognitive, physical, and behavioral issues.

Most often, carbon monoxide poisoning tends to affect the brain and heart, causing symptoms such as headaches, weakness, dizziness, vomiting, and shortness of breath. Additionally, carbon monoxide poisoning can cause confusion, blurred vision, drowsiness, or loss of consciousness. If you are experiencing these symptoms, especially in a poorly ventilated area, there is a good chance you may be experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning, and you should leave the dwelling immediately and call for help.

Carbon Monoxide Exposure Victims – Including Those at the Microtel Inn – Should Seek Legal Help

If you or your loved one is experiencing any of the above symptoms, there is a strong likelihood you are experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning. It is crucial that anyone exposed to carbon monoxide gets fresh air immediately. Once you have removed the individual from the suspected poisoning, immediately call 911 to ensure they do not need further medical attention.

If, like the victims of the Microtel Inn carbon monoxide poisoning incident, you were exposed to this substance by a careless business or property owner, contact the premises liability team at Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law to start securing the compensation you deserve. We are the largest female-founded law firm in the country and offer free consultations for prospective plaintiffs.