When you book an AIRBNB in California for a vacation, summer getaway, or family gathering, the last thing on your mind is to scour the images of the house for carbon monoxide detectors or ask the property owner to verify the locations of these safety devices. These safety devices are as common as smoke detectors and are installed in all new homes. So you make your reservation and begin planning all the fun activities you and your guest will enjoy while using one of the over 300,000 AIRBNB properties in the state.
When you arrive at the property, everyone is eager to discover all the features and offerings of the property. And again, looking for carbon monoxide sensors is nowhere on your to-do list. But that all changes in an instant when someone in the house begins to feel overly drowsy, nauseous or appears to be passed out on one of the couches or in bed. You panic and call 911, hoping that the issue is not life-threatening. And only when the first responders arrive and immediately recognize the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning do you think about how a simple device could have avoided all of this worry and possibly even loss of life.
If you or a loved one suffered carbon monoxide poisoning while at an AIRBNB in California, the AIRBNB carbon monoxide poisoning lawyers at Normandie Law Firm are here to help. Our staff answers calls 24/7 to ensure you have the essential legal information you need from a group of lawyers you know you can trust for honesty, integrity, and accurate legal advice. Contact our office today for a free consultation to discuss your situation and options for receiving the compensation you and your loved ones deserve.
What Is Carbon Monoxide?
Sadly many people are unaware that carbon monoxide gas is colorless, odorless, and lethal. The gas is produced as a byproduct when propane or natural gas combusts. So some carbon monoxide is produced in any house, apartment, or AIRBNB that has a gas stove, gas furnace, gas heater, gas water heater, or other devices that uses a gas flame to create heat. But in most cases, these devices are all well-vented to move the toxic gas outside and eliminate any safety issues indoors.
The issue typically arises when an older appliance vent begins to leak, is clogged, or the burner assembly malfunctions. As the flame burns, the carbon monoxide collects in the house, displacing the oxygen in the air. If humans or domestic pets are in the house, as the carbon monoxide buildup increases, they will suffer from oxygen deprivation. In essence, they are suffocating because there is not enough oxygen in the air to support life. If you discover someone who appears to be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, evacuate the house and move everyone to fresh air a safe distance from the home.
The Early Signs Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Because carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, humans cannot detect it. That is why carbon monoxide sensors or detectors are vital in every home. In most cases, the sensors will sound an alert before the level of carbon monoxide in the air becomes hazardous. However, if the house has no detectors or alarms, everyone should recognize the indications of early carbon monoxide poisoning, including:
- Difficulty concentrating or a dull headache
- Weakness and dizziness
- Confusion or disorientation
- Blurred vision
- Vomiting or nausea
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Anyone with respiratory issues such as asthma could experience the symptoms sooner than others in the house. In addition, the breathing issues for an asthmatic could appear quickly and rapidly become severe to life-threatening.
The Life-altering Injuries Due To Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Unfortunately, about 500 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning each year. And while that number sounds very minor compared to other illnesses or causes of death, these are all very preventable, as are the 20,000 victims who suffer life-long injuries, including:
- Permanent lung damage and breathing challenges
- Severe headaches
- Nerve pain
- Memory loss and trouble concentrating
- An altered personality which can include anger issues, and changes in temperament
- Psychosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Damage to the heart
These are only some of the long-term chronic health issues faced by victims of carbon monoxide poisoning. Anyone who has been exposed to carbon monoxide should seek immediate medical attention to help reduce the long-term risk of illnesses or loss of life.
California Law Requires Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Because there is no other way to detect carbon monoxide, the State of California requires carbon monoxide sensors or detectors with alarms to be installed in all sleeping areas of homes and any basements. It is also recommended that a sensor be installed in any room that contains a device using natural gas or propane. The alarms can be battery-powered, much like standard smoke detectors, or hard-wired into the home’s electrical system.
If the AIRBNB property you rented did not have carbon monoxide sensors or alarms installed, please get in touch with the AIRBNB carbon monoxide poisoning lawyers at Normandie Law Firm immediately. Our office takes calls 24/7 to ensure that you have access to the legal information you need when you need it the most. The owner of the AIRBNB is clearly negligent in not installing the required carbon monoxide sensors, and you have a solid case to sue the owner and possibly even the AIRBNB Company. Your Normandie Law Firm expert will provide you with more information during your free legal consultation.
What To Do Before Returning Home
It is important to remember that once you leave the AIRBNB, you might not have access to the property. And even if you do, some of the conditions could have been altered since your visit. So you will want to document the property with images of each room and hallway. The goal is to demonstrate the lack of any carbon monoxide sensors or alarms in the house, which is against the law. Also, ask for copies of any reports from medical first responders who arrived at the house. Checked for carbon monoxide leaks and inspected any sensors or alarms that were not functioning. Finally, keep copies of all medical records for everyone who was exposed to carbon monoxide. These documents will be very beneficial in a lawsuit against the owner of the AIRBNB and the AIRBNB Company.
What Is The Time Frame For An AIRBNB Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Lawsuit?
In terms of filing your claim, you have two years from the date of the incident to file a claim with the court system. If you wait longer than two years, the court will reject the lawsuit as it is past the Statute of Limitations. However, the team at Normandie Law Firm recommends seeking legal representation immediately to ensure the best result and to protect your legal rights.
What Is My Lawsuit Worth?
The value of any personal injury lawsuit is determined primarily according to the losses and expenses of the victim. In this case, your legal team would ask for information regarding the following:
- The amount of any medical bills for treatment
- An estimated amount for future medical care required
- Estimated lost wages if unable to return to work
- The amount of legal fees for the claim
In addition, an amount can be added to the losses and expenses to account for pain and suffering. This number can increase if the victim continues to suffer headaches, memory loss, or other long-term impacts from carbon monoxide exposure.
Have Other Law Firms Refused To Take Your Case?
It is not uncommon for the Normandie legal team to hear that another law firm stated that a client had no grounds for a lawsuit. However, after a review of the facts, the Normandie Law Firm is happy to accept the case and begin to prepare to file the lawsuit. The reason for this differing review is the skill and dedication of the staff at Normandie Law Firm. We know that our experts bring years of experience and success to every case. And we are confident in our team and their ability to secure the compensation you deserve as an injury victim.
No Upfront Fees
At Normandie Law Firm, we pledge never to ask for any money until we have won your lawsuit. We believe that everyone has a right to quality legal services. And that fact should not apply only if they are able to pay upfront for legal advice and representation. In addition, if we fail to secure a settlement in your favor, you owe us nothing for our work.
We are sure there is no better way to instill confidence in our clients than to pledge to work for free until we win their lawsuit. So when Normandie Law Firm accepts your case for an AIRBNB carbon monoxide poisoning lawsuit, know that we are banking on a win to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and suffering due to the issues at your AIRBNB rental.
