· We represented a Texas woman who stayed in a hotel while on business.  During the night her carbon monoxide detector went off and she was taken to the emergency room.  Unfortunately, the damage was done and the woman suffered brain damage.  We filed a lawsuit and, on the eve of trial, the hotel settled the case for a substantial sum of money, which provided the means for the client to get back on her feet;

· In another case, our client passed out from carbon monoxide exposure in a rented apartment.  A faulty hot water heater was the culprit.  The client suffered a brain injury and we were forced to take the matter to trial.  The client now dedicates herself to helping other victims of carbon monoxide share their experiences and get the tools necessary to help them through it.

Mr. Jeff Gard is a humble attorney that I had the privilege to represent me. This man was one of many I interviewed to take my case and he was the only one truly looking for my best interests. I will and have recommended Gard & Bond for friends and people I love, in their time of need.  Anyone who is in that situation should feel confident that this team will deliver success and peace of mind. Thank you Jeff for being there in my life when I needed you.  Ash N.(click here to read other client testimonials).

Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs after inhaling carbon monoxide gas. Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced by combustion of natural gas, wood, and other fuels. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and tasteless, making it difficult for people to detect.

Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas and the most common type of fatal poisoning.  Symptoms of mild poisoning include headaches, dizziness, and flu-like symtoms.  Large or lengthy exposure to carbon monoxide can lead to organ damage, brain injury and even death. Following CO poisoning, the effects can last days, weeks, months or, in some cases, permanently.

Common sources of CO include house fires, furnaces or heaters, wood-burning stoves, motor vehicle exhaust, and propane-fueled equipment such as portable camping stoves, forklifts, generators, and gasoline-powered tools such as high-pressure washers, concrete cutting saws, power trowels, floor buffers, and welders.  Simply put, if you see a flame or exhaust, carbon monoxide is being produced.

The earliest symptoms, especially in low level exposures, are often confused with other illnesses, flu, depression, fatigue, chest pain and headaches. This often makes the diagnosis of carbon monoxide poisoning difficult. If suspected, the diagnosis can be confirmed by measurement of blood carboxyhemoglobin.  However, carbon monoxide leaves the body quicky and must be measured quickly.
Common problems encountered are difficulty with memory, irritability, gait disturbance, speech disturbances, organization, fatigue, vision problems and depression. These symptoms may may occur weeks and months after the exposure. One of the major concerns following CO poisoning is brain injury that may occur days or even weeks after an acute poisoning.  

First aid for a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning requires access to fresh air and immediate medical attention.

Prevention remains a vital public health issue.  Many states and local governments are requiring installation of carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed in homes around heaters and other equipment. If a level of approximately 70 p.p.m. of carbon monoxide is detected and the device sounds an alarm.  If the alarm goes off, go outdoors immediately.  We recommend that each home have at least one carbon monoxide detector.

Alarm Manufacturers:
· BRK Electronics
· Dicon Safety Products
· DuPont
· FireAngel
· First Alert
· Kidde

http://www.carbonmonoxidekills.com/drpenney.htm

http://www.coheadquarters.com/CO1.htm