Seven people were sickened after a dangerous carbon monoxide leak inside a home in Concourse Village in the Bronx the afternoon of March 18. According to a News12 report, officials said two victims were in critical condition and five others were also injured after being exposed to the odorless, potentially deadly gas. Emergency crews initially responded to what was reported as a “routine medical call.” But, officials said, they quickly discovered a far more serious situation when carbon monoxide detectors inside the home began registering life-threatening levels.
Officials Say Leak Caused by Boiler
FDNY officials said all seven patients were taken to local hospitals for evaluation and further treatment. Authorities say a boiler is believed to have caused the leak, allowing the deadly gas to spread through bedrooms and hallways. Among those affected is a 2-year-old child. Three of the victims were transported to Jacobi Medical Center where two remain in critical condition and are being treated in a hyperbaric chamber, the city’s only specialized unit for severe carbon monoxide poisoning, News12 reports.
Emergency crews turned off the utilities and ventilated the home to clear the gas. Paramedics said carbon monoxide levels inside the home exceeded 400 parts per million — a concentration that can become fatal within hours. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who were affected. We wish them a speedy and full recovery.
Why is Carbon Monoxide Dangerous?
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that can be extremely dangerous, which is why it is often referred to as a “silent killer.” It is produced by the incomplete burning of fuels such as gas, oil, wood and coal. Common household sources of carbon monoxide buildup include furnaces, stoves, fireplaces, generators and vehicles left running in enclosed spaces like garages.
When inhaled, carbon monoxide interferes with the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Even small amounts can cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, confusion and shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure or high concentrations can lead to unconsciousness, brain damage, or death within minutes.
One of the most dangerous aspects of carbon monoxide is that it is undetectable without proper equipment. This makes early warning systems critical. Installing carbon monoxide detectors on every level of a home and near sleeping areas can save lives. Regular maintenance of fuel-burning appliances and proper ventilation are also essential preventive measures.
Property Owner and Manager’s Responsibilities
In New York City, property owners and managers have strict responsibilities to prevent carbon monoxide exposure, particularly in buildings with boilers and central heating systems. Owners and managers must ensure that all fuel-burning equipment, including boilers, furnaces, and water heaters, are properly installed, regularly inspected and well maintained. Faulty or poorly ventilated boilers are a common source of carbon monoxide buildup. Annual inspections by qualified professionals and prompt repair of any defects are critical requirements under city housing and fire codes.
New York City law also mandates the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in every dwelling unit, within a specified distance of sleeping areas. Property owners/managers are responsible for providing and replacing these devices. The New York City Housing Authority has also faced scrutiny over lapses in boiler maintenance and delayed repairs that have contributed to serious risks.
Contacting an Experienced Lawyer
Whether you have been living as a tenant at a private apartment complex or in a public housing unit (NYCHA) (the Projects), please remember that you have legal rights. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of dangerous conditions, the experienced New York personal injury attorneys with the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options and also fight hard to recover just compensation for you. It is in the best interest of injured victims and their families in such cases to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer before contacting the people responsible for the injuries, and definitely before contacting or communicating with any insurance company, or their lawyers, investigators, or adjusters.
For over 54 years, our skilled attorneys have established a proven track record of assisting injured victims. One of our clients — a hot water burn victim — secured $750,000 in damages from the property owner and manager. Our firm also obtained a $985,000 settlement out of a $1 million insurance policy for two people who suffered smoke inhalation injuries because the homeowner did not have smoke detectors installed and the $15,000 that was left on the insurance policy was for a person that we did not represent. Another of our clients recovered $2,500,000 due to a faulty space heater. Also, one of our clients obtained a verdict for $43,940,000 and another of our clients got a verdict for $23,500,000, both in medical malpractice cases.
Please contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys’ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury, lead poisoning, paraplegia cases and medical malpractice cases including, brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) and cerebral palsy cases in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
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1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
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Source: https://bronx.news12.com/7-injured-including-child-after-carbon-monoxide-leak-in-concourse-village-home