When we think of dangerous residential and building fires, the injuries we often imagine are related to burns and trauma to the body's exterior.
However, it is possible for one to emerge from a fire without any obvious skin or tissue damage but still in critical condition.
These circumstances are the result of smoke inhalation, or the process of breathing in combustion products, which can have devastating consequences.
Smoke inhalation injuries are actually remarkably common.
In fact, they account for a surprising 50-80% of all fire-related deaths.
The combination of breathing in hot gases and noxious fumes can cause severe internal thermal injuries, carbon monoxide poisoning, and pulmonary damage.
Symptoms of Smoke Inhalation If you are stuck in an area that is filling up with smoke, you may begin to experience the following symptoms of dangerous smoke inhalation: Wet cough - your bronchioles will become irritated from particle deposits and, as a result, more mucus will be generated.
You will begin to cough up this mucus, which may be dark in color, depending on how much of the combustion materials you have already inhaled.
Irritated eyes that have become red, itchy, and watery Swelling in the nasal passages, throat, and vocal cords, resulting in difficult breathing and a hoarse voice Shortness of breath, since the lungs are unable to transfer as much oxygen as necessary to the bloodstream Headache, nausea, and vomiting Confusion Unconsciousness You will want to vacate the area as soon as possible, before the most dangerous symptoms of smoke inhalation present themselves.
Who is at fault? In the case of smoke inhalation injuries, it may be difficult to pinpoint who is at fault.
There are a number of factors to examine: Did the building have working smoke detectors installed, according to government regulations? Was the building designed and built according to fire safety regulations? Was the fire caused or spread by someone else's negligence? Clearly, one or more people may be held responsible for your fire injuries.
Because these situations may be so complex, you should enlist the help of a skilled and experienced attorney to help you determine who is at fault and take the appropriate legal action.