Legal Information and Resources

Westlaw’s “Products Liability Journal” published an article in its March 2013 issue by Locks Law Firm’s, Philadelphia carbon monoxide lawyer, Tom Gowen regarding the need for effective, improved safety in gas powered generators.  Mr. Gowen stated that the industry has known about the annual death toll from the use of generators, in or near buildings.  The injuries and deaths caused each year by the inhalation of carbon monoxide (“CO”) produced by generators could be greatly reduced by the use of interlocked CO detectors and catalytic converters with generators.  He further stated that people unnecessarily die each year because of the use of generators by inexperienced operators, who often seek to replace a loss of power caused by storm damage.  The manufacturers of dangerous products, like generators, have a duty to understand the nature of the hazard associated with their products.  They also have a duty to eliminate or guard against that hazard whenever possible.  Too many people do not appreciate that lethal levels of CO can be generated in minutes regardless of the type of fossil fuel powering the generator.  Even more do not understand that using generators in open garages, near windows or doors or, worst of all, within buildings, can rapidly cause unconsciousness and death to the occupants.  Mr. Gowen’s full article is on our publications page at www.Lockslaw.com or by clicking here.