Attorney Grant Riley Wins $18 Million Verdict in Landmark Carbon Monoxide Case

Landmark Verdict in Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Case

In a notable triumph for tenant rights, attorney Grant Riley of Riley Ersoff LLP successfully secured an $18 million verdict in a carbon monoxide poisoning case against a landlord for negligence. The case centers around Briana Garcia, a resident of South Central Los Angeles, who suffered severe health repercussions due to her landlord's failure to provide a functioning carbon monoxide detector in her apartment. This ruling not only underscores the gravity of landlord responsibilities but also brings attention to the dangers associated with carbon monoxide exposure, often referred to as the "silent killer."

The Incident

The tragic case unfolded on January 7, 2023, when Briana's boyfriend, Edwin Pereira, unknowingly brought a previously used charcoal BBQ into their kitchen. The BBQ continued to emit lethal levels of carbon monoxide, an undiscerning yet dangerous gas that can quickly lead to incapacitating effects. Without a functioning alarm to signal the presence of this odorless gas, both Briana and Edwin succumbed to its toxic effects.

Upon waking the following day, Briana found herself under Edwin, who was pronounced dead from carbon monoxide poisoning by the Los Angeles County Coroner. Meanwhile, Briana endured a week-long hospitalization, grappling with severe health issues, including kidney and heart damage, as well as cognitive impairments such as memory loss and mobility challenges. The effects of the poisoning have thwarted her aspirations of becoming a therapist, leaving serious repercussions on her life.

The Legal Battle

Despite the overwhelming evidence, the legal process revealed fierce resistance from Saenz LLC, the landlord company. They disputed claims of negligence, contending that carbon monoxide and smoke detectors had been installed within the apartment. This assertion put Briana's reliability into question during the trial—a direct challenge to her account of the events.

Grant Riley's diligent preparation and strategic litigation efforts ultimately prevailed. He effectively convinced the jury of the absence of a functioning carbon monoxide alarm during the incident. The jury ultimately ruled Saenz LLC liable for the grave misjudgment—recognizing their substantial negligence in securing tenant safety.

The comprehensive verdict included core compensation for Briana's ongoing medical needs and emotional suffering, reaching a total of $18,050,000.00.

A Call to Action

Post-verdict, Riley expressed the dire necessity for landlords to adhere to California laws mandating carbon monoxide detection in all rental units. "Carbon monoxide isn't called the silent killer for nothing. You cannot see it, smell it, or detect it in any way. The only way to determine if you are being exposed to this deadly toxin is to have a working carbon monoxide alarm," Riley stated. He emphasized that landlords often neglect these regulations to cut costs, which is unacceptable and a dangerous oversight.

This case serves as a crucial reminder of the need for heightened awareness around carbon monoxide safety and universality of tenant rights. For those interested, further details about the case as well as the significance of its outcomes can be found in the article featured in the Daily Journal.

For more information about the types of legal cases handled by Riley Ersoff LLP, which include catastrophic injury claims and wrongful death lawsuits, potential clients and legal advocates are encouraged to explore their website at www.rileyersoff.com.