Consumers trust combination natural gas and carbon monoxide alarms to protect their families from life-threatening dangers. However, the recent recall of DeNova Detect brand alarms highlights a critical failure that could leave users vulnerable. These alarms, distributed by New Cosmos USA Inc., may enter a sleep mode after an alert lasting less than four minutes. During this mode, the alarm is unable to detect and alert users to a new instance of natural gas or carbon monoxide presence, creating a significant risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
With over 26,000 units sold between December 2023 and July 2024 at major retailers like Lowe’s and Amazon, these devices were marketed as reliable safeguards for homes and workplaces. Yet the defect undermines their core purpose—offering uninterrupted protection from deadly gases. Carbon monoxide poisoning is particularly dangerous because the gas is colorless, odorless, and toxic. Symptoms range from mild headaches and dizziness to severe neurological damage and death.
Although no injuries have been reported so far, the risks associated with this product defect cannot be understated. Many families may unknowingly rely on these defective alarms, placing their lives at risk. When a company fails to ensure its products meet essential safety standards, it can and should be held accountable for the potential harm caused.
The Danger of Carbon Monoxide and Natural Gas Exposure
The dangers of carbon monoxide and natural gas exposure are severe and often underestimated. Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is particularly insidious because the gas cannot be detected by human senses. Prolonged exposure can lead to irreversible brain damage, organ failure, or death. Similarly, natural gas leaks can result in fires or explosions, threatening lives and property. For these reasons, functioning gas and CO alarms are critical in preventing tragedies.
A properly functioning alarm is the first line of defense against these dangers. The DeNova Detect alarm failure, however, compromises this defense. By entering a sleep mode after an initial alert, these alarms create a window of vulnerability where users are left unprotected. Even a brief lapse in detection can be catastrophic, especially if a second gas leak or CO incident occurs.
Victims of carbon monoxide poisoning often endure long-term health effects, such as cognitive impairments, cardiovascular issues, and chronic respiratory problems. Families affected by fires or explosions caused by undetected natural gas leaks face emotional trauma, loss of property, and sometimes the loss of loved ones. These consequences underscore the importance of holding manufacturers accountable for ensuring their products perform reliably and safely.
Legal Recourse for Victims of Faulty DeNova Detect Alarms
For those harmed by the DeNova Detect alarm failures, filing a product liability lawsuit may offer a pathway to justice and compensation. Manufacturers have a legal responsibility to ensure their products are free of defects that could endanger users. When they fail to meet this duty, victims may seek compensation for their injuries and losses.
Product liability claims typically fall into three categories: defective design, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warnings. In this case, the issue with the DeNova Detect alarms could qualify as a design or manufacturing defect, as the sleep mode undermines the alarm’s fundamental purpose.
To pursue a claim, victims need to establish that the alarm’s failure directly caused their injuries or damages. This process involves gathering evidence such as medical records, proof of product ownership, and documentation of the incident. Legal representation is essential to build a strong case, as manufacturers often have extensive resources to defend against liability claims. An experienced attorney can guide victims through each step of the lawsuit, from filing the claim to negotiating a settlement or presenting the case in court.
Compensation Available in Product Liability Lawsuits
Victims of faulty alarms like the DeNova Detect models may recover various types of damages through a product liability lawsuit. Compensation can include:
- Medical Expenses: Covering the costs of emergency care, ongoing treatments, and rehabilitation for injuries caused by carbon monoxide poisoning or natural gas exposure.
- Lost Income: Reimbursement for wages lost due to time off work during recovery or long-term disability.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional trauma endured as a result of the incident.
- Property Damage: Recovery for losses caused by fires or explosions linked to undetected gas leaks.
- Wrongful Death Damages: For families who lost loved ones, compensation may include funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support.
Seeking these damages requires a clear demonstration of the harm caused by the defective alarm. Legal representation can help ensure victims receive the full compensation they are entitled to, allowing them to focus on recovery without the added stress of financial strain.
Why You Need an Attorney
Filing a product liability lawsuit against a manufacturer like New Cosmos USA Inc. can be a complex process. Companies often deny responsibility or attempt to minimize the compensation owed. An attorney experienced in product liability law can advocate for victims at every stage of the legal process, ensuring their rights are protected.
Attorneys handle critical aspects of the case, such as gathering evidence, consulting with experts, and negotiating with opposing parties. They also ensure that claims are filed within the statute of limitations, preserving the victim’s right to pursue compensation. With skilled legal representation, victims can build a strong case to hold manufacturers accountable for their negligence.