Consumers Doing Legal Research on the Internet

The National Conference of State Legislators has a list of the laws of each state that addresses whether carbon monoxide detectors that will help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning are legally required by statute. 

This list of laws should be a starting place, not an end point,  for research.  For example, the list does not include a new law in Tennessee that mandates the use of  functioning carbon monoxide detectors in certain recreational vehicles.  Likewise, it is possible that state regulations (not statutes) and local ordinances can require the use of carbon monoxide detectors in certain settings.  More importantly, the fact that a statute or ordinance does not require carbon monoxide detectors does not mean that the duty to use reasonable care may not require them under the circumstances.

The NCSL’s website is just one example of the limitations of attempting to do legal research on the Internet.  I encourage consumers to educate and thus empower themselves by any means, including Internet research, but if you have a true legal issue that will materially affect you please consult with a qualified lawyer. 

This is especially true when it comes to deadlines for taking legal action against someone who has caused you an injury or caused the death of a loved one. The law establishing deadlines for taking legal action ("statutes of limitation" and "statutes of repose" in Tennessee) is very complicated.  For almost every rule there are one or more exceptions.  If you are a not a lawyer, do not attempt to interpret the law in this area without the help of a lawyer who knows this area of the law.

Are you having trouble how to figure out which lawyer to assist you?  In the field of personal injury and wrongful death law, including the law of deadlines for taking legal action, our Legal Guide about how to  hire a lawyer will help you.

Contact Information