Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Claims

Advice and Assistance from Cohen Cramer

Carbon monoxide poisoning claim. Carbon monoxide poisoning is often called the ‘silent killer’. It has no smell, it has no taste and no sound. There is no indication of its presence and no sign that you are being exposed to a potentially fatal substance.

Landlords, employers or other parties responsible for properties where the gas can arise have a responsibility to take action to protect the wellbeing of users and visitors to the property. This includes taking steps to prevent the risk of injury to any person from exposure to carbon monoxide.

If as a result of negligence, you have suffered carbon monoxide poisoning you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injuries. This can include any long-term issues caused by the exposure. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause long-term health problems. Pregnant women, babies and small children are more susceptible to the effects and impacts of this deadly gas.

In addition, we would also seek to recover any financial losses that you may have incurred. This can include lost income due to time away from work for treatment and recovery.

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon Monoxide  (CO) is produced by the incomplete burning of carbon-containing fuels, such as coal, oil, charcoal, wood, kerosene, natural gas, and propane. It is harmful to breathe because it displaces the oxygen-producing red cells in the blood and this, in turn, deprives the heart, brain and other vital organs of the oxygen you need.

The greater the amount of CO in the bloodstream the greater the impact on the body and the increased risk of long-term health issues.

What causes carbon monoxide to build up?

CO poisoning can result from using to poorly installed or maintained household appliances such as

  • gas fires
  • open fire
  • oil burning stove
  • boilers and central heating systems
  • water heaters

Even if in good working condition a lack of proper ventilation due to blocked flues and chimneys can result in CO build-up.

Constant exposure to CO while working in a motor vehicle repair shop can lead to poisoning.

Blocked and faulty car exhausts can lead to a build-up of CO in a car leading to potentially fatal results if overcome while driving.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The most common and usually first symptom is a tension-like headache.

Other common symptoms are:

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Breathlessness
  • Confusion
  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Loss of Consciousness

Prolonged exposure can lead to an escalation of the above symptoms resulting in problems with:

  • Vision and hearing
  • Parkinsonism
  • Coronary heart disease
  • Angina
  • Heart Attacks

Continued exposure can be fatal. There are around 60 deaths from accidental CO poisoning in England and Wales every year.

We can help you

If you think you or a loved one has suffered injury as a result of exposure to carbon monoxide then we can help.

Our experienced and helpful lawyers will run through the circumstances and your injuries. We will then be able to advise you as to who may be responsible and whether you are a good position to make a compensation claim. There is no pressure and no obligation to start your claim there and then. We will give you the advice and opinion you need to decide whether you want to pursue the matter.

How long do I have to make my claim?

You have three years from the date of the exposure to carbon monoxide to issue proceedings in support of your personal injury claim. The three years starts to run from the date you became aware that your injury was as a result being exposed to carbon monoxide.

If the injured party was a child then the three year period runs from their 18th birthday. Essentially they have until their 21st birthday to start the claim.

The courts do have the discretion to extend this period but only in exceptional circumstances.

It is recommended that you start your claim as soon as possible. This ensures the securing of documentary and physical evidence, witness statements, etc that can help your claim.

How much will it cost to bring my carbon monoxide exposure claim?

Your claim can be brought under a conditional fee agreement. This means that if your claim is not successful then, as long as you’ve complied with our terms and conditions, you will not have to pay for the work we have done on your behalf.

To see how we can help you get in touch with us today:

carbon monoxide poisoning claims