If inhaled into the lungs in high concentrations, carbon monoxide can be very dangerous. If immediate symptoms are not noticed it can also cause death.

Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when it combines with the body’s red blood cells, removing oxygen from the blood. This causes your body to act as though your organs and body tissues are being suffocated from lack of oxygen much like as if you were drowning.

The Silent Killer

Being colourless and odourless, carbon monoxide cannot be detected by smell or sight leading carbon monoxide poisoning to be dubbed a silent killer. If a carbon monoxide leak occurs whilst you’re asleep, it’s unlikely your body will notice, often leading to death.

When Does Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Occur?

A personal injury claim for carbon monoxide poisoning can occur in the following circumstances:

In rented property with gas appliances

Housing associations and private landlords are all required to inspect and maintain gas appliances regularly. This could include a boiler, central heating system, gas fires, gas cookers and any other form of gas appliance.

Appliances should have a gas certificate and should be regularly inspected by an approved engineer. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should also be installed in the property.

In the workplace

Numerous different types of equipment in the workplace can produce carbon monoxide. These should be regularly inspected and maintained by employers to ensure no workers are exposed. Detectors should also be installed in the workplace to immediately detect it if any equipment malfunctions.

What Are The Symptoms Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include the following:

• Dizziness and headaches
• Sickness and abdominal pains
• Tiredness
• Heart palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• A feeling of confusion

What Are The Effects Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

In the most serious cases, the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning can include:

• Brain damage
• Heart injuries
• Psychological injuries including depression
• Death

Can I Make A Claim For Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Compensation?

To make an injury claim for personal injury compensation for carbon monoxide poisoning, you must be able to show that someone else was at fault for the carbon monoxide leak which caused your injuries. If your personal injury solicitors can prove this was the case then it is likely your claim for personal injury compensation will be successful.

If your loved one has died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning then you could make a fatal accident claim against the person or body responsible.