Hundreds of people every year are poisoned by carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide, often known as the "silent killer" is a very dangerous gas which when breathed in, can have fatal consequences. It is especially dangerous because you cannot smell, see or taste it.

Carbon monoxide is produced when the fuel in certain appliances does not burn fully. Common household examples are boilers, gas fires, central heating systems, open fires, cookers, or water heaters. These appliances need to be installed and regularly maintained by professionals to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide gas being released into your home.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to those associated with flu. They can include:

• headaches
• dizziness or confusion
• nausea and sickness
• tiredness and lethargy
• shortness of breath
• clumsiness and loss of coordination
• abdominal pain
• loss of consciousness.

Severe carbon monoxide poisoning can cause vomiting, collapse, coma, convulsions and even death. Prolonged or heavy exposure can cause long term effects to memory, concentration and personality. The very young and the very old are particularly vulnerable to the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning.

What you should do if you suspect you have been exposed to carbon monoxide

If you suspect that you may have been exposed to carbon monoxide, seek medical advice and immediately switch off the source of the gas. Get your appliance checked by a specialist engineer and retain copies of any documentation regarding the inspection.

Explain to the medical professional that you suspect the cause might be carbon monoxide poisoning and ask for a blood test. Don't be put off if your blood test does come out as negative for carbon monoxide, this could simply be because you have been away from the source of the exposure for a short period.

Advice on making a claim for carbon monoxide poisoning

It is a good idea to seek legal advice. If you or members of your family have been poisoned by carbon monoxide as a result of the negligence of somebody else, you could have a claim for compensation against them. You could also have a right to prosecute them in criminal law.

You could be exposed to carbon monoxide in many different places. For example, if your exposure occurred while you were resident in a Council-owned property, you could have a compensation claim against the Council. Likewise, if you are a private tenant, you could have a claim against your landlord. These bodies are under a duty to correctly install and maintain the appliances in their properties. There are other bodies who could also be liable such as housing associations, hotel owners, caravan park owners or public house landlords.

How do you know if you can make a claim?

If you are not sure whether you are eligible to make a claim for carbon monoxide poisoning, you can speak to a member of the Personal Injury team on 0800 0384 384 today.

Pannone have had many years of experience helping people claim for injuries suffered as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. If your claim is successful, you will receive compensation for pain and suffering relating to your illness. This depends on how severely you were affected.

We have won many carbon monoxide compensation claims for our clients, some of which have reached substantial settlement amounts.

Pannone has helped a family of six recover compensation from the gas board when they were overcome by fumes which travelled through the house because of poor ventilation.

Pannone also helped a lady sue her landlord for £50,000 compensation when she was affected by carbon monoxide leaking from her gas fire.

Carbon monoxide compensation claims

For free and expert advice on making a personal injury claim click here or call us free on 0800 0384 384. We are available to take your call twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. 

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