Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon Monoxide is a dangerous colourless, odourless and tasteless gas which is produced by the incomplete burning of fuels, i.e. gas, oil, wood and coal.
When these fuels burn they use oxygen from the air around them and replace it with carbon dioxide. As the carbon dioxide builds up it can stop the fuel from burning completely which can cause carbon monoxide to be released into the air.
Carbon Monoxide is commonly known as “The Silent Killer” due to it being colourless odourless and tasteless and therefore you would not normally know of its presence until you started to suffer from the side effects. It causes hundreds of deaths and injury in the UK each year.
Therefore it is important to have regular safety inspections on all of your fuel appliances. You can also have a carbon monoxide detector installed, which works in a similar way to a smoke alarm.
If you have suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning due to faulty or defective equipment whilst on holiday, at work or at home, then you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation for your injury.
If you are exposed to a lower level of carbon monoxide then the symptoms can include:
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Sore throat
- Dry cough
However if you are exposed to a higher level then the symptoms can be a lot worse and on occasion may be fatal. The other symptoms can include:
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Fast and irregular heart rate
- Hyperventilation
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
To help your case, it can assist your solicitor if you follow these steps. Always check with your solicitor what they require.
- Keep details of any safety inspections on appliances
- Take photographs of any defective appliances
- Report issues to the landlord in writing and keep a record
- Make a record of any medical appointments or treatment
If you have suffered as a result of exposure to Carbon Monoxide, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation. Contact Accident Line and we will put you in touch with a local specialist solicitor who will act on your behalf. Alternatively, you can use our find my local 'Injury Solicitors' section and contact your local Accident Line solicitor directly.