Claiming for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
This serious condition occurs when certain appliances are faulty, causing them to omit an abundance of carbon monoxide. Exposure to large amounts of the gas can be very dangerous to a person’s health. When a gas appliance is not sufficiently ventilated, the combustion process fails due to a lack of oxygen, meaning a production of hazardous carbon monoxide rather than safe carbon dioxide. Common household appliances in which this is a possibility are boilers, gas fires, central heating systems and cookers.
Symptoms of the Disease
The gas has been dubbed ‘the silent killer’ due to its odourless, colourless and tasteless properties. NHS statistics say that more than 50 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning a year in the UK, and 200 more are seriously injured. Different levels of exposure to the gas can determine the severity of the symptoms.
Symptoms can include:
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Dizziness/loss of coordination
- Tiredness
- Abdominal pain
- Memory loss
In severe cases the poisoning can also cause vomiting, collapse, convulsions, coma and even death.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Compensation
If you have been exposed to carbon monoxide in a property where maintenance is not your responsibility, or through a poorly repaired appliance in your home, then you can claim compensation. If you contracted the illness while residing in a council owned property then you can claim against the council, similarly if you rent from a private tenant then your landlord is liable. Housing associations, hotel owners, plumbers, repairmen, caravan park owners and pub landlords can also face claims if their property or workmanship has resulted in you suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. Likewise, if you are exposed to the dangerous gas at work then you can claim against your employer, as it is there responsibility to ensure that appliances are regularly checked and maintained.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can have a number of effects on the lives of its sufferers. As well as personal injury it can result in ongoing health problems, time off work and costly repairs if you are an owner-occupier. At Lawson Taylor, we will help you claim for each of these factors if you or a family member suffers from this illness. Our specialist personal injury solicitors operate on a No Win No Fee basis and provide expert advice, guiding you throughout the entire process. We are committed to helping you receive what you deserve and guarantee that you keep 100% compensation.
Call Lawson Taylor today for advice and information on making a carbon monoxide poisoning claim.