Hundreds of people die each year in the U.S. because of exposure to carbon monoxide. Even when carbon monoxide poisoning isn’t fatal, it can still cause serious injury and illness to sufferers.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is most likely to occur in confined spaces when this potentially lethal gas is released. For example, many instances of carbon monoxide poisoning occur in recreational vehicles (RVs). An RV’s exhaust system or generators near RVs can quickly make the interior of the vehicle a deadly environment.

When someone suffers harm from carbon monoxide poisoning, can they file a lawsuit against another party? If so, who can be held liable for carbon monoxide poisoning?

Can You Sue Over Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Yes, several successful lawsuits have been filed after victims suffer serious injuries or death because of exposure to carbon monoxide. However, to ensure a lawsuit has the best possible chance of succeeding, it must be established that another party was at fault.

If a faulty or improperly labeled product, such as an RV, generator, or appliance, causes a consumer harm through carbon monoxide poisoning, the manufacturer or retailer of that product might be liable for the damages the victim suffers.

If a tenant suffers carbon monoxide poisoning in a rental unit, it could be the fault of the landlord or property manager, in which case, they could be named in a lawsuit.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some of the most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Headache
  • Chest pain
  • Nausea or vomiting

If someone is experiencing these symptoms and they’ve been near an appliance that emits carbon monoxide, they should seek immediate medical treatment.

How Can Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Be Prevented?

  • Have carbon monoxide detectors operating at all times in homes or in recreational vehicles.
  • Make sure all gas appliances are well ventilated.
  • Have a qualified technician perform yearly inspections on any appliance that produces carbon monoxide.
  • Have chimneys checked or cleaned annually.

Though you might be able to monitor or control many of the most common sources of carbon monoxide, there are some situations beyond your control. For example, ensuring the safety of a property is the job of its owner. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their products.

When you suffer serious harm from carbon monoxide poisoning because another party failed to take proper care, you have the right to file a lawsuit to hold them accountable for the costs you face.

Let Fieger Law Help

If you’re considering your legal options after suffering carbon monoxide poisoning, or if you’ve lost a loved one due to carbon monoxide poisoning, our Detroit product liability lawyers can help. Though our law firm is based in Michigan, we can help victims nationwide.

When you contact us, we can review the details of your case and help you better understand your legal options for seeking compensation from the at-fault party. Our case reviews are free, and there’s no obligation to file a legal claim if you don’t wish to do so.

Contact Fieger Law today for your free consultation.