Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – the silent killer more common in the cold

Jan. 8, 2010 - PRLog -- The recent severe weather across the UK has seen more of us turning up the central heating and huddling round open fires at home or urging the boss to up the heating at work to beat the big chill.

But unfortunately that raises the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, which is always more common during the winter due to the extra use of indoor heating.

Carbon monoxide is known as a silent killer because you can’t hear it, see it or smell it. And the most common sources of carbon monoxide poisoning include faulty central heating systems, gas appliances and fires. Blocked flues and chimneys mean the carbon monoxide gas can’t escape and instead is inhaled by the people in the house or workplace.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal – about 50 people in the UK die each year in their homes from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. But many survive their exposure to carbon monoxide and up to 50% of these victims may suffer long-term problems after their carbon monoxide poisoning incident.

If you think you have suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from a faulty gas appliance at home or in your workplace you may be entitled to claim compensation for personal injury. Your landlord, gas engineer or employer may be liable to pay you compensation if you have been exposed to carbon monoxide because of shoddy workmanship or gas appliances not being checked regularly.

If a family member has died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning, and you believe that this was due to the negligence of a third party you should contact a solicitor as soon as possible to discuss whether you are entitled to compensation.

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include: headache, feeling sick (nausea), dizziness, abdominal pain and, in severe cases, an irregular heart rate, confusion, drowsiness, difficulty breathing and even loss of consciousness.

Some people with carbon monoxide poisoning think they simply have the flu, but unlike the flu, carbon monoxide poisoning does not cause a high temperature.

If you have been exposed to carbon monoxide you may not have any symptoms for a few days or even months. These symptoms could include confusion, loss of memory or problems with coordination.

If you want to claim compensation for personal injury due to carbon monoxide poisoning it’s important that you gather evidence. Ideally have a blood test and obtain a doctor’s report as soon as you suspect that you have carbon monoxide poisoning.

You will also need to obtain an engineer’s report, but solicitors experienced in claiming compensation for carbon monoxide poisoning will give you full guidance and advice.

If a family member has died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning it is imperative that you contact a solicitor as soon as you can as they be able to obtain vital evidence of the presence of carbon monoxide before it is lost.

Simpson Millar LLP Solicitors has an expert team experienced in winning compensation for victims of carbon monoxide poisoning. We operate on a 'no win no fee' basis and have a track record of success in this area.

For FREE initial advice on your carbon monoxide poisoning compensation claim call us on:

Freephone: 0808 129 3320 or simply email
us using our online enquiry form.

Online Enquiry form - http://www.simpsonmillar.co.uk/ourfirm/contacts/enquiryfo...

Useful links

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Compensation - http://www.simpsonmillar.co.uk/services/personalinjury/ca...

Carbon Monoxide - Health Effects - http://www.simpsonmillar.co.uk/services/personalinjury/ca...

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Simpson Millar LLP Solicitors have 8 offices throughout England and Wales and have the strength and depth of expertise (over 150 years) to assist consumers, businesses and trade unions and their members with their legal enquiries.

Our carbon monoxide poisoning team have been handling claims for many years and are experts in obtaining compensation for victims of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Simpson Millar LLP are accredited with the Investors in People and Lexcel quality standards.