Defective Carbon Monoxide Detectors: What You Need to Know and How a Lawyer Can Help

The Silent Killer: What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide, also known as CO, is a colorless, odorless gas produced as a byproduct of burning fuel. CO is prominently present in our day-to-day lives, as it’s produced by machinery and appliances we regularly use. Some of these include cars, generators, furnaces, water heaters, or even stoves. It’s odorless, colorless nature makes CO an extremely dangerous gas when it accumulates in an enclosed space.

One of the dangers of carbon monoxide is its effect on our health. When inhaled, carbon monoxide enters the bloodstream just like oxygen does, but it binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells far more effectively than oxygen. Through this process, CO can displace oxygen in the blood and make tissue oxygen starvation worse. This is what leads to a dangerous condition known as carbon monoxide poisoning.

In the United States, carbon monoxide is responsible for tens of thousands of visits to the emergency room each year.

Common Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide poses toxicity risks to people exposed. The severity of carbon monoxide poisoning depends on factors like the concentration of CO in the hair, the duration of the exposure, your underlying health conditions, or your activity level during the exposure. 

Because early symptoms can mimic those of the flu or food poisoning, most people don’t notice the presence of CO until they’ve suffered serious exposure to it, or they become unconscious. Below, you can find a list of the most common symptoms associated with CO exposure:

• Headache.
• Dizziness or confusion.
• Weakness or fatigue.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Chest pain or shortness of breath.
• Loss of consciousness (in severe cases)

Long-term exposure can cause neurological damage or even death.

Do You Have a Defective Carbon Monoxide Detector?

Because carbon monoxide is virtually impossible to detect without a specialized device, having a working carbon monoxide detector installed in your home or office is crucial. But, what happens when your detector doesn’t work as intended? A defective carbon monoxide detector that doesn’t sound the alarm or gives false readings can be deadly. Some common signs of a faulty detector include:

• No alarm during the test.
• Expired sensors.
• Fails to detect actual CO leaks.

How to Ensure Your Detector Works as Intended?

To make sure your carbon monoxide detector works properly and keeps you safe, you should follow a combination of testing, maintenance, and placement guidelines:

• Test Weekly: When you press the test button, the device should emit a loud beep. If there is no beep or the noise is muffled or distorted, replace the batteries or the detector itself.
• Replace Batteries: For battery-powered models, make sure to replace them at least once a year or as soon as the low battery chirp sounds.
• Check the Expiration Date: Most devices have a 5–7 year lifespan. Look for a manufacture or expiration date and replace the unit if necessary.
• Clean the Device Monthly: Make sure to remove dust and debris that could interfere with the sensor. Do not use sprays, as those could damage the device.
• Ensure the Right Placement: Install CO detectors in every level of the home, near sleeping areas, and at least 15 feet away from fuel burning appliances in order to prevent false alarms. Avoid placing it near windows, fans, and vents, or in humid areas like bathrooms. Do not install your detector in enclosed, unventilated spaces like behind curtains or inside of cabinets.

Legal Options: Can You Sue for CO Poisoning or Wrongful Death?

The short answer is yes. If a defective CO detector is the cause of your CO poisoning or a loved one’s wrongful death, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, funeral costs, emotional distress, and more. To determine if you have grounds for a lawsuit, contact a product liability or wrongful death attorney at Adamson Ahdoot.

An experienced attorney can also help you determine who may be responsible. Potentially liable parties include:

• Manufacturers of defective detectors or appliances.
• Landlords who fail to install or maintain detectors.
• Employers who ignore safety protocols.

What to Do If You Suspect Carbon Monoxide Exposure

While carbon monoxide is toxic, there are steps you can take to minimize its effects on your health. If you suspect a leak, you should:

• Leave the Area Immediately: Fresh air is critical to help your body expel the CO.
• Call Emergency Services: Like 911 or your local fire department. Don’t try to locate the source of the gas by yourself.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even mild symptoms can become worse or affect underlying conditions.
• Preserve Evidence: Keep the faulty detector, take photos, and document your symptoms and any repairs.

How a Lawyer Can Help

If you or a loved one has been harmed by carbon monoxide poisoning due to a defective carbon monoxide detector, an experienced personal injury or product liability attorney can play a critical role in holding the responsible parties accountable and securing the compensation you deserve. Adamson Ahdoot’s attorneys have extensive experience with defective product cases and can help you by:

• Investigating the source of the CO exposure.
• Determining whether a defective product or negligence is involved.
• Filing claims against manufacturers, landlords, or others responsible.
• Helping you recover compensation for:
  • Medical bills.
  • Lost wages.
  • Pain and suffering.
  • Funeral costs (in wrongful death cases).

Real-World Examples

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “each year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning not linked to fires, more than 100,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 14,000 are hospitalized.”

In a recent case, Miller Gardner, the son of former Yankees player Brett Gardner, sadly passed away from carbon monoxide poisoning during a vacation in Costa Rica.

Tragically, another incident earlier this year claimed the lives of three American women—Kaoutar Naqqad (23), Imane Mallah (24), and Wafae El-Arar (26)—who died from carbon monoxide poisoning while vacationing in Belize.

Justice After a Defective Carbon Monoxide Detector Accident

Carbon monoxide poisoning is entirely preventable, but only if proper safety measures are in place and devices like CO detectors function as they should. When they fail, the consequences can be devastating.

If a defective product, negligent property owner, or careless manufacturer put you or your loved ones in harm’s way, you shouldn’t have to carry the burden alone. Legal support can help you hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the justice and compensation you deserve.

How Adamson Ahdoot Can Help With Your CO Poisoning Case

If you’ve been harmed by carbon monoxide poisoning or lost a loved one due to a faulty detector, contact an experienced attorney to discuss your legal options.

Adamson Ahdoot’s personal injury lawyers have the compassion, experience, and drive to fight for your rights and hold the negligent parties accountable to secure the maximum compensation available.

Call us today at (800) 310-1606 for a free consultation in English or Spanish or contact us through our site. Our experts can review your case and explain your options with no commitment or upfront fees. In fact, you won’t owe us anything unless we win compensation for you.