By Randy Rozek 
 • 
 October 24, 2025 
 
 Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning                                               is one of the most dangerous and preventable injuries a person can suffer. Because carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, it’s often called the “silent killer.” When exposure occurs, whether from a faulty appliance, improper ventilation, or a landlord’s negligence, the consequences can be devastating. Victims may face hospitalization, long-term neurological damage, or even fatal outcomes. If you or a loved one has suffered carbon monoxide poisoning, understanding the legal steps to take is critical for protecting your rights and securing compensation for your losses.                                                                                                 1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention                                                                                     The first and most important step after a suspected carbon monoxide exposure is to get medical help right away. Even mild symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, or nausea, can indicate dangerous levels of CO in the bloodstream. Medical professionals can perform blood tests to measure                                  carbon monoxide levels (carboxyhemoglobin)                                               and provide treatment, such as oxygen therapy or hyperbaric oxygen therapy.                                                                                                 Prompt medical documentation                                               is also essential for any future legal claim. It establishes a direct link between your symptoms and the carbon monoxide exposure, which is key evidence if you decide to pursue compensation later.                                                                                                 2. Identify and Document the Source of Exposure                                                                                     Once you’re safe and medically stable, determining the cause of the carbon monoxide leak is the next step. Common sources include:                                                                                                  Malfunctioning furnaces or boilers                                                                                     Blocked chimneys or vents                                                                                     Faulty gas stoves or water heaters                                                                                     Car exhaust in attached garages                                                                                     Generators or space heaters used indoors                                                                                                 If you live in a rental property, the responsibility may fall on the landlord or property manager to maintain safe living conditions. In workplaces, employers are legally obligated to follow safety regulations that prevent CO exposure.                                                                                     Be sure to document everything: take photographs of the suspected source, record the make and model of the appliance, and note when it was last serviced or inspected. If local authorities, firefighters, or utility companies respond to the scene, obtain copies of their reports.                                                                                     3. Report the Incident to the Proper Authorities                                                                                     Reporting CO exposure                                               ensures that an official record exists. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to contact:                                                                                                              Local fire department or gas company                                                   to confirm and contain the leak                                                                                                    Your landlord or property management company                                                   if you’re a tenant                                                                                                    OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)                                                   if the exposure occurred at work                                                                                                    Your local health department                                                   for documentation of residential hazards                                                                                                              These reports can serve as valuable evidence in a legal claim, demonstrating that the incident was investigated and verified by an objective third party.                                                                                     4. Contact a Personal Injury or Premises Liability Attorney                                                                                     Because carbon monoxide cases often involve questions of negligence, defective products, or code violations, consulting an experienced personal injury attorney is crucial. A lawyer can help identify who is legally responsible for the exposure, whether it’s a landlord who failed to maintain equipment, a manufacturer that sold a defective appliance, or a contractor who installed it incorrectly.                                                                                     Your attorney will gather evidence, including maintenance records, inspection reports, medical records, and expert testimony. They’ll also calculate your damages, which may include:                                                                                                  Medical bills and rehabilitation costs                                                                                     Lost wages or diminished earning capacity                                                                                     Pain and suffering                                                                                     Long-term health impacts                                                                                     Wrongful death damages (if applicable)                                                                                                 Most personal injury lawyers handle these cases on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t pay legal fees unless they recover compensation for you.                                                                                     Do not attempt to repair or replace the suspected source of the leak until professionals and your attorney have had a chance to inspect it. Preserving evidence is critical to proving negligence. Also, avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters without legal representation, as your words could be used to minimize your claim.                                                                                     6. File a Legal Claim or Lawsuit                                                                                     After investigating and gathering evidence, your attorney may file a claim against the responsible party’s insurance company or, if necessary, a lawsuit in civil court. The specific legal theory may fall under:                                                                                                  Premises liability:                                                   for unsafe conditions on a property                                                                                                    Product liability:                                                   for defective or poorly designed appliances                                                                                                    Negligence:                                                   for failure to maintain or inspect equipment properly                                                                                                              Statutes of limitations vary by state, but most personal injury cases must be filed within one to two years from the date of injury. Acting quickly helps ensure your case is filed within the legal deadline.                                                                                     7. Focus on Recovery and Prevention                                                                                     While your legal team handles the claim, focus on your recovery. Follow up with medical specialists for neurological or respiratory issues, and take steps to prevent future incidents by installing carbon monoxide detectors in your home or workplace.                                                                                     Call Rozek Law to Help with your Carbon Monoxide Case                                                                                     I                                  f you’ve suffered carbon monoxide poisoning, the key legal steps are to seek medical attention, document the source, report the incident, contact an attorney, and preserve evidence. Taking prompt, informed action can make the difference between ongoing hardship and securing the compensation you deserve. Carbon monoxide exposure is often preventable, holding responsible parties accountable helps ensure it doesn’t happen to others.                                                                                                  Since 1996,                                              Randy Rozek                                               has focused his practice on the representation of victims of serious, life-changing injuries including those caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. Routinely asked to speak to lawyers around the country in his primary areas of practice, which include representing victims of traumatic brain injuries and brain damage due to carbon monoxide poisoning, Randy has extensive experience representing victims throughout the country. It is because of this vast experience that Randy routinely gets called in to co-counsel cases from around the country by attorneys with less experience handling these types of cases. If you need a knowledgeable lawyer to represent you in your case,                                              contact Rozek Law                                               by calling 414-374-4444.                                                                              Rozek Law Offices, S.C.                                                      3970 N Oakland Ave Ste 604                                                      Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211                                                      (414) 374-4444                                                      https://www.rozeklaw.com/