Chicago Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Lawyer

Holding Negligent Property Owners and Businesses Accountable for Toxic Exposure in Chicago

Carbon monoxide poisoning could be caused by poor ventilation, faulty appliances, and landlord negligence, leading to serious health complications. If you have been exposed to this toxic substance and have suffered as a result, you could seek compensation from the at-fault party with a Chicago carbon monoxide poisoning lawyer on your side.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we have extensive experience handling carbon monoxide poisoning and wrongful death claims in Chicago and throughout the state. Our team will guide you through the claims process to give you the best chance of winning fair compensation for legal damages. 

CO Exposure Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

$5 million – James, a young father living in a South Side apartment, suffered severe carbon monoxide poisoning after his landlord failed to vent the building’s furnace properly. The exposure led to lasting neurological damage that impacted his ability to work and care for his family. The value of the case was driven by the preventable nature of the hazard, the seriousness of his permanent injuries, and the clear negligence in maintaining safe housing.

$600,000 – Maria, a college student renting near Loyola University, was hospitalized after being exposed to carbon monoxide leaking from faulty equipment in her apartment. She endured a prolonged recovery that interrupted her studies and daily life. The settlement reflected the landlord’s responsibility to provide safe living conditions as well as the disruption to her future opportunities.

$600,000 – A family renting a home in Cicero was exposed to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide when their furnace was improperly serviced, leading several members to require week-long hospitalizations. While no permanent cognitive deficits were found, the ordeal caused significant physical pain, fear, and disruption to the family’s daily life. The case was resolved in mediation with a retired Cook County Judge, and both the landlord and furnace maintenance company were held accountable for their role in creating unsafe conditions.

What Makes Us the Best Chicago Carbon Monoxide Attorneys

If you are pursuing a carbon monoxide poisoning lawsuit, you need an experienced law firm on your side to level the playing field against the defendant, their insurance company, and their lawyers. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers holds an A+ grade from the Better Business Bureau, and our attorneys are recognized among the top 5% by Super Lawyers. 

What Are the Most Common Causes of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Chicago?

Carbon monoxide can be released into many environments throughout Chicago. This is why carbon monoxide detectors are crucial in homes, businesses, and industrial settings. 

Here are some common causes of carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Faulty heating systems in older Chicago buildings
• Lack of working CO detectors despite Illinois law requiring them
• Poor ventilation in rental units and workplaces
• Defective appliances or negligent maintenance by landlords

What Serious Injuries Are Associated with Carbon Monoxide Exposure?

Health complications from carbon monoxide poisoning depend on the level of exposure and the victim’s physical condition. It can affect some victims more than others. The reason it is so dangerous is that it can bind with the red blood cells, blocking them from binding with oxygen to transport it throughout the body. As a result, parts of the body are deprived of a steady supply of oxygen. 

Here are the most common injuries associated with carbon monoxide exposure:

• Mild to severe headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Chest pain
• Brain damage and neurological impairments
• Heart damage and respiratory complications
• Wrongful death from high-level exposure

What Damages Can an Injured Person Recover in Chicago?

Economic Damages

• Lost wages
• Future lost income
• Medical bills (emergency care, long-term treatment, rehabilitation)
• Future medical expenses

Non-Economic Damages

• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Disability
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Wrongful Death Damages (for surviving family members)

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of consortium

What Is the Average Payout for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

The average settlement for a case involving carbon monoxide poisoning is $11.52 million, with a range of $10,000 to $115 million. The median payout is $2.2 million, which means half of all settlements were a greater value.

Factors that can contribute to the size of your settlement include injury severity, proof of negligence, long-term medical needs, and insurance policy limits. 

Example Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Cases

In 2015, TiCourtney, a mother of two, was living in an apartment complex. She claimed that she and her two children, a nine-month-old boy and a three-year-old girl, suffered carbon monoxide poisoning while living there. TiCourtney sued the apartment and numerous other entities because carbon monoxide entered the apartment due to a malfunctioning boiler. She claimed that the boiler was not properly maintained. The total settlement for all three victims was $51.13 million.

In 2008, Chris brought his 42-foot houseboat to a marina for repairs. The engine was removed for the job, but Chris had to run his onboard generator because the marina’s power supply was not working, and he had planned to stay on the boat during the repairs. He passed away that evening from carbon monoxide poisoning because the generator’s exhaust was shared with the engine, a feature that violated manufacturing standards. His wife sued the boat manufacturer for negligent design and was awarded $10.21 million in the wrongful death suit. 

Why You Need a Chicago Carbon Monoxide Lawyer

Carbon monoxide poisoning cases are extremely complex. You must be able to prove the source of the leak, the liability of landlords or manufacturers, and demonstrate the health effects of the exposure. 

Our legal team will work with medical experts, engineers, and investigators to build a strong case, whether your exposure was caused by fuel-burning appliances, malfunctioning gas ranges, or other dangerous products. We can litigate your case in Cook County courts if necessary.

Under municipal code 13-64-190, all buildings with residential spaces must be equipped with carbon monoxide detectors. 

How Common Are Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Incidents in Chicago?

Across the country, 400 Americans die each year from carbon monoxide exposure. 20,000 people visit the emergency room each year due to carbon monoxide poisoning, so it is a widespread issue. 

From 1994 to 1995, a study was conducted of all the carbon monoxide-related calls to 17 suburban fire departments in Chicago. During this period, 777 calls were made due to CO alarms. 

Where Do Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Incidents Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Some locations in Chicago are more prone to carbon monoxide accidents than others:

• Apartment complexes and rental housing
• Hotels and motels
• Workplaces like garages or warehouses
• Residences with older gas-powered heating systems

What Laws Govern Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Claims in Chicago?

Illinois Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector Act (430 ILCS 135/) – Carbon monoxide detectors are required in all dwellings.

Illinois Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130/) – Property owners and landlords are required to take reasonable care to prevent hazards on the premises, including stopping a carbon monoxide leak.

Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/) – Surviving family members can pursue wrongful death damages if their loved one dies due to someone else’s negligence.

How Long Do Victims Have to File a Carbon Monoxide Lawsuit in Chicago?

Under the Illinois personal injury statute of limitations (735 ILCS 5/13-202), the injured person will have two years from the date of their incident or discovery of their injury to pursue compensation for legal damages. In wrongful death suits, the family has two years from the date of their loved one’s passing to file a claim. 

Exceptions can apply to these statutes, as is the case for minor victims or delayed discovery of a health condition. 

Who Is Legally Liable for Accidental Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Several parties may be held liable in a carbon monoxide poisoning claim:

• Landlords and property managers
• Hotels and business owners
• Appliance manufacturers
• Maintenance companies and contractors

Common Defenses in Chicago Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Cases

The defendant, their lawyer, or the insurance company may use the following defenses to undermine your claim:

• Blaming you for failing to maintain carbon monoxide detectors
• Arguing that your medical condition had another cause
• Claiming contributory negligence

We can counter these defenses by securing expert testimony, witness statements, housing code violation reports, and maintenance logs. 

How to Strengthen Your Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Claim in Chicago

Building a strong case for your carbon monoxide lawsuit begins the moment you discover the issue. Here are the steps you should follow immediately after the incident:

• Seek immediate medical treatment and keep all medical records
• Report the incident to local authorities and the property owner
• Document faulty equipment or absent carbon monoxide detectors
• Collect witness statements and landlord communications
• Consult our top carbon monoxide attorneys in Chicago to investigate the circumstances surrounding your exposure

How a Chicago Carbon Monoxide Lawyer Can Help

Our legal services include:

• Investigating property conditions and appliances (such as gas ranges)
• Working with toxicologists and engineers
• Filing claims against all liable parties
• Negotiating settlements and litigating aggressively in court
• Protecting your rights 

How to Prevent CO Exposure

Carbon monoxide can be a silent killer because it is odorless and hard to detect without proper equipment. The CDC has numerous guidelines for preventing a carbon monoxide leak, including:

• Install carbon monoxide alarms
• Test them frequently
• Ensure adequate ventilation around appliances
• Have appliances serviced regularly, especially heating systems
• Do not continue using defective products

FAQs

What are the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning?

The signs of carbon monoxide poisoning appear at different levels. For mild exposure, you may experience mild headaches, some nausea, and dizziness. Mid-tier exposure can cause more intense headaches and nausea, and eventually death if the exposure lasts too long. At the highest levels, you could fall unconscious and die within minutes of the exposure. 

How much does a carbon monoxide poisoning attorney cost in Chicago?

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid out of the settlement if we win. 

Who can file a carbon monoxide poisoning lawsuit in Chicago?

Victims who are directly harmed by carbon monoxide can seek a fair settlement via a lawsuit. If the victim dies, surviving family members (spouse and children) can pursue damages under the Wrongful Death Act. 

Consult a Chicago Carbon Monoxide Attorney Near You!

If you or a loved one has suffered carbon monoxide poisoning or other serious injuries due to exposure, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers will help you pursue justice. 

Our legal team can assess damages, gather evidence, research proper ventilation techniques, and coordinate with experts to build a strong case and prove negligence. We have a proven track record of success, securing over $450 million for past clients. 

With a contingency fee agreement and a free consultation, there are no upfront fees to consider for our legal services. Contact a Chicago personal injury lawyer today at 888-424-5757 to schedule a free consultation and hold negligent landlords, businesses, and manufacturers accountable. 

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All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.