The Hidden Danger of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

What Are the Legal Rights for Victims and Families in Alabama?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless gas that can be deadly in enclosed spaces. Often referred to as the "silent killer," CO poisoning happens when people unknowingly breathe in high levels of the gas, preventing their blood from carrying oxygen. Without immediate medical intervention, victims can suffer brain damage, organ failure, or death.

In February 2025, this danger became all too real in Mobile, Alabama, where police believe two people found dead inside a home on Anders Drive succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning. Tragically, these types of incidents happen far too often—especially when landlords, property owners, or manufacturers fail to ensure safety measures are in place.

At Dean Waite & Associates, LLC, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating carbon monoxide poisoning can be. If you or a loved one suffered exposure, an experienced Alabama carbon monoxide poisoning lawyer from our law firm can help you seek justice and hold those responsible accountable.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Case?

When carbon monoxide poisoning results in injury or death, the key legal question is: Who is responsible? Victims and their families may have the right to seek compensation if negligence or wrongdoing played a role in the exposure. Potentially liable parties include:

Landlords and Property Owners – If a rental home, apartment, or hotel fails to install working CO detectors or maintain gas appliances properly, they may be liable for resulting deaths or injuries.
Product Manufacturers – Defective furnaces, water heaters, or other gas-powered appliances can leak carbon monoxide, creating a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
Employers and Businesses – Workplace exposure to CO (such as in factories, warehouses, or construction sites) can lead to serious injuries, making employers responsible under workers’ compensation or personal injury laws.
Utility and Maintenance Companies – If a company negligently installs, inspects, or repairs a gas-powered system, they could be held accountable.

$9 Million Wrongful Death Settlement for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Our Alabama wrongful death lawyers know all too well the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Our firm successfully secured a $9 million wrongful death settlement in Mobile County, Alabama, for a family whose loved one died due to a defective furnace leaking carbon monoxide. This case is a tragic reminder that these tragedies are often preventable—and those responsible should be held accountable.

What Are the Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Many people don’t realize they are being poisoned because early symptoms can mimic the flu or food poisoning. Common signs include:

Headaches
Dizziness
Nausea
Confusion
Weakness
Shortness of breath
Loss of consciousness

In severe cases, exposure can cause irreversible brain damage, seizures, heart failure, or death. The faster someone receives medical attention, the better the chances of survival and recovery.

How Common Is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Carbon monoxide poisoning is more common than most people realize, often striking without warning. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

More than 400 people die each year in the U.S. due to accidental CO poisoning.
Over 100,000 emergency room visits occur annually from CO exposure.
Nearly 50,000 people are hospitalized due to CO poisoning each year.

The real tragedy is that many of these cases are preventable. Proper CO detector installation, routine appliance maintenance, and public awareness can save lives. Landlords, businesses, and manufacturers must be held accountable when they fail to uphold these responsibilities.

Where Does Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Happen Most Often?

Carbon monoxide poisoning isn’t just a random accident—it often happens in places where people should feel safe. Some of the most common locations for CO exposure include:

Rental Homes & Apartments – Tenants often rely on landlords to maintain heating systems and install CO detectors, but neglectful property management can turn homes into death traps.
Hotels & Vacation Rentals – Faulty HVAC systems or blocked ventilation in short-term rentals and hotels have led to fatal CO poisoning incidents nationwide.
Workplaces & Industrial Sites – Factories, warehouses, and construction sites often use gas-powered equipment in poorly ventilated areas, increasing the risk of CO buildup.
Schools & Public Buildings – Some states require CO detectors in schools and public facilities, but gaps in enforcement leave many unprotected.
Vehicles & Garages – Idling cars, boats, or RVs with poor ventilation can fill enclosed spaces with lethal CO levels.

The bottom line? Carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable, but only when property owners, businesses, and manufacturers take their responsibilities seriously. If they don’t, legal action may be the only way to get justice and prevent future harm.

Alabama Law on Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Safety Requirements

Alabama does not currently have a statewide law requiring CO detectors in residential homes or rental properties, leaving many families unprotected. However, some local regulations and national safety standards require:

Landlords to maintain heating systems and gas appliances safely.
Hotels, schools, and certain public buildings to install CO alarms.
Employers to follow workplace safety regulations for CO exposure.

If you or a loved one was harmed due to a lack of CO detectors or improper maintenance, you may have grounds for a carbon monoxide poisoning lawsuit.

Can You Sue for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Alabama?

Carbon monoxide poisoning victims and their families can file a lawsuit if negligence causes the exposure. Depending on the situation, legal claims may include:

Wrongful death lawsuits for families who lost a loved one.
Personal injury claims for survivors who suffered brain damage or other long-term effects.
Product liability claims against manufacturers of defective appliances or faulty CO detectors.
Premises liability lawsuits against negligent landlords or business owners.

How a Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Lawyer Can Help

Pursuing a CO poisoning case can be complex, as it requires proving who was responsible and how the exposure occurred. An experienced lawyer can:

Conduct thorough investigations into the cause of the poisoning.
Gather medical records and expert testimony to prove the extent of injuries.
Identify all liable parties and pursue maximum compensation.
Fight back against insurance companies that try to deny or minimize claims.

Let Dean Waite & Associates Fight for the Compensation You Deserve

At Dean Waite & Associates, LLC, we have the knowledge, resources, and experience to take on powerful companies and negligent property owners. We won’t let them get away with putting lives at risk.

If you or someone you love suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning in Mobile or anywhere else in Alabama, contact us today for a free consultation. Victims and families may be entitled to significant compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Don’t Hesitate … call Dean Waite. Our legal team is ready to fight for you. Schedule a free consultation today.