J. Hartley | June 11, 2026 | Personal Injury
Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to severe symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. In severe cases, it can even lead to catastrophic injuries or death. If you believe you have been exposed to carbon monoxide, you may need to be tested. Keep reading below to learn exactly how you can prove carbon monoxide poisoning or exposure.
What Is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Carbon monoxide, also known as CO, is produced from the incomplete burning of gasoline, wood, or other carbon-based fuels.
Some common sources of carbon monoxide are:
- Space heaters
- Leaking furnaces or chimneys
- Generators
- Automobile exhaust, especially from attached garages
- Kerosene heaters
- Gas ranges
Even low concentrations of carbon monoxide can have adverse effects, such as fatigue and chest pain. Higher concentrations can cause serious health problems, and CO is sometimes referred to as the “silent killer” because many people are unaware of the presence of this deadly gas.
Testing for Carbon Monoxide Exposure
Sometimes, medical testing is the only way to correctly diagnose carbon monoxide exposure or poisoning. Unexplained illnesses can sometimes be traced back to carbon monoxide exposure.
It is important to understand that carbon monoxide dissipates from the body fairly quickly. For this reason, it is important to act fast in order to get accurate test results and to preserve evidence in case someone else was responsible for your carbon monoxide exposure.
Blood Tests
One of the best ways to prove carbon monoxide poisoning is with the use of a blood test. When carbon monoxide enters the bloodstream, it produces something called carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). Individuals who have been exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide will have elevated levels of COHb in their blood.
Imaging Scans
Carbon monoxide can also damage healthy tissue and organs in the body, which may be identified through imaging scans, such as:
- CT scans
- MRIs
- Other advanced scans
A doctor can evaluate the results of your scan to determine whether carbon monoxide was the likely cause of your tissue damage.
Air Quality Tests
Another way to check for carbon monoxide exposure is to test the air you are breathing. Carbon monoxide detectors can be used in homes, workplaces, and other locations to detect dangerous levels of CO. If CO is detected, you should immediately leave the area and get fresh air.
Post-Mortem Testing
After someone’s death, an autopsy can be used to determine whether carbon monoxide poisoning was the likely cause. Organs and tissues can be tested for the presence of carbon monoxide, and a medical examiner will determine the official cause of death.
Who Is Liable for Carbon Monoxide Exposure?
If you have been exposed to carbon monoxide, you may have suffered some serious injuries. Carbon monoxide poisoning often leaves victims with long-term effects, and sometimes exposure can even be fatal. So, who might be responsible for your carbon monoxide exposure?
If someone else’s negligence led to your exposure, then you might be able to hold them responsible for your damages as part of a personal injury claim with an El Segundo injury lawyer.
Some common parties who could face liability for carbon monoxide exposure include:
- Carbon monoxide detector manufacturers
- Landlords and property managers
- Home builders
- HVAC contractors
- Furnace or heater manufacturers
- Employers and businesses
Holding someone responsible requires proving their negligence. For example, imagine an HVAC company installs a brand new furnace in your home. They have a duty to install the furnace according to code and make sure it is working properly. Suppose they forget to connect the exhaust, and this allows carbon monoxide to enter your home.
Contact the El Segundo Personal Injury Attorneys at J. Hartley Law Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Carbon monoxide exposure can cause serious injuries, long-term health problems, and even death. Proving exposure may require medical testing, air quality evidence, expert review, and a careful investigation into the source of the gas.
If you’ve been hurt and need a personal injury lawyer in El Segundo, CA, or the surrounding communities in California, contact J. Hartley Law Personal Injury Lawyers today to discuss your case during a free consultation.
J. Hartley Law Personal Injury Lawyers
880 Apollo St, El Segundo, CA 90245
(323) 284-2834