Carbon monoxide poisoning?

roy_harper

Dear All
In short, I would like to know if I can claim damages from the local council for not maintaining the chimney properly.

I moved to this council property with my two children in 1994. I got a degree at aged 40 and was set to give my kids a good life when I became ill and the GP has signed me off long-term sick for depression.
Every winter I succumbed to this and had all the symptoms of what I now think was carbon monoxide poisoning.
The council sent a company gas man round each year to check the boiler and the gas fire which I had fitted myself privately. I mentioned that I was worried that I always felt drowsy when I put the fire on. It was only last year on a routine inspection that they checked the chimney and found it still had a 'Parkray' fitted from before I moved in in 1994. So I don't think it was adequately ventilated. I was given a note to say it was blocked by a Parkray and they would take away my fire and the blockage and fit a new one. At no point would the fitters say that I could have been in danger all these years.
They came soon after, took away my fire and the Parkray and fitted a new fire.
This was last year and I just came across the condemn note in my files. I'm starting to feel a bit better and may even get back to part-time work. I wonder if I should tell my GP - take the council to court for damages - claim for some compensation for the illness if it could even be proved it was CO poisoning. Or should I just let it all go and live with it.

Commenets and advice greatly appreciated

lilac_lady

I think you should let it go and live with it. Sometimes it's better to walk away rather than inflict further stress on yourself. Get a carbon monoxide alarm fitted so that you've no more worries about gas ventilation. I hope your health continues to improve.

SwanJon

roy_harper wrote: »

The council sent a company gas man round each year to check the boiler and the gas fire which I had fitted myself privately.

Should this have been spotted by the installers when the fire was fitted?
It might be them you have an issue with, not the council.

Pssst

It all sounds a bit circumstantial. If you are going to litigate you need hard evidence and expert witnesses. Surely your installers who fitted the appliance would have responsibility for fitting the appliance correctly?
I doubt this issue has legs. What evidence do you have that you had CO poisoning? did you visit the hospital and get blood tests?

space_rider

As the council didn`t fit the fire can`t see how you can claim against them. But when the council sent someone out to do the yearly checks, can you remember if they checked the fire for carbon monoxide?