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

(Apologies not sure where to post - so also copied to Elec/Gas and Referrers Forum)

Razor

During a landlords certificate the appliances belonging to the landlord would be checked not the tenants, you say that you had the fire fitted so the company gas man would have only had to make a visual check of the fire. Did you fit the fire yourself?

Unless it says on the certificates that the fire was inspected I wouldn't think you have a leg to stand on.

If it was fitted by a registered installer and they are still in business you could report this to Corgi but I'm not sure what good it would do now the fire has been changed.

I think you have been very lucky and would suggest that anyone reading this who gets drowsy when using the fire gets it sorted out and doesn't wait for the council to do it when its not even the councils appliance.

I hope you do feel better soon and I trust you now have a CO alarm for the new fire?

Mojisola

I think there are two problems - you have no proof that it was carbon monoxide poisoning, ie blood tests; and you say that you had the fire fitted yourself so you and your workmen would be held responsible.

Did either of your children have any symptoms of poisoning during this time? If not, it may just be co-incidence.