Five People Injured In Humboldt Park Carbon Monoxide Accident
Unsafe Premises - January 27, 2023
Five People Injured In Humboldt Park, Chicago Carbon Monoxide Accident At Apartment
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (January 26, 2022) – Five people were hospitalized in a carbon monoxide accident at a Humboldt Park, Chicago apartment on North Keystone Avenue.
Cook County officials are saying that the accident took place on Wednesday morning. A man apparently went to work with symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
The man’s boss brought him back home where he discovered numerous family members unresponsive. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help all of the victims.
Three people were taken to the hospital in fair condition. Two people were taken to the hospital in serious condition. Several other people did not require further treatment.
There were apparently CO detectors in the apartment, but none of them appeared to go off. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Chicago Carbon Monoxide Accidents
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless and colorless gas that is produced anytime that fuel burns. People will start to become sick when they are exposed to carbon monoxide at above 70 parts per million (ppm). Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide over 200 ppm can lead to unconsciousness or even death. The vast majority of CO poisoning accidents take place in the winter when people are more likely to heat their home. There are a number of potential sources of CO leaks.
- Gas ranges
- Furnaces
- Fireplaces
- Vehicles
A property owner could potentially be liable if someone is injured in a CO leak at their property. Pursuant to Illinois Civil Code (740 ILCS 130/1), property owners must maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition. When a property owner has actual or constructive notice of a dangerous condition with their property, they must take action to correct the dangerous condition.
When an apartment lacks adequate CO detectors, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Pursuant to 430 ILCS 135/1, “Every dwelling unit shall be equipped with at least one approved carbon monoxide alarm in an operating condition within 15 feet of every room used for sleeping purposes.” There are a number of measures that should be taken after any carbon monoxide poisoning accident.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
It can be hard to know where to begin after any CO poisoning accident. Many victims suffer from long-term health issues. Any person that is injured in a CO accident may have recourse through a civil claim. In order to win any civil claim plaintiffs will have to demonstrate negligence. Evidence is what will ultimately be needed to demonstrate liability for any incident.
Investigating A Chicago Carbon Monoxide Accident
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to all of the people injured at this apartment. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other incidents like this.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Humboldt Park carbon monoxide accident? Our team of premises liability attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.