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Elderly couple died from CO poisoning at home after power cut (13 April 2015)

Date: 13/04/2015
Duncan Lewis, Personal Injury Solicitors, Elderly couple died from CO poisoning at home after power cut

The East Sussex deputy coroner has recorded a verdict of accidental death, after an elderly couple died from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning after lighting a barbecue inside their home to keep warm after their heating was cut off during a power cut.

The Daily Mail reports that Patrick Charles, 78, and his wife Marianne, 74, from Eastbourne were left without heating on a cold night in November 2014 and decided to light the barbecue.

The inquest heard that UK Power Networks had caused the power cut to carry out maintenance works.

Cooking equipment and camping stoves such as barbecues emit carbon monoxide and should never be used in an enclosed space or near an enclosed space such as a tent.

The inquest into the deaths of Mr and Mrs Charles heard how to elderly couple lit the barbecue inside their conservatory and sat down with a glass of wine to wait for the power to be turned back on.

The inquest heard that smoke form the barbecue quickly filled the conservatory and shortly after the barbecue was lit, Mr and Mrs Charles fell unconscious and choked on the fumes.

Hastings Magistrates’ Court was told that their son Andrew Charles raised the alarm on 11 December, 16 days after the couple died – and police searched the property.

Mr Charles told the inquest that his parents “kept themselves to themselves” – and often went on holiday abroad for long period, so it was not unusual not to hear from them for several weeks.

In a statement, Mr Charles said:

“They loved their holidays, faithful friends and their grandchildren. They were happy and in love after 53 years of marriage.”

East Sussex deputy coroner Christopher Wilkinson recorded a conclusion of accidental death.

Public health adviser at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, Sheila Merril, said:

“Carbon monoxide is particularly dangerous because it has no colour, smell or taste. It is therefore easy to inhale without realising it.

“CO poisoning is caused by faulty or badly-serviced gas and other fossil fuel-burning appliances and systems. Barbecues should not be used indoors as this can lead to a build up of CO.

“To remain safe, families need to ensure that gas and fossil fuel appliances are serviced regularly – and know the signs of CO poisoning, which include prolonged flu-like symptoms or coal or wood fires that burn slowly or go out.”

Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors – No win no fee Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Claims

Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of no win no fee personal injury solicitors with a successful track record in winning high levels of compensation for people who have suffered injury as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning, including CO poisoning on package holidays, at work or in public places – or as a result of faulty heating or cooking equipment, poor maintenance of water heaters, boilers or gas equipment or carbon monoxide poisoning in rented flats and holiday apartments.

Personal injury claimants have three years from the date of injury in which to make a claim for carbon monoxide poisoning – and children can claim compensation up to the age of 21.

In cases where a loved one has lost their life as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning caused by faulty equipment or negligent maintenance or building work, Duncan Lewis can advise bereaved families on making a no win no fee Fatal Injuries Claim.

For expert legal advice on no win no fee Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Claims, call Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors on 020 7923 4020.


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