After the Exposure: Steps to Take When You’ve Been Injured by Carbon Monoxide in a Hotel

You wake up in a hotel room with a pounding headache, nausea, or dizziness—symptoms that feel like a bad hangover or flu—but what if it’s something far more dangerous?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless gas that can quickly turn a relaxing trip into a medical emergency. If you suspect you’ve been exposed to carbon monoxide during your hotel stay, every minute and every decision matters.

Below are the steps of exactly what to do after a possible CO exposure in a hotel, how to protect your health and your legal rights, and how Morgan & Morgan can help you pursue the compensation you may need and deserve to move on from such an accident.

Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention

The very first thing to do, even if you’re unsure of the severity of the situation, is to get medical help immediately. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be deadly, and its symptoms often mimic other illnesses. Medical professionals can confirm whether you were exposed and provide lifesaving treatment.

Get Tested for CO-Hb Levels

At the hospital, ask specifically for a carboxyhemoglobin (CO-Hb) test. This blood test measures how much carbon monoxide is bound to your red blood cells, helping confirm the level of poisoning. The test should be done as soon as possible, because CO dissipates from your system over time, and the results can be key medical evidence if you decide to pursue a claim.

Document All Symptoms and Treatments

Keep detailed records of your medical care, including:

• Your diagnosis and CO-Hb test results
• Any oxygen or hyperbaric chamber treatment you received
• Prescriptions or ongoing therapy for neurological, cardiac, or cognitive symptoms
• Follow-up appointments with specialists

Even mild exposure can lead to lasting effects such as memory problems, headaches, or heart complications. These records form the foundation of both your health recovery and any potential legal action.

Step 2: Preserve Evidence From the Hotel

Once you’re safe and have received medical care, turn your attention to documenting everything possible about your hotel stay. Carbon monoxide cases often hinge on proof of negligence, and this evidence can disappear quickly once the hotel becomes aware of the issue.

Keep a Record of Your Room Information

Write down your room number, reservation details, and the dates of your stay. Save your receipts, email confirmations, and credit card statements that show your presence at the hotel.

Identify the Source of the Exposure

If possible, and only if it’s safe, take note of or photograph any potential CO sources, such as:

• Gas-powered heaters, fireplaces, or boilers
• Pool heaters or laundry equipment near guest rooms
• Parking garages connected to the building
• Faulty ventilation systems
   

This information helps investigators trace the source of the gas and determine whether the hotel properly maintained its equipment.

Gather Witness Information

If other guests or employees experienced similar symptoms, write down their names and contact information. Their accounts can help establish a pattern of exposure and strengthen your case.

Take Photos and Videos

Document your surroundings, especially any visible maintenance issues like soot marks, broken detectors, or blocked vents. Take photos of carbon monoxide detectors (or lack thereof) in your room and hallway. These images could become crucial evidence.

Step 3: Notify the Hotel and Insurance Companies

Report the Incident to the Hotel

Inform hotel management of your suspected CO exposure, in writing if possible. Ask for a written acknowledgment of your report. However, avoid signing any waivers or accepting any compensation until you’ve spoken with an attorney. Early settlement offers are often designed to limit the hotel’s liability, not to fairly compensate you.

Contact Your Travel Insurance Provider

If you have travel insurance, notify them about the incident. Some policies cover medical evacuation, emergency treatment, or trip interruption caused by unexpected illness or injury. Keep copies of all correspondence and claim forms.

File a Claim with the Hotel’s Insurance

Hotels typically carry liability insurance that covers injuries to guests. However, dealing directly with an insurer can be risky. They may try to downplay the incident or deny coverage. It’s best to let your lawyer handle this step to avoid compromising your claim.

Step 4: How a Law Firm Can Help You

A carbon monoxide exposure case can be complex, involving building codes, HVAC systems, gas appliance maintenance, and multiple insurance policies. That’s where a law firm like Morgan & Morgan steps in.

Conducting a Full Investigation

Our attorneys work with forensic experts and engineers to identify where the leak originated and whether the hotel or a third-party contractor was negligent. We examine:

• Maintenance logs
• Inspection reports
• CO detector installation records
• Local safety ordinances

We also look for a pattern. For example, whether the same hotel chain had previous CO incidents.

Gathering Expert Testimony

Medical professionals, toxicologists, and mechanical engineers can provide testimony linking your symptoms and injuries directly to the exposure. This expert input is often the key to proving liability in court.

Negotiating with the Hotel or Insurer

Hotels and their insurers often have powerful legal teams. We level the playing field. Our attorneys handle all communication, gather the necessary evidence, and negotiate aggressively for full compensation. If the other side won’t offer a fair settlement, we’re prepared to take the case to trial.

At Morgan & Morgan, we’ve handled hundreds of complex injury cases, and we don’t get paid unless you do. Our team fights For the People, not corporations.

Step 5: Navigate the Timeline: What to Do in the Days, Weeks, and Months After Exposure

In the First 24 Hours

• Seek medical attention immediately.
• Get a CO-Hb test.
• Report the incident to hotel management.
• Move to a safe location and avoid returning to the contaminated area.
  
   

In the First Week

• Obtain copies of your medical records and test results.
• Document all communication with the hotel and insurance companies.
• Write down your recollection of events while it’s fresh in your mind.
• Contact a personal injury attorney experienced in carbon monoxide cases.
  
   

In the Following Months

• Attend all follow-up appointments.
• Track ongoing symptoms, cognitive changes, or emotional distress in a journal.
• Work with your lawyer to collect additional evidence and prepare your claim.
• Avoid discussing the case publicly or on social media.
  
   

The statute of limitations varies by state, but you generally have a limited time to file a claim. Acting quickly ensures that evidence is preserved and witnesses remain available.

Step 6: Potential Outcomes and What Compensation Could Cover

If a hotel’s negligence caused your CO exposure, you may be entitled to significant compensation for both current and future damages. These can include:

Medical Expenses

• Hospital visits, tests, oxygen therapy, and follow-up care
• Hyperbaric oxygen treatment for severe poisoning
• Rehabilitation and cognitive therapy
   

Lost Income

If you missed work or can no longer perform your job due to ongoing neurological or physical symptoms, your attorney can help recover both past and future lost wages.

Pain and Suffering

Carbon monoxide poisoning can leave lasting emotional scars. Victims often experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress. Compensation can cover this emotional distress and the loss of enjoyment of life.

Wrongful Death

Tragically, many hotel CO exposure cases involve fatalities. Families may file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and future financial support.

Every case is different, but with the right legal team, victims can hold negligent hotels accountable and secure the resources they need to recover.

Ready to Take the First Step? You Don’t Have to Go Through It Alone

Recovering from carbon monoxide poisoning isn’t just about healing physically; it’s about reclaiming your peace of mind. Hotels have a duty to keep guests safe. When they fail, the consequences can be devastating, but you have legal rights.

At Morgan & Morgan, we’ve fought for countless victims of negligence, helping them rebuild their lives after serious injury. Our team has the experience, resources, and national reach to take on even the largest hotel chains.

If you or a loved one were exposed to carbon monoxide at a hotel, don’t wait. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. We’ll handle the legal process so you can focus on getting better.

Frequently Asked Questions About Carbon Monoxide Exposure in Hotels

What kind of doctor should I see for CO poisoning?

Start with the emergency department or an urgent care center immediately after exposure. Once you’ve stabilized, follow up with a neurologist, cardiologist, or pulmonologist, depending on your symptoms. Long-term monitoring is important because some effects, like cognitive or memory problems, may develop later.

How long after exposure can I still claim injury?

The statute of limitations depends on your state, but typically ranges from one to two years. However, some effects of CO poisoning take time to appear, and courts may extend deadlines in certain cases. Speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to preserve your rights.

Should I keep my hotel stay receipt and records?

Yes. Your hotel receipt, confirmation email, and credit card statement all help prove you were a registered guest at the property, an important step in linking your exposure to the hotel’s negligence.

What if I feel fine, but the hotel wants to settle quickly?

Don’t accept a quick settlement. Some symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure, such as memory loss, fatigue, or heart problems, may not appear for weeks. If you settle early, you may forfeit your right to full compensation for future complications.

Can I still sue if I signed a hotel waiver or release?

Yes, in many cases. Hotels cannot waive their legal duty to maintain safe premises. Even if you signed a form limiting liability, it may not hold up if the hotel was negligent in maintaining its equipment or failed to warn guests of known hazards.

How long does the legal process take in a CO exposure case?

It varies. Simple cases may resolve in a few months through settlement, while more complex claims, especially those involving multiple victims or fatalities, can take a year or longer. Morgan & Morgan keeps clients updated every step of the way.

What happens if multiple guests file claims against the same hotel?

If several guests were harmed by the same CO leak, the cases may be consolidated or handled as a class action. This can increase pressure on the hotel to settle fairly. Our attorneys have extensive experience in handling both individual and group claims.

Will my travel insurance cover this incident?

Some travel insurance plans include medical coverage for injuries sustained during a trip. However, they may not cover pain and suffering, lost wages, or long-term disability, which are recoverable through a personal injury lawsuit. Your attorney can help navigate both processes.

Can I be compensated for pain and suffering or just medical bills?

Yes. Victims of carbon monoxide exposure may be entitled to non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life, in addition to reimbursement for medical bills and lost income.

Should I accept a small settlement offer from the hotel?

Not without consulting a lawyer. Initial offers are often much lower than what victims deserve. A personal injury attorney can evaluate the true value of your claim and negotiate for full compensation, not just a token payment to protect the hotel’s reputation.

If you or someone you love suffered from CO exposure, taking swift action could make all the difference for your health and your financial recovery.

At Morgan & Morgan, we’re here to hold negligent hotels accountable and fight for the justice you deserve. Because when it comes to your safety, no one should get away with cutting corners. Hiring one of our lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation.