Silent Danger: What to Do if You Suspect Carbon Monoxide Exposure in a Hotel Room

When you check into a hotel, you expect simple rest with no risk, but carbon monoxide (CO), often called the “silent killer,” can turn an ordinary stay into a life-threatening emergency. 

This colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas can’t be seen or smelled, and in enclosed spaces like hotel rooms, exposure can quickly lead to serious illness—or even death.

Hotels and motels are not immune to CO hazards. In fact, numerous incidents across the U.S. have involved faulty equipment or poor maintenance that allowed deadly levels of carbon monoxide to leak into guest rooms.

Hotels owe their guests a duty of care. It’s the law. When they fail to keep that standard and you suffer harm, you have the right to hold them accountable and even seek compensation. If this applies to you or a loved one, contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.

How CO Exposure Happens in Lodging Facilities

Carbon monoxide is produced when fuel burns incompletely (also known as “incomplete combustion”). In hotels, this can be caused by numerous sources, including: common sources include:

• Faulty and poorly maintained heating systems (such as gas-powered furnaces or wall heaters)
• Poorly maintained pool or spa  heaters
• Vehicle exhaust seeping from nearby parking areas or attached garages
• Clogged, blocked, leaking, improperly installed, or disconnected vents and flues that prevent proper ventilation

When these systems and appliances fail or when hotels neglect regular maintenance, CO can accumulate undetected, putting guests and staff in danger.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Symptoms to Watch For

Carbon monoxide poisoning often mimics common illnesses, which makes it difficult to recognize. Early symptoms may feel like the flu but without a fever. Common signs include:

• Headache or pressure in the head
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Confusion or disorientation
• Weakness or shortness of breath

If multiple people in the same room begin to feel sick at once, especially in a hotel setting, carbon monoxide exposure should be suspected immediately.

What to Do if You Suspect CO Exposure

If you think you’ve been exposed to carbon monoxide in your hotel room, act fast—your safety comes first.

1. Leave the room immediately. Get fresh air as quickly as possible by going outside or to a well-ventilated area.
2. Seek medical care. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Tell medical staff that you may have been exposed to carbon monoxide so they can perform appropriate tests.
3. Notify hotel staff, but don’t re-enter the room. Alert management from a safe location so they can evacuate other guests and contact emergency services.

Prompt action can save your life and prevent others from being harmed.

How to Preserve Evidence of CO Poisoning

If you suspect that a hotel’s negligence caused your exposure, documenting everything can help protect your legal rights later. If it’s safe to do so:

• Take photos or videos of the room, visible appliances, and vents.
• Write down your room number, the date and time, and any equipment (like boilers or pool heaters) nearby.
• Ask for contact information from witnesses or other affected guests.
• Keep copies of your medical records and any communications with the hotel.

This information can be critical if you choose to file a claim or lawsuit.

Why Contacting a Law Firm Early Matters

Hotels and motels have a legal duty to keep guests safe. When that duty is violated, whether through poor maintenance, inadequate ventilation, or lack of CO detectors, the consequences can be devastating.

Reaching out to an attorney early ensures that any evidence is preserved before it’s altered or destroyed, deadlines for filing claims or lawsuits are not missed, and experts can investigate the source of the exposure.

At Morgan & Morgan, we fight For the People, not the powerful. If your hotel stay resulted in carbon monoxide poisoning, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

No one should suffer because of a hotel’s negligence. If you were exposed to carbon monoxide while traveling, you don’t have to deal with the aftermath alone. Morgan & Morgan’s experienced attorneys can help you understand your rights and take action to hold those responsible accountable. 

Hiring one of our lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

The first symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning are often subtle and easy to mistake for other common illnesses, such as the flu or food poisoning. However, unlike the flu, CO poisoning does not cause a fever.

Early symptoms may include:

• Headache or pressure in the head (the most common first symptom)
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Fatigue or weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion or difficulty thinking clearly
   

As exposure continues, symptoms can worsen and include vomiting, chest pain, fainting, loss of coordination, or unconsciousness.

If multiple people in the same area, such as a hotel room, develop similar symptoms at the same time, it’s a strong warning sign of carbon monoxide exposure. The safest thing to do is leave the area immediately and seek fresh air and medical help.

If I wake up feeling nauseous in a hotel, could it be CO exposure?

Yes, it could be carbon monoxide (CO) exposure, especially if you wake up feeling nauseous, dizzy, or with a headache, and the symptoms ease once you get fresh air.

Carbon monoxide often accumulates in the evening and overnight, when guests are asleep and unaware. Faulty heaters, boilers, or blocked vents can allow CO to leak into rooms, and because the gas has no smell or color, you wouldn’t know it’s there.

Should I call the front desk or leave the room immediately?

If you suspect carbon monoxide exposure, leave the room immediately. Your safety comes first.

Carbon monoxide is dangerous because it’s colorless, odorless, and fast-acting. Staying in the room, even for a few extra minutes, can increase your risk of serious illness or death. Once you’re safely outside or in a well-ventilated area, call 911 to report the suspected exposure and get medical help.

After emergency services are on their way, you can notify the hotel front desk from a safe location so they can evacuate other guests and prevent further harm.

In short:

1. Get out first.
2. Call 911.
3. Then alert hotel staff.

Never try to re-enter the room or investigate the source yourself.

What kind of documentation should I get from the hotel?

If you suspect or have experienced carbon monoxide exposure in a hotel, collecting proper documentation is crucial for your health, safety, and any potential legal action. Here’s what to gather:

1. Written Incident Report – provided by the hotel or filed by an official. Request a copy for your own records.
2. Room Information – including your room number, floor, and any other room numbers where people may have reported feeling ill.
3. Staff Details – including names and job titles of any hotel employees you spoke with about the incident. Note what each person said or did in response.
4. Medical Documentation – copies of hospital or doctor visit summaries, toxicology reports, and test results showing carbon monoxide exposure.

Having detailed records strengthens your ability to prove negligence if the hotel failed to maintain safe conditions or equipment. After documenting everything, consider contacting an attorney right away so evidence can be preserved and your rights protected.

Can I file an insurance claim or lawsuit if I was exposed?

Yes. If hotel negligence caused your exposure, you may be able to file a claim or lawsuit to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

How soon after carbon monoxide exposure should I see a doctor?

Immediately. Once exposed to air, carbon monoxide will begin to dissipate within the body slowly. It is important that treatment is quick to document the exposure as well as the amount of carboxyhemoglobin that is in the bloodstream. Receiving proper treatment may also help to prevent long-lasting neurological effects. Early treatment is crucial.

Does the hotel have to pay for my medical bills?

If the hotel’s negligence is proven, they may be held liable for your medical expenses and related damages. Some hotels may even offer an upfront settlement to cover these expenses with the condition that you sign a waiver regarding your right to sue.

Don’t sign anything until you consult an experienced attorney and a medical professional has confirmed the full extent of your symptoms. You may be offered less than you deserve.

What if I continue to feel unwell weeks after leaving the hotel?

Long-term effects like memory problems, fatigue, or headaches can occur. Follow up with a doctor and document your ongoing symptoms. Contact Morgan & Morgan, and our team can advise your next legal steps and, if we work your case, can help you organize and collect these medical records to build a case.

Is it safe to stay in the same hotel brand again after a case of carbon monoxide?

That depends on the investigation and how the company responds. Always verify that the hotel has functioning CO detectors and follows safety protocols.

How can I protect myself from carbon monoxide the next time I travel?

When traveling, you can bring along a simple portable carbon monoxide detector, especially when staying in older hotels or motels. Check that vents and detectors are in place and functional.

Unfortunately, no matter how hard we try to stay safe, the negligence of others can still sometimes put us in harm’s way. If you or a loved one suffered from carbon monoxide exposure in a hotel, Morgan & Morgan may be able to help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. You pay nothing unless we win.