When carbon monoxide takes someone you love.

The short answer

What a wrongful death claim is

A wrongful death claim asks a court to hold responsible those whose negligence or defective products caused a death. Depending on the state, it can recover funeral and medical costs, lost financial support and the loss of companionship and guidance. Many families tell us the most important thing is simply finding out what went wrong, so it cannot happen to anyone else.

Who can bring a claim

This is set by state law. Usually it is the personal representative of the estate, or close family members such as a spouse, children or parents. Some states also allow a separate “survival” claim for the person’s own losses before they died.

How carbon monoxide deaths are investigated

A medical examiner or coroner will often record the cause of death and may measure carboxyhemoglobin in the blood. The fire department, gas utility or police may take readings and inspect equipment. These reports are central, and they can take weeks to arrive.

Carbon monoxide deaths are sometimes first recorded as heart failure or natural causes. A second look can change everything.

What to keep

• The death certificate and any autopsy or toxicology report.
• Fire, police and utility reports, with any carbon monoxide readings.
• The equipment and the home as they were, where possible. Ask that nothing is removed or repaired.
• Leases, booking records, service records and receipts.
• Medical records for anyone else in the home who was affected.

Questions