Over 60,000 Boilers Recalled After Two Fatal Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Cases
Triangle Tube gas boilers, sold throughout the U.S. and Canada, have been recalled due to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Triangle Tube announced that Prestige Solo, Prestige Excellence, and Aerco Esteem condensing gas boilers pose a serious risk due to delayed ignitions and component damage, which can release high levels of carbon monoxide into homes. The recall affects over 60,000 units in the U.S. and 7,500 in Canada. Reports show that at least 25 cases of carbon monoxide leaks have occurred, and tragically, two individuals lost their lives due to poisoning from these defective boilers.
The recall covers boilers sold since 2011, and consumers who own these units are being urged to contact Triangle Tube for an inspection. If their boiler is found to be defective, they will be eligible for a free replacement. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be fatal when inhaled in high concentrations. Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause dizziness, nausea, confusion, and, in severe cases, loss of consciousness and death. The dangers associated with carbon monoxide leaks make it critical for consumers to take immediate action if they own a recalled Triangle Tube boiler.
The Danger of Carbon Monoxide Exposure
The defects in the Triangle Tube boilers create a hazardous situation where homes can fill with carbon monoxide without residents realizing the danger. Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when the gas builds up in enclosed spaces, depriving the body of oxygen. Symptoms often start with headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, but prolonged exposure can lead to brain damage, organ failure, and death. The danger is especially high at night when families are asleep and unaware of the leak.
The deaths of a 47-year-old woman in 2015 and an 85-year-old man in 2016 highlight just how lethal these boilers can be. Without proper ventilation or detection, people exposed to carbon monoxide often do not realize what is happening until it is too late. Homes equipped with these defective boilers may have been unknowingly leaking dangerous levels of carbon monoxide for years, putting residents at risk.
Consumers who experience symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning should seek medical attention immediately and ensure their homes are equipped with functioning carbon monoxide detectors. While the recall offers a replacement boiler, many families may have already suffered serious health effects or even lost loved ones due to prolonged exposure.
Legal Options for Victims of Triangle Tube Boiler Injuries
Families who have suffered harm due to these defective boilers may have legal options to seek compensation. Product liability laws allow victims to hold manufacturers accountable when defective products cause injury or death. In this case, Triangle Tube distributed boilers that failed to function safely, leading to carbon monoxide leaks that resulted in serious harm.
A lawsuit against the manufacturer can help victims recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If a loved one died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning from a defective boiler, surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This legal action can help compensate for funeral expenses, emotional suffering, and the loss of financial support.
For those who have been affected, gathering medical records, toxicology reports, and maintenance records for the boiler can serve as essential evidence in a product liability claim. If Triangle Tube knew about the risk but failed to issue a recall earlier, punitive damages may also be awarded to hold the company accountable for its negligence.
The Legal Process and Why Victims Need an Attorney
Filing a product liability lawsuit against a large manufacturer like Triangle Tube requires substantial evidence and legal knowledge. Victims must prove that the defective boiler directly caused their injuries or the death of a loved one. This can be challenging, as carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms can be mistaken for other illnesses, and toxic gas exposure often leaves no visible signs.
The process begins with filing a formal legal complaint against Triangle Tube, detailing the defect, the harm it caused, and the compensation being sought. The discovery phase follows, during which attorneys collect evidence, including reports of prior carbon monoxide leaks, maintenance records, and expert testimony regarding the boiler’s defects.
Triangle Tube and its insurance company may attempt to settle the case before trial. While a settlement can provide financial relief more quickly, initial offers may not fully compensate victims for their losses. An attorney plays a crucial role in negotiating fair settlements and ensuring victims are not pressured into accepting inadequate compensation. If a fair agreement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to trial, where a judge or jury will determine the amount of damages awarded.
Compensation Available for Victims
Victims of carbon monoxide poisoning caused by defective boilers may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages. Medical expenses can be substantial, covering emergency treatment, oxygen therapy, long-term care, and rehabilitation for those who suffer permanent neurological damage. Lost wages can also be recovered if victims were unable to work due to illness or hospitalization.
Pain and suffering damages account for the emotional and physical distress caused by the poisoning. Carbon monoxide exposure can result in long-term cognitive impairment, reduced quality of life, and psychological trauma. In wrongful death cases, surviving family members can seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and the financial contributions the deceased would have provided.
If the manufacturer’s negligence was particularly egregious, punitive damages may be awarded as well. These damages serve as a financial penalty against the company to deter similar misconduct in the future.
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