PLAISTOW, NEW HAMPSHIRE (November 24, 2025) – Four workers at Shaw’s grocery store in Plaistow were hospitalized after being exposed to carbon monoxide.
Plaistow officials are saying that the accident took place around 11:41 PM late Monday. Emergency responders got a call about several people feeling sick and reportedly needing help just to walk out of the building.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene to help the victims. They noticed a carbon monoxide reading of 300 parts per million (ppm) inside of the grocery store.
At least 14 workers were exposed to carbon monoxide. However, only four of those workers required hospitalization.
The suspected cause of the carbon monoxide poisoning was a gas-powered pressure washer that was used by a third-party cleaning company.
A full investigation into the accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Plaistow Workplace Accidents
Workers are barred from pursuing negligence claims against their employers directly in most situations. Instead, injury claims in the workplace will be adjudicated through the workers’ compensation system. This is a no-fault insurance scheme designed to help workers.
In addition to workers’ compensation, an injured worker may be able to receive benefits through a third-party liability claim. A third-party liability claim may be possible if an entity separate from a worker’s employer contributed to an accident. This may include a third-party cleaning service that was using gas-powered tools. It could also include the company’s responsible for maintaining various equipment at the worksite.
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Accidents
Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas that can be incredibly dangerous and is involved in many serious incidents each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Each year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning not linked to fires, more than 100,000 visit an emergency department, and more than 14,000 are hospitalized.”
Employers should take several actions to protect their workers from carbon monoxide poisoning.
- CO Detectors: Companies should install CO detectors in all required areas.
- Maintenance: Companies should ensure that all fuel-burning equipment is regularly inspected and properly maintained. This includes HVAC systems, boilers, and water heaters.
- Ventilation: Companies should ensure that all areas where CO gas can accumulate are properly ventilated.
- Emergency Procedures: Employees should be trained to recognize the symptoms of CO exposure.
The vast majority of carbon monoxide accidents are preventable. They tend to be the result of clear safety lapses. It is important that victims understand they do have legal rights. They may be able to pursue a personal injury claim to recover damages. A personal injury attorney can examine the unique facts of your case and let you know what your options are.
Compensation for Carbon Monoxide Injuries
Workers’ compensation can help cover various expenses in New Hampshire after an accident on a worksite.
- Medical Costs: Victims are able to recover medical costs for many different items, including doctor visits, prescription medications, therapy costs, and diagnostic tests.
- Wage Replacement: Victims are able to recover disability benefits to help with the time that they will be away from work.
- Death and Survivor Benefits: In the event that a worker is killed on the job, surviving family members will be entitled to numerous financial benefits, including money to help cover burial expenses.
Need a Lawyer to Investigate a Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Accident?
We at DiBella Law extend our best wishes to the workers injured at the Shaw’s grocery store in Plaistow. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA and the police. A thorough investigation is needed to determine what went wrong, so that similar incidents can be prevented.
Have you or someone you care about been injured in a carbon monoxide poisoning accident? You may have legal recourse. Our team of experienced New Hampshire personal injury attorneys is here to assist you in any way we can. We are committed to helping victims get the medical and financial support that they need to recover after an accident. Whether you just have legal questions or need any other type of assistance, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (617) 870-0907.