Florida Attorney Tom Scolaro Warns Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Epidemic Is Killing American Tourists

Florida’s leading carbon monoxide exposure Attorney, Tom Scolaro, warns that a deadly epidemic is silently claiming the lives of American tourists throughout the Caribbean, Central and South America. With resorts and hotels across popular vacation destinations increasingly coming under scrutiny, the insidious threat of carbon monoxide—a colorless, odorless gas—has turned leisure trips into potential death traps for unsuspecting visitors.

In recent months, multiple tragic incidents have highlighted the alarming rate at which negligent safety practices are putting lives at risk. High-profile cases, such as the fatal poisoning of Miller Gardner and other similar incidents, underscore a systemic failure in maintaining proper safety standards at these establishments. Attorney Tom Scolaro has been at the forefront of this battle -notably securing a $11,750,000 settlement for a couple exposed to Carbon Monoxide at a resort abroad- exposing the negligence that leads to these preventable deaths and demanding accountability from those who profit at the expense of human life.

Drawing on years of legal expertise and a deep commitment to protecting American tourists, Scolaro’s relentless pursuit of justice serves as a clarion call for change. His warning is not just a legal stance—it is a plea for consumers, regulators, and industry leaders to recognize and address a crisis that continues to claim lives needlessly in the most tragic and avoidable manner.

The Latest Carbon Monoxide Incident: Miller Gardner

In a heart-wrenching incident that has captured national attention, 14-year-old Miller Gardner lost his life due to carbon monoxide poisoning while vacationing with his family at the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort in Costa Rica. According to toxicology reports released by Costa Rican authorities, Miller’s blood showed a lethal carboxyhemoglobin saturation of 64%, a level well above the fatal threshold of 50%.

Investigators pointed to the proximity of the family’s hotel room to a specialized mechanical room as a potential source of the deadly gas leak.

While the resort initially denied that dangerous levels of CO were present in the guest room—claiming that any high readings were confined to the mechanical area—the forensic evidence has firmly linked the tragedy to carbon monoxide exposure.

When a guest dies of carbon monoxide poisoning at a resort or a hotel, the resort’s first story is always the same—it must have been alcohol or drugs, never them. They deny, deflect, and delay, hoping the truth gets buried with the victim. But time and again, the evidence tells a different story: faulty equipment, poor maintenance, and a complete failure to protect their guests.

Recent Similar Tragedies – A Pattern of Neglect

Just days before the Gardner family’s devastating loss, another fatal incident shook the American travel community. In February, three young women from Massachusetts—Kaoutar Naqqad, Imane Mallah, and Wafae El-Arar—checked into the Royal Kahal Beach Resort, expecting a safe vacation. Instead, they were found dead in their hotel room, victims of acute carbon monoxide poisoning. Investigations revealed that a faulty water heater—previously reported as a hazard—leaked the toxic gas into their room. No carbon monoxide detectors had been installed, and despite clear warning signs, resort management failed to take preventive action.

This tragic incident mirrors the 2022 Sandals Emerald Bay Resort case in the Bahamas, where three American tourists lost their lives in a nearly identical manner. The family retained Miami Attorney Thomas Scolaro to handle the wrongful death case. “These deaths are not accidents; they are the result of blatant negligence, ignored warnings, and a refusal to prioritize guest safety over profits” said Tom Scolaro at the time.

Legal Challenges in Pursuing Justice

Florida Attorney Tom Scolaro, widely recognized as the leading advocate in carbon monoxide exposure cases, has emphasized that when a resort fails to install a simple carbon monoxide detector, “that’s not an accident—that’s a death trap.” His words cut through the rhetoric, highlighting that such oversights are deliberate choices that prioritize profit over human life.

Scolaro explains that one of the most challenging hurdles in these cases is the jurisdictional complications that arise when incidents occur abroad. He points out that while these establishments aggressively market to American tourists, they hide behind a web of foreign laws when tragedy strikes. For families seeking accountability, Scolaro stresses that justice must not be compromised by geographic boundaries: if a U.S. citizen dies because of a resort’s negligence, consequences must follow regardless of where the incident occurred.

Another significant challenge is proving negligence. Scolaro notes that resorts often claim ignorance, insisting that they had no idea about the dangerous conditions. “Carbon monoxide poisoning doesn’t just happen—it’s the result of ignored warnings and a complete disregard for guest safety,” he remarks. To counter these defenses, Scolaro Law’s legal team meticulously uncovers overlooked maintenance records, dismissed guest complaints, and neglected safety checks. This relentless investigation is critical to demonstrating that the resort breached its duty of care, a fact that Scolaro insists cannot be obscured by vague denials or incomplete evidence.

Furthermore, Scolaro is particularly vocal about the defense tactics employed by these establishments. When resorts argue that they complied with so-called local safety standards, Scolaro sharply criticizes, “No Industry standard should allow guests to suffocate in their sleep.” His stance is clear: no regulatory loophole can excuse the basic failure to protect human life, and those who profit from such negligence must be held to the standard of basic human decency.

Through his determined efforts and uncompromising approach, Tom Scolaro continues to pave the way for justice, ensuring that every American tourist deserves a safe vacation and that negligent practices in the hospitality industry are exposed and eradicated.

Scolaro Law: Leading the Fight for Justice

For over 25 years, Thomas Scolaro has been at the forefront of carbon monoxide poisoning litigation, holding negligent hotels and resorts accountable for exposing unsuspecting guests to this invisible killer. His track record speaks volumes—most recently, he obtained a $11,750,000 settlement for a couple poisoned by carbon monoxide while vacationing abroad. Despite facing complex legal hurdles, the case was resolved in under nine months, underscoring both his firm’s relentless pursuit of justice and dedication in this highly specialized area of law. This result is just the latest in a long line of cases where Scolaro has taken on corporate negligence and won, proving time after time that preventable tragedies demand accountability.

Carbon monoxide is a silent threat—odorless, colorless, and deadly. Even low levels of exposure can cause fatigue, headaches, and nausea, while prolonged exposure leads to unconsciousness, permanent brain damage, or death. The danger is not theoretical; it is very real, and Scolaro has spent his career ensuring that negligent property owners face consequences when they fail to implement even the most basic safety measures. In 2008, his legal advocacy helped shape Florida’s first carbon monoxide safety law, which now requires CO alarms in all newly constructed residential buildings with fuel-burning appliances. This legislation, born from tragedy, continues to save lives today.

One such tragedy unfolded in Key West, Florida, when a young man died and his father suffered severe injuries after carbon monoxide seeped into their hotel room from a poorly maintained boiler system. The hotel had ignored warning signs, choosing profits over safety. Scolaro represented over a dozen victims from that case, including an Iowa guest who suffered permanent injuries and secured a $1,700,000 settlement. Time and again, his work has forced industry-wide changes while delivering justice to those who paid the ultimate price for corporate negligence.

Yet, the fight is far from over. In recent years, American tourism to the Caribbean, Central America, and South America has surged, with millions flocking to the region’s tropical beaches, luxury resorts, and adventure destinations. But as visitor numbers have skyrocketed, so too has the death toll from carbon monoxide exposure. The tragic reality is that while these establishments eagerly welcome U.S. tourism dollars, they often neglect the most basic life-saving measures—failing to install carbon monoxide detectors or properly maintain gas-powered appliances and boiler rooms. As a result, preventable deaths continue to rise.

Taking Action

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a preventable tragedy that continues to claim lives, and while no amount of compensation can undo the harm caused, holding those responsible is essential. At Scolaro Law, we are dedicated to pursuing justice for victims of negligence and ensuring accountability for those who fail to protect their guests. If you or a loved one has been affected by carbon monoxide exposure during travel, we are here to help. With decades of experience and a proven track record, we will guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to discuss how we can assist you in holding those accountable for their abhorrent actions.