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Thomas Scolaro, Florida’s Leading Carbon Monoxide Exposure Attorney, Obtains $11,750,000 Settlement
June 12, 2024
In the realm of carbon monoxide injury law in Florida, one name stands out above all others: Thomas Scolaro. With over 25 years of dedicated practice in this niche field, Thomas has become synonymous with expertise and success. His recent legal battle underscores his unparalleled proficiency in navigating complex legal terrain and highlights his firm’s steadfast commitment to securing justice for those impacted by carbon monoxide incidents.
record-breaking settlement secured
As a prominent attorney specializing in carbon monoxide (CO) exposure, Thomas Scolaro of Scolaro Law recently secured an impressive $11,750,000 settlement for a couple exposed to CO during a vacation abroad. Despite facing complex legal challenges, this substantial settlement was reached in under nine months. This case adds to the growing list of high-stakes CO exposure cases Tom has successfully handled over the last 25 years, showcasing his firm’s innovative legal strategies and deep expertise in this intricate area of personal injury law.
understanding the dangers of carbon monoxide exposure
Carbon monoxide is a deadly, odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that can cause severe health issues even at low exposure levels. Symptoms include fatigue, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Extended exposure can lead to unconsciousness, permanent brain damage, and death. This underscores the importance of Tom Scolaro’s role in 2008, when he played a pivotal part in the enactment of Florida’s first law addressing CO exposure in residential buildings. This law mandates that new constructions with fossil-fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages must have CO alarms installed within 10 feet of each sleeping area.

pioneering legislative change in florida
The urgency of this legislation was underscored by a tragic incident in Key West, Florida, where a young man died and his father was seriously injured due to CO poisoning in their hotel room, which shared a wall with a boiler room that had a faulty venting system. This incident not only highlighted the critical need for such laws but also saw Tom representing over a dozen affected guests, including an Iowa visitor who secured a $1,700,000 settlement for permanent injuries sustained.
Expertise in Carbon Monoxide Cases: Key to Overcoming Legal Challenges
Determining the Right Jurisdiction: Essential for Success
Identifying the appropriate jurisdiction for a carbon monoxide poisoning case is a complex yet critical step. While Florida courts typically handle incidents within their territory, establishing jurisdiction over incidents that occur abroad is paramount. The principle of forum non conveniens helps determine the most suitable and convenient location for litigation, considering factors like party convenience, evidence accessibility, local interests, and judicial efficiency.
Asserting jurisdiction over a foreign entity is crucial for several reasons:
- Enhanced Legal Protections and Client Remedies: The U.S. legal system often offers more favorable standards and remedies than those available in foreign jurisdictions, improving the chances of a favorable outcome.
- Strong Consumer Rights and Legal Protections: U.S. laws provide strong consumer protections, offering more avenues for compensation and accountability for negligent parties.
- Larger Damage Awards for Victims: Successful litigation in the U.S. can lead to significantly higher damage awards, especially in cases involving severe injuries or wrongful deaths, ensuring fair compensation for victims.
- Greater and More Comprehensive Procedural and Evidentiary Benefits: The U.S. legal system’s comprehensive procedural rules and fair discovery processes, such as the ability to inspect, obtain documents from the opposite side, or depose defendant employees, can significantly bolster a client’s case.
Choosing Applicable Laws: Critical Impact on Cases
When an incident occurs internationally, the local laws usually govern the legal rights and remedies available to the injured party. Selecting the appropriate legal framework is essential as it greatly influences the case’s outcome. This is where Tom’s expertise becomes invaluable. Key considerations include:
- Maximized Damages: The applicable laws can affect the potential for securing higher damages, which is crucial for adequately compensating severe injuries.
- Advantageous Liability Standards: Some jurisdictions offer more favorable liability laws and standards, enhancing the likelihood of holding the negligent party accountable.
- Established Precedents: The availability of relevant legal precedents can provide valuable guidance and strengthen the case.
- Access to Experienced Lawyers: Having access to skilled personal injury attorneys familiar with the relevant legal framework can greatly improve the case’s prospects.
- Efficient Legal Procedures: Jurisdictions with streamlined legal procedures can expedite case resolution, ensuring timely justice for victims.
Navigating the intricacies of jurisdiction and applicable laws in carbon monoxide poisoning cases demands an experienced attorney with deep expertise and strategic foresight. At Scolaro Law, we leverage our extensive experience to surmount these challenges, ensuring our clients receive the best representation in the State of Florida while solely aiming to maximize their compensation.
landmark cases and legislative advocacy
In another high-profile case, Tom secured a $1,700,000 settlement for an Iowa family exposed to CO at a famous Key West hotel. He demonstrated that improper repairs to the hotel’s boiler system, following damage from a hurricane, caused the deadly gas to infiltrate guest rooms. This case not only highlighted the hotel’s negligence but also led to the successful passage of Senate Bill 1822. This novel legislation requires CO detectors in public lodging establishments with boiler rooms adjacent to sleeping areas.

Thomas Scolaro’s relentless pursuit of justice and legislative reform has solidified his reputation as Florida’s leading authority on carbon monoxide exposure cases. His work continues to protect countless individuals from the dangers of CO poisoning and ensures that victims receive the compensation and legal recourse they deserve.
contact florida’s premier carbon monoxide injury firm
With over 100 years of collective experience, Scolaro Law’s team is dedicated and possesses a track record of securing landmark settlements under the impulsion and expertise of Attorney Thomas Scolaro. Our commitment to justice is only matched by our mission to secure the best results for our clients.
Navigating the complexities of carbon monoxide poisoning cases demands not only legal acumen but also strategic foresight which is born out of experience. At Scolaro Law, we pride ourselves on our innovative legal strategies and deep understanding of this intricate area of personal injury law. Contact us today to discuss your claim. Be assured that we will thoroughly evaluate your case with utmost professionalism, integrity, and diligence.