After Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Laredo

Though the weather is warm nearly year-round in Laredo, Texas, with the onset of the holiday season comes cooler weather and colder nights. Especially in the desert surrounding the city, the semi-arid climate can make winter nights especially unbearable. Many families are tempted to bring in portable heaters to keep cozy in the lower temperatures, but portable gas-burning devices like these and other common household heating appliances can be a risk for carbon monoxide leaks.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, tasteless, odorless gas emitted as a byproduct of burning fossil fuels. Without functioning carbon monoxide detectors, families can be poisoned without ever knowing, especially if they are exposed while sleeping. The long-term financial and physical damages caused by carbon monoxide leaks can be severe.

What should you do if you or a loved one are exposed to carbon monoxide? The Laredo personal injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw can address your questions and concerns in the aftermath of carbon monoxide poisoning.

1. If your carbon monoxide detector goes off, immediately evacuate the building.

   If you do not have a functioning carbon monoxide detector, you are likely to be completely unaware that you are breathing this deadly gas. Some of the most common immediate side effects of carbon monoxide poisoning include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, blurred vision, loss of consciousness, or dizziness.

   If you are experiencing these symptoms or if your carbon monoxide detector goes off, immediately evacuate the building and call 911.




2. Seek medical attention immediately.

   Mild cases of carbon monoxide poisoning can be relieved by simply leaving the building or receiving oxygen treatment, but prolonged exposure can lead to serious injury or death. Victims of prolonged carbon monoxide exposure are at risk for severe brain damage, cardiac complications, miscarriage, or fatality.




3. Contact an experienced carbon monoxide poisoning lawyer in Laredo as soon as possible.

   While it is within your right to represent yourself during financial settlement negotiations, an experienced personal injury attorney can make all the difference in the amount of your financial settlement. When choosing legal representation, look for attorneys with experience in personal injury law and a proven track record of success.




4. Determine the source of carbon monoxide exposure and potential liable parties.

   Together, you and your personal injury lawyer will determine if you were exposed to carbon monoxide due to a faulty appliance, faulty carbon monoxide detector, or a landlord’s failure to adhere to state and federal safety guidelines. It is crucial to identify the exact source of a carbon monoxide leak in order to determine who should be held financially liable.




5. File a carbon monoxide poisoning personal injury suit to receive financial compensation for your injuries.

   Your attorney will help you to compile a personal injury claim that covers the full cost of both your economic and non-economic damages. Many personal injury suits are settled in out-of-court negotiations; if the liable party does not come to a reasonable agreement, however, your personal injury claim may be litigated in court.

   For these reasons, the most important step is choosing an experienced personal injury lawyer who can protect you from predatory insurance companies.

As always, you should consult with a qualified attorney before taking legal action.

If you or a loved one were poisoned by a carbon monoxide leak in Laredo, Texas, contact the personal injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw to explore your options. Our team of Laredo personal injury attorneys can offer carbon monoxide poisoning victims and their families decades of experience and a “client-first” philosophy that ensures your best interests are protected in settlement negotiations.

If you are interested in scheduling a no-cost, no-obligation initial consultation and case review with a qualified carbon monoxide poisoning lawyer in Laredo, call our office toll-free today at 956-333-3333.