Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious concern for renters in Austin, Texas, especially when living in apartment complexes with shared walls, aging HVAC systems, or gas-powered appliances. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can build up quickly indoors, often without warning, resulting in serious bodily and neurological damage to anyone exposed. When landlords fail to install or maintain life saving CO detectors, residents may be left with life-altering consequences that could have, and should have, been avoided.
Speaking with a lawyer after carbon monoxide exposure in your apartment is an essential first step. Early legal guidance is critical as your representative investigates whether a property owner failed to meet legal safety obligations, especially when medical records, maintenance logs, or inspection reports are involved.
Texas Safety Standards for Rental PropertiesUnder Texas carbon monoxide laws, landlords are legally obligated to install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors in certain residential dwellings. Texas law generally mandates the use of CO detectors in properties with gas appliances or fireplaces, or that have attached garages. These rules are designed to prevent the most common causes of exposure and apply to many rental properties throughout Austin.
A qualified lawyer can check whether your landlord upheld their responsibility to ensure that CO detectors were properly installed and functioning at the beginning of your lease. In addition, landlords must also respond promptly to tenant reports of faulty detectors or suspected gas issues. Failure to comply may expose property owners to liability if tenants or their guests are harmed.
How Apartment Residents Are Put at Risk of CO ExposureApartment carbon monoxide safety is a critical issue for both landlords and their tenants, as CO poisoning in apartments often stems from poor maintenance or overlooked hazards. Common sources of exposure in apartments include:
Because carbon monoxide can spread easily between units, just one faulty system can affect multiple families. An attorney familiar with Texas’ premises liability laws can determine whether building-wide negligence played a role in your exposure incident and help hold your landlord accountable for any lapses in judgment or willful refusal to fix known issues that may have caused you harm.
Proving Negligence After Carbon Monoxide Injury: When Landlords are LiableProperty owners and managers may be held accountable for injuries resulting from their failure to follow safety laws or to respond to known risks. A Carbon monoxide poisoning lawyer in Austin will look for evidence like:
Tenants injured by carbon monoxide may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and any pain and suffering they experienced as a result of their exposure. Connecting with a qualified attorney is an essential first step to securing the compensation you are owed by law and protecting your right to a safe, secure home.
Don’t Suffer Alone! Carabin Shaw is the CO Exposure Experts You NeedThe “Austin injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw have a successful record of fighting back in cases involving CO exposure within an apartment complex. Reading our law firm’s client reviews is the best way to understand how we’ve helped renters just like you get the justice they deserve after experiencing an unexpected CO leak.
Contact Carabin Shaw Today To Schedule Your FREE Case ReviewWe’re proud to offer all clients a detailed and free case review before you take us on, so you can fully understand your range of legal options. Once we begin working together, we offer our services on a contingency-fee-basis, so you won’t pay until we win.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to carbon monoxide in an Austin apartment complex, the time to act is now. Contact us 24/7 at 1-800-862-1260. Our phone lines are constantly monitored, and our experienced and compassionate staff of English and Spanish-speaking legal professionals are waiting to take your call.
Don’t suffer CO exposure in silence. Fight for your right to restitution with Carabin Shaw!
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