Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas that is toxic to the human body in high concentrations. It is a byproduct of natural gas combustion, and gas-powered water heaters have vents that safely allow it to exit the home. If someone installed your San Antonio, Texas water heater incorrectly, or if it doesn’t receive proper maintenance, you and your family could be at risk for CO poisoning. Depending on who’s at fault, you may need to hire a lawyer to file a claim for damages.
The Bexar County personal injury lawyers at Carabin Shaw understand how CO leaks happen, and we can help you get the compensation you deserve after CO poisoning injuries. We offer our services on a contingency-fee basis and provide a free case review, so there’s no financial risk involved in exploring your legal options. Please read our law firm’s client reviews to find out more about our positive case outcomes.
Water Heater Danger in San Antonio Residential StructuresProperty owners rely on professionals to install gas-powered appliances, and improper installation or maintenance can cause CO to enter the home. However, landlords in San Antonio, Texas, typically don’t involve tenants in water heater installation or maintenance decisions, so tenants rely on landlords and property managers to ensure safety. This creates a disconnect among residents in both owned and rented homes, as they might not understand or notice a CO leak.
A lawsuit for faulty water heater installation or maintenance typically stems from an accident involving CO gas ventilation. It either gets disconnected, clogged, or doesn’t have the proper upflow to successfully remove CO from the home. A San Antonio water heater negligence lawyer will investigate the cause of your CO exposure to determine who might be at fault.
Determining Fault After a Water Heater CO LeakFault in a CO gas leak lawsuit is based on negligence or intentional misconduct. Negligence means the defendant had a duty of care to act reasonably (by properly installing or maintaining an appliance), and your injuries occurred because they failed to meet that duty. This makes them liable for damages.
Texas apartment maintenance liability might exist when a landlord or property manager fails to inspect or maintain the venting system. Debris from a bird nest might clog the vent pipes, or a construction project may dislodge the vent, rendering it inoperable. It is a landlord’s duty to provide an environment that does not threaten the health of a tenant, which means it is free of CO leaks from provided appliances.
Catastrophic Injuries Caused by Poorly Maintained Water HeatersCarbon monoxide poisoning begins with mild symptoms like headaches and fatigue, but it can quickly progress to dizziness, unconsciousness, and death. Reviewing your damages with a lawyer is the best way to ensure you get compensation for all your losses, whether you are the injured party or a grieving family member. It is important to note that the court may only award wrongful death damages to the spouse, parents, or children of the deceased victim.
Your personal injury attorney will help you identify and compute all your damages. In the State of Texas, compensable damages include:
An experienced attorney will prove liability and damages, so you get fair compensation from the party who is responsible for your injuries. If the court decides there was gross negligence, you may also receive punitive damages.
Suing a Landlord for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in San Antonio | Contact Carabin Shaw to Book Your FREE Case Review NowSome renters are concerned about filing a lawsuit against their landlord for fear of retaliation or a lack of resources. At Carabin Shaw, we negotiate settlements while ensuring that you are able to protect your rights and get the compensation you need after a CO poisoning injury. Calling a local Central Texas lawyer allows you to make informed decisions about your legal options and their possible outcomes.
Contact Carabin Shaw today by calling toll-free 1-800-862-1260. We have someone available to speak with you 24/7 in English or Spanish.
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