Unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from non-fire events hospitalizes thousands of Americans each year. The colorless, odorless gas is an expected byproduct of gas appliances, but when it accumulates inside the home, it becomes a silent killer. Over 400 people die from CO poisoning each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). When this happens in Austin, TX, it may be the fault of the maintenance company or HVAC contractor.
Proving fault after a CO poisoning is a job for an experienced Texas lawyer. Determining whether a gas leak was caused by maintenance or normal wear and tear is essential to holding companies accountable for negligence. The Austin personal injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw will investigate the cause of your gas leak accident to ensure you get proper compensation for your losses.
The Effects of CO Poisoning After a Gas LeakWhen a person breathes too much CO, the gas builds up in their blood and replaces oxygen. The effects of this chemical exchange occur quickly with exposure to large amounts of CO, but they can also occur over time with prolonged exposure to smaller amounts of CO gas. Poisoning victims in Austin, Texas, may experience:
If victims survive the short- or long-term CO poisoning, they may suffer long-term complications of CO exposure, such as neurological complications and other health issues. These damages can significantly decrease quality of life, and an Austin carbon monoxide poisoning lawsuit can help cover losses and hold at-fault parties accountable for negligence.
How Gas Leaks Happen in Austin HomesGas appliances are a common source of ventilation leaks in Austin homes, with furnaces, stoves, and water heaters among the most common culprits. The gas combustion systems that power these appliances are not closed like refrigerant systems, but when functioning properly, they vent the CO safely outside. When this doesn’t happen, dangerous gas leaks can occur.
If you are considering suing Austin maintenance company for gas leak, they must have done negligent work. This can happen during installation or annual servicing. However, some gas leaks happen because of property owner or landlord negligence, which would require a premises liability lawyer in Austin TX to file a gas leak personal injury claim.
Proving Fault in Gas Leak LawsuitsThe challenge in any gas leak case is proving fault long after workers have performed their job. No HVAC or maintenance company’s lawyer is going to admit their client’s fault in a gas leak case without some convincing proof. However, victims can produce contracts, photos, and communication with the company that show a duty to perform services to an industry standard, along with a failure to meet that duty. These are requirements your lawyer needs to prove negligence.
In addition to breach of duty, you must also prove causation and damages in your personal injury claim. Your attorney must prove that the defendant caused the gas leak and that the gas leak caused your damages. These damages include financial losses but also mental anguish, physical pain, and suffering. Read our law firm’s client reviews to find out how Carabin Shaw helps their clients get fair and full compensation for their injuries.
Local Legal Professionals for Gas Leak Claim Help | Contact Carabin Shaw to Schedule Your FREE No-Obligation ConsultationThe task of hiring an attorney may seem daunting to some victims of gas leak injuries, who may not be sure if their HVAC or maintenance company is liable for damages. At Carabin Shaw, we begin your legal journey with a free consultation with our English- and Spanish-speaking staff. We can help you determine how much your case may be worth and whether you should file a lawsuit.
Call our toll-free number at 1-800-862-1260 to speak with a member of our staff who can make sure you’re taking the right steps toward financial compensation. We are available to speak with you 24/7, and we offer our services on a contingency-fee basis. That means you don’t pay us unless we win your case.
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