If you’ve lost a loved one to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in Corpus Christi, Texas, you may be facing many struggles in addition to grief. There may be medical bills, death and burial expenses, and the loss of that person’s income or household contributions. When someone else is liable for those injuries, it is important to understand your legal options for compensation. An experienced local lawyer may be able to help you file a wrongful death lawsuit.
The loss of your loved one should not leave you in financial ruin. Call the Corpus Christi attorneys at Carabin Shaw, and we’ll help you identify responsible parties and set you on the path to financial recovery. We understand that finances may not be a priority during the grieving process, and we offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you don’t have any upfront legal fees. Read our law firm’s client reviews to find out more about how we’ve helped families in mourning get the compensation they need to maintain their livelihoods after losing a family member. Then, contact Carabin Shaw to schedule your FREE case consultation as soon as possible.
How Carbon Monoxide Deaths Happen in Corpus ChristiPeople with gas-powered appliances are at risk of CO exposure because it is a byproduct of combustion. While improper installation, maintenance, and use can cause a leak, non-working or nonexistent CO detectors are frequently the indirect cause of carbon monoxide wrongful death.
Carbon monoxide gas is colorless and odorless, and people who inhale too much of it may experience lethargy and may even lose consciousness. If they cannot get fresh air or have someone transport them away from the enclosed area, the CO prevents oxygen from binding to the blood, and the person dies of hypoxia. Your lawyer may refer to the gas as a ‘silent killer’ because its victims are frequently unaware that anything is wrong until it is too late.
Gas furnaces, water heaters, and household appliances are not the only culprits. In Corpus Christi, Texas, CO poisoning might occur when people use gas barbecues indoors, bring propane heaters inside, or start cars in the garage to warm up. In none of these circumstances does anyone mean to put themselves or others in danger, but the results can be deadly.
When Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Warrants a Wrongful Death LawsuitAccording to the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 71, your lawyer can file a wrongful death lawsuit if the person or company you are suing caused the death by a "wrongful act, neglect, carelessness, unskillfulness, or default.” Product liability may also come into play in the case of defective CO alarms or faulty appliances.
A wrongful death lawyer in Corpus Christi TX may argue that a company is liable even when a person misuses a product, such as in cases where there was not a sufficient warning on the packaging. If you have an inkling that another person is liable for your loved one’s death, Carabin Shaw offers a free case review to make sure you know and protect your legal right to compensation.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death LawsuitAn important factor in wrongful death lawsuits is who can file the claim. According to Texas law, your attorney can only file a wrongful death claim if you have one of the following relationships with the deceased:
Texas recognizes the legal rights of adopted children and common law marriage, which is why it is important to contact a Corpus Christi wrongful death attorney even if you think there may be a barrier to you seeking wrongful death compensation. If you are not one of the relatives listed above, you may be able to get compensation through a survival cause of action, where the court awards judgments to the estate.
Demystifying Wrongful Death Lawsuits by Consulting Legal Experts | Contact Carabin Shaw Today to Book Your FREE Case ReviewCalling an attorney might be the last thing you feel like doing after losing a loved one to CO poisoning, but it can greatly reduce the financial harm that too often coincides with death. If you are confused about your rights or think you may have a good reason to file a wrongful death claim, call a CO exposure wrongful death attorney at Carabin Shaw. Our toll-free number is 1-800-862-1260, and we have English- and Spanish-speaking staff ready 24/7 to speak with you.
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