Austin TX Building Codes & How Violations of CO Alarm Requirements Prove Negligence

The high number of carbon monoxide (CO) poisonings in Texas has also hit Austin, despite the city’s efforts to require carbon monoxide detectors in its building codes. CO detectors are the best prevention against poisoning, but property owners and landlords don’t always follow the codes designed to protect their tenants. When CO poisoning occurs, the victim may face severe, permanent injuries, and some even die from the exposure.

The Austin carbon monoxide lawyers at Carabin Shaw help victims of CO poisoning hold responsible parties liable for injuries caused by building code violations. While nothing can reverse a permanent brain injury or bring back a loved one who died from CO poisoning, we can help victims and survivors pursue damages to ease the financial strain. Our compassionate lawyers are available 24/7, and we’re just a phone call away at 1-800-862-1260.

When Austin residents rent their living space, they depend on the property owner and landlord to ensure the premises are safe for habitation. For example, regular maintenance and prompt repairs of appliances, and the correct placement of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are critical to keeping tenants safe.

Building codes protect tenants from the risk of a devastating accident, such as carbon monoxide poisoning. When landlords fail to abide by those codes, the consequences can be disastrous for renters. Sadly, renters may not realize their living environment is not up to code until tragedy strikes and a personal injury attorney investigates the accident.

Austin property owners must abide by state and city building codes to ensure the safety of their tenants and other visitors to their premises. State codes outline specific requirements for maintenance and repairs to the dwelling, particularly when the problem affects the tenant's physical health or safety. Most rental properties contain fixtures or appliances that emit carbon monoxide. If these appliances fail to function correctly or are not repaired promptly, carbon monoxide poisoning can result.

Austin city codes also require rental units to have CO detectors placed outside each separate sleeping area and inside rooms containing fuel-burning appliances. These detectors should be properly maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications to ensure they remain in working order.

If the property owner violated a building code, you may be able to hold the owner liable for your injuries and related losses. Code violations are often considered negligence per se, meaning the code violation alone may constitute a breach in the owner’s duty of care to keep tenants safe. Negligence per se fulfills the first two elements of negligence, which requires attorneys to demonstrate that the at-fault party owed the victim a duty of care and breached that duty through their actions or inactions.

If you are injured by carbon monoxide poisoning, the steps you take after your injury will help build a strong personal injury case against your landlord.

• Seek medical attention for your injuries
• Report the incident to the property manager or owner
• Take pictures of the accident area
• Collect contact information for potential witnesses
• Contact a Travis County premises liability attorney

Your legal team will gather additional evidence, such as previous complaints, requests for repairs, or other documentation indicating the property owner failed to maintain safe premises.

A carbon monoxide injury can leave you with a permanent disability or take a loved one from you far too soon. Let our lawyers at Carabin Shaw help you. We offer our services on a contingency-fee basis and free consultations, so you benefit from our expert advice without paying any money up front. You can also check our client reviews to see our track record of success.

Don’t try to navigate the complexities of building codes and premises liability cases alone. Call Carabin Shaw toll-free and talk to one of our English- or Spanish-speaking professionals now.

For more information:

• https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/?tab=1&code=PR&chapter=PR.92&artSec=
• https://www.austintexas.gov/department/code-compliance-resources#Gasandfuelburningappliances
• https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/negligence_per_se