Brain Injury After a Carbon Monoxide Leak? Your Lawsuit Options in Houston, Texas

Many Houston residents keep portable generators on hand in case of power outages or extreme weather. Tragically, many Texans rely on these devices, unaware of their potential dangers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that faulty generators produce carbon monoxide (CO), a deadly gas in high concentrations. More than 400 Americans die of CO poisoning every year, and over 14,000 are hospitalized with serious injuries, including brain damage.

Our Houston injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw help victims of CO poisoning seek compensation from the parties responsible for their injuries. Whether you are exposed through a faulty appliance, inadequate ventilation, or another cause, our team will investigate your accident to identify at-fault parties and hold them liable. We offer free case reviews in English or Spanish, and provide 24/7 access at 1-800-862-1260.

Carbon monoxide is known as a “silent killer,” because people often don’t realize they are exposed to this colorless, odorless gas. Unintentionally inhaling CO fumes can damage the body in numerous ways. Mild to moderate CO exposure can cause:

• Headaches and dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue and weakness
• Confusion
• Difficulty breathing and chest pain
• Rapid heartbeat

If exposure continues, it can lead to cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, or brain damage. If you have suffered a brain injury and you suspect CO poisoning may be the cause, contact a Houston carbon monoxide brain injury lawyer for help.

How does CO exposure cause brain injury? The gas deprives the brain of oxygen, a condition known as hypoxia, which can damage brain cells and lead to cell death. The effects are particularly severe in areas of the brain like the hippocampus, which serves as the brain’s memory center.

CO exposure also causes inflammation and nerve damage, which can lead to permanent damage similar to what Parkinson’s patients experience. CO poisoning can include long-lasting symptoms like memory loss, confusion, depression, and coordination issues.

A brain injury from CO poisoning can impact your ability to care for your family or even take care of yourself. If another party’s negligence led to your CO exposure, you may be entitled to damages to reimburse you for medical bills and other losses related to your injuries. A personal injury attorney can help you identify the at-fault parties, which could include:

• The property owner or landlord
• The installation company
• Product manufacturers
• Maintenance or repair companies

The lawyers at Carabin Shaw have helped many victims of CO poisoning get the justice they deserve, as our client reviews attest. We offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you don’t pay anything until we settle your case.

Once your attorney has identified the at-fault parties, you can proceed with filing a claim against the parties seeking damages for your injuries. Under Texas law, damages can include:

• Economic damages for actual financial losses, like medical bills
• Non-economic damages for the impact of the accident on your life
• Punitive damages if gross negligence or malice led to your accident

If you suffered your injury in a house or apartment that you rent, you may file a claim against the property owner or landlord under Texas’s premises liability laws. If your CO exposure was caused by a defective appliance like a portable generator, you can seek damages from the product manufacturer under product liability law.

If you suspect you have suffered CO poisoning, your first step should be an appointment with a doctor to document your exposure and resulting injuries. Once you have received necessary treatment, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to investigate your case, calculate your damages, and file a lawsuit on your behalf.

A brain injury is a life-changing condition that will affect your ability to work and your quality of life forever. If another party was responsible for the CO poisoning that caused your injury, you deserve compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other related losses. Call Carabin Shaw’s expert Texas attorneys toll-free at 1-800-862-1260 to get the expert legal help you need today. No money owed unless your case is won.

For more information:

• CDC
• Texas Statutes 41
• Texas Statutes 75
• Texas Statutes 82