Carbon Monoxide Exposure in Midland Rental Properties: Your Legal Rights in Texas

As an odorless, colorless gas, deadly carbon monoxide can leak into rental properties in Midland, Texas without warning, causing harmful and sometimes even fatal levels of exposure for residents and guests. If you have been a recent victim of carbon monoxide exposure in a rental property in the area, you may not know what steps to take or how to fight for your rights. The experienced Midland personal injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call our toll-free number 1-800-862-1260 at all any time of day or night, or contact us online to book your free case evaluation TODAY!

According to the Centers for Disease Control, Midland carbon monoxide poisoning can produce symptoms including, but not limited to:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• Neurological problems
• Death

If you begin experiencing any of these symptoms, or a carbon monoxide detector sounds, it’s vital to leave the property, call 911, and seek medical attention immediately.

In the aftermath of a suspected carbon monoxide poisoning, it’s vital that you preserve documentation of the incident. These records can help establish what happened and allow your attorney to build a bulletproof case. Vital evidence includes:

• Medical records
• Emergency response documentation
• Photographs of the scene
• Inspection reports
• Communication with your landlord or property manager at the time of the incident
• Missed work
• Medical treatment costs
• Any other costs associated with the exposure

If it’s safe to do so, collect this evidence before leaving the property. Under no circumstances should you risk your health by re-entering a property where carbon monoxide may be present. But where does carbon monoxide come from, anyway?

Carbon monoxide exposure in Midland TX occurs when fuels such as natural gas, gasoline, oil, propane, or wood burn incompletely—and it’s more common than many people think. According to the CDC, more than 100,000 Americans go to the emergency room each year as a result of CO exposure. Potential sources in your rental property could include:

• Furnaces
• Water heaters
• Fire places
• Stoves
• Any other fuel-burning appliances that may be on site

If you suspect that any of these appliances may have exposed you to carbon monoxide, it’s vital that you consult with an attorney immediately to understand your landlord’s obligations under Texas law.

According to Texas Property Code Section 92.052, landlords are required to diligently monitor and repair any conditions that could affect a tenant’s health or safety. This is especially true when a landlord has been informed of a potentially dangerous condition within the rental property. If they fail to act, it’s vital that a lawyer get involved. Evidence may include:

• Reports of malfunctioning heating equipment
• Previous complaints about fumes or unusual odors
• Inspection reports
• Records of maintenance or repair requests
• Communications between tenants and property management
• Any other evidence that shows that your landlord knew or should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to address it

A Midland carbon monoxide lawyer can review the circumstances of your carbon monoxide exposure and determine what duties may have applied to the property owner.

Experienced, compassionate, and with a track record of success, the English and Spanish-speaking attorneys are here to help you prove carbon monoxide exposure damages—and win. Read our law firm’s client reviews to learn more about how we’ve supported victims just like you all over the state of Texas.

If you’re ready to get the justice you deserve, contact us online or call toll-free at 1-800-862-1260 to schedule your FREE case review today! Our phone lines are monitored 24/7, and someone is always available to take your call.

For more information:

• CDC
• Texas Statutes 92
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Basics