Catastrophic Injuries From Unvented Gas Generator Use in Houston, Texas

Power outages caused by large storms and infrastructure weaknesses are increasingly common in large cities like Houston, Texas. In fact, Harris County ranks #1 in Texas for the number of power outages. When the power is out, Texans rely on generators to keep refrigerators, lights, and life-saving medical devices running. These generators pose a deadly risk when they lack proper ventilation.

Injuries and death from carbon monoxide (CO) poisonings are tragic, but they are also preventable. When a tenant or occupant of an apartment, hotel, or commercial building suffers CO poisoning, building managers and owners may be responsible for damages. Hiring a local Houston lawyer is the only way to seek adequate compensation for injuries or death in a personal injury lawsuit.

The Texas carbon monoxide injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw are skilled at negotiating fair settlements for CO poisoning. Call our toll-free number at 1-800-862-1260 to schedule a free case review today. We also offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case. Our law firm has an expert team of English- and Spanish-speaking staff available 24/7 to take your call.

Typically, property owners install gas generators outside of the building, at least 20 feet away from doors and windows. Portable generators are not for indoor use due to the risk of exposure to poisonous gas. Yet, each year, more than 400 Americans die from CO poisoning because of improperly vented gas appliances. A Houston gas generator injury attorney must prove that someone was negligent to help a client sue for damages.

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer, so victims don’t notice the colorless, odorless gas slowly flowing from their generator during a power outage. They may experience the following CO exposure symptoms:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Chest pain

CO detectors can warn of a gas leak, but if victims don’t recognize the symptoms of CO poisoning, they can die from it in a matter of minutes. Victims may be able to file an unvented generator lawsuit if they survive the exposure. Otherwise, their family may be eligible for wrongful death compensation.

A responsible party is only liable for damages if their actions were negligent or they had some form of strict liability for the property or person who committed the negligent act. A Houston catastrophic injury lawyer may name property owners, generator manufacturers, landlords, employers, and other tenants as potential defendants.

In the case of CO poisoning, your local lawyer will determine who owned the unvented gas generator that caused the poisoning. Then, they will determine whether they acted with reasonable care to prevent the accident. This primarily means using the product outside where the CO cannot accumulate.

Finally, an attorney will determine whether an employer, property owner, or property manager was liable for the damages or for the at-fault party's actions. These investigations can get complicated when there is a potential for multiple at-fault parties.

When filing a personal injury lawsuit for CO poisoning, an attorney may claim the following damages for his or her client:

• Medical bills
• Loss of income
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Related economic and noneconomic damages

Houston, Texas lawyers from Carabin Shaw are skilled at negotiating comprehensive damages that cover ALL the injuries a client has suffered or may suffer in the future. Read our law firm’s client reviews to find out more about our track record.

Contacting a lawyer in Houston is an excellent step in the right direction toward CO poisoning recovery or toward seeking justice for a lost loved one. At Carabin Shaw, we pride ourselves on our legal expertise and compassion for your losses, no matter how tragic. Contact our law firm to speak with a member of our legal team today, and set your mind at ease knowing you are doing everything you can for your recovery.

For more information:

• PowerOutage
• Texas Department of Insurance
• CDC