Children - Carbon Monoxide: Increased Risks and Legal Considerations in Houston, TX

Carbon monoxide is called the “silent killer,” and for good reason. The colorless, odorless gas can build up in enclosed spaces and cause serious injuries or even deaths. In Houston, Texas, the danger this gas poses is very real, and children are especially vulnerable to the effects of CO. Understanding the risk and legal framework surrounding carbon monoxide poisoning, and consulting with an attorney is essential to healing and recovering compensation to move forward after CO poisoning.

If you’ve suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning in Houston, TX due to someone else’s negligence, contact the expert team at Carabin Shaw today to explore your legal options. We offer a FREE case review, and you pay nothing unless we win.

Children are inherently more susceptible to the effects of carbon monoxide than adults. Children's carbon monoxide poisoning is often more severe than other cases. is because:

• Higher oxygen needs: Children breathe more rapidly than adults, so they absorb dangerous levels of CO faster.
• Developing bodies and brains: Exposure may affect the central nervous system and developing organs more severely, sometimes resulting in lifelong complications.
• Mistaken symptoms: Some early symptoms (headache, nausea, fatigue) can be mistaken for common childhood illnesses, delaying lifesaving action.

Even low-level exposure can have lasting effects, and high levels can be fatal within minutes. If your child has been exposed, the effects can be not only devastating but also very costly. It’s important to understand legal requirements and consult with an attorney to discuss options.

While Texas doesn’t have a universal requirement for CO detectors in all homes, there are meaningful legal protections and standards you should know about. Consulting with a Houston carbon monoxide lawyer is key to understanding many laws surrounding CO exposure, but there are several key considerations.

Childcare facilities, daycare centers, group daycare homes, and family homes that provide daycare services must be equipped with carbon monoxide detectors in accordance with specific rules for placement and maintenance.

Although Texas law does not currently mandate CO detectors in all residential homes, building codes often require them. In Houston, local building codes have historically required CO alarms in certain cases, particularly in new homes or buildings with attached garages or fuel-burning appliances. These local regulations can vary and are worth having a lawyer review if you own or rent a home.

When carbon monoxide poisoning occurs, legal issues can arise:

• Landlord negligence: If a rental property lacks required safety devices or heating/ventilation systems are poorly maintained, landlords may be held responsible for resulting injuries.
• Product liability: Defects in ventilation systems, alarms, and more that lead to CO exposure may result in claims against manufacturers.
• Personal injury cases: Families affected by a child’s CO poisoning may pursue damages for medical costs and losses.

Consulting a qualified Houston child injury lawyer is essential if CO exposure has harmed your child or family.

There are options to get compensation to move forward after CO exposure and injury. Pursuing a child carbon monoxide exposure lawsuit in cases of negligence can include:

• Medical expenses, including ongoing and future care
• Pain and suffering
• Neurological and cognitive impairment
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disability or permanent injury
• Wrongful death in cases involving fatalities

A skilled local lawyer will be able to assess the specific damages that should be sought and their value. They will then build a strong case, establish liability, and negotiate on your behalf.

The Houston TX attorneys at Carabin Shaw have the experience and expertise to fight and win your CO exposure case. Our team is dedicated to our clients and won’t rest until justice is served, as you can see from our law firm’s client reviews. We’re so confident we will win your case, we offer our services on a contingency-fee basis. You pay nothing if we don’t win.

Call us now, toll-free, at 1-800-862-1260 for a free case review. We have English and Spanish-speaking staff available 24/7 to take your call and get you started on your legal journey.

For more information:

• Texas Public Law
• Houston Health Department