Common Causes of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Austin

Carbon monoxide gas causes the most poisoning deaths unrelated to drug use in the United States. In 2021, Texas safety requirements for protection against carbon monoxide faced scrutiny after at least 11 people died and 1400 people sought emergency care for carbon monoxide poisoning during the power crisis.

Even though risk is higher when cold weather requires heating, this type of poisoning doesn’t happen only in times of disaster. All appliances or machines that burn fuel produce the colorless, odorless gas any time they’re used. If you’ve suffered due to carbon monoxide poisoning, the expert Texas attorneys at Carabin Shaw can help you seek a settlement from someone responsible for your illness or injuries.

Call the toll-free number 800-862-1260 to set up a free case review and initial consultation. Our English- and Spanish-speaking staff is available 24/7 to support you.

Most carbon monoxide in the environment comes from airplanes, trains, construction machines, and other off-road equipment. These outdoor sources, however, don’t cause many cases of carbon monoxide poisoning—about 80 percent of poisoning cases happen at home or in a temporary shelter.

Consider the following common sources of carbon monoxide in the home:

• Furnaces
• Water heaters
• Clothes dryers
• Gas stoves, ranges, and ovens
• Fireplaces
• Grills
• Space heaters
• Vehicles running in enclosed spaces, such as garages

In addition to home structures, appliances in RVs or boats can also increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

When you inhale air with a high concentration of carbon monoxide, the gas begins to replace the oxygen in your red blood cells. Because red blood cells carry oxygen to other parts of your body, your organs and other tissues soon lack the oxygen that they need to function.

Fuel-burning appliances in the home don’t usually create such threatening levels of carbon monoxide.

The following conditions increase the risk of poisoning:

• Poorly ventilated spaces
• Prolonged periods of usage, especially if you’re using a product for something that it isn’t designed to do (like using an oven as a heater)
• Defective, damaged, or poorly maintained products
• Improper installation
• Intoxication or sleep, which prevent you from noticing the effects of poisoning

Although you can control many risk factors, you must often trust that other people are providing safe products and services. An experienced lawyer can investigate your circumstances and advise you of possible legal actions.

Many symptoms of exposure to carbon monoxide resemble flu symptoms or fatigue. For example, you might experience a headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or weakness.

Higher levels of carbon monoxide exposure result in more serious symptoms:

• Confusion
• Fainting
• Loss of consciousness
• Cardiorespiratory failure
• Miscarriage
• Brain damage
• Coma

Up to half of those who survive carbon monoxide poisoning might develop long-term health issues, such as memory impairments and cognitive disorders. Carbon monoxide poisoning can also cause death.

The Austin carbon monoxide poisoning lawyers at Carabin Shaw help you file a claim demanding fair compensation for your physical, financial, and emotional burdens.

For instance, many serious conditions require ongoing treatment and care, and people who survive the death of a family member might have funeral expenses and loss of income.

Personal injury attorneys in Austin use their knowledge of local regulations, laws, and legal processes to prove that another party is responsible for your injuries. In the city of Austin, for example, any residential structure with fuel-burning appliances must have carbon monoxide detectors in designated areas.

In your case, an attorney might show that at least one of the following parties is liable:

• Property owner or landlord
• Product manufacturer
• Maintenance or inspection company
• Installation company

Carabin Shaw’s client reviews illustrate the care that our team offers every case. You can trust our team to advocate for you when you couldn’t trust someone else to protect you from carbon monoxide poisoning.