Corpus Christi Marina Negligence: When Shore Power & Ventilation Cause CO Poisoning

The Corpus Christi Marina offers access to the vibrant downtown district and waterfront, attracting many boaters to the area. Rental boats docked in the marina often use shore power to keep appliances and air conditioning running, but that can pose risks if ventilation systems allow carbon monoxide (CO) to build inside the vessel. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a danger that renters may not realize until it’s too late.

The Corpus Christi CO poisoning attorneys at Carabin Shaw have seen the tragic outcomes of CO poisoning as we’ve helped victims and survivors pursue damages from responsible parties. Carbon monoxide can build up quickly in the enclosed areas of boats, leading to severe injuries and fatalities before victims realize they are exposed. Our lawyers work with injured victims and survivors who have lost loved ones to carbon monoxide poisoning.

If you have been the victim of a carbon monoxide accident in the Corpus Christi Marina, our experienced attorneys are here for you. We offer free consultations in English or Spanish. Our compassionate team is available 24/7 at 1-800-862-1260.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate rapidly in enclosed spaces such as the cockpit, cabin, or bridge. Symptoms of CO exposure can mimic other illnesses or even seasickness and might include:

• Headaches or dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion and fatigue
• Chest pain and difficulty breathing
• Weakness and loss of consciousness

If the exposure continues, it can lead to severe injuries like permanent neurological impairment or heart damage. Victims can slip into a coma or die from CO poisoning in a relatively quick time.

Boats can harbor carbon monoxide from many sources, including shore power. Other sources include boat engines, generators, stoves, and heaters. When a boat lacks sufficient ventilation, the vessel can trap poisonous gas even in outdoor spaces, endangering everyone on board.

Because carbon monoxide risk is high on boats of all sizes, carbon monoxide detectors are critical equipment to include with any boat rental. Unfortunately, many boats are not properly equipped. Even if a vessel has a detector, if the device is not regularly inspected or maintained, it may not provide a proper warning when a problem arises.

Liability for CO poisoning on a marina boat can be complex, as multiple parties may be responsible. Boat owners may be responsible if they didn’t properly maintain the boat or install carbon monoxide detectors. A boat manufacturer could also be at fault if they produced a defective vessel. Renters can also be held liable if the boat they rented to you wasn’t safe

You need an attorney who is well-versed in boating laws and can investigate your accident to determine the cause of the CO poisoning and identify the at-fault party. Your legal team will protect your rights and help you navigate the legal process to ensure you receive all the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

If your Corpus Christi marina negligence lawyer determines the marina that rented you the boat is liable for your injuries, they will help you file a personal injury claim to pursue compensation for losses related to your CO exposure. To collect damages, you must prove the marina’s negligence led directly to your accident and injuries. Once you establish negligence, you can seek the following damages under Texas law:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages or loss of earning potential
• Mental and emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability and disfigurement

Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that can devastate victims and their families. Whether you were the victim of CO exposure or lost a loved one to CO poisoning on a boat, our compassionate lawyers can help you. We offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you pay no money up front for our expert guidance. If you are still unsure, feel free to peruse our law firm’s client reviews to see how we’ve helped other victims, and then call us toll-free at 1-800-862-1260.

For more information:

• Cornell Law School
• Texas Statutes 41