Landlord Liability: When Poor Maintenance Causes Fatal CO Poisoning in Houston TX

In Houston, Texas, fatal carbon monoxide exposure in rental properties is often preventable—and all too often caused by tragic negligence or error. Landlords owe a basic legal duty to ensure that tenants have a safe and reliable place to live, and if their negligence causes CO exposure they are responsible for the results.

If you discover that poor maintenance, ignored repair requests, or missing safety devices contributed to a loved one’s CO exposure, contacting an attorney is the critical first step. Here are some signs to look out for if you suspect landlord liability in a carbon monoxide exposure case, and how to make sure you find representation that works for you.

Under Texas law, landlords have the legal responsibility to provide their tenants with habitable, safe living conditions. When neglected appliances or ventilation systems release deadly carbon monoxide gas, that responsibility may translate into civil liability, which a carbon monoxide attorney can hold them accountable for in court. Common sources of exposure include:

• Faulty furnaces or gas heaters
• Poorly vented water heaters
• Blocked or damaged exhaust flues
• Cracked heat exchanges
• Missing or non-functioning carbon monoxide detectors

Your lawyer can investigate to see which of these factors may have caused your exposure. Additionally, carbon monoxide poisoning in apartments often stems from maintenance problems that landlords ignored or dealt with improperly. Because these hazards can worsen over time, early intervention is critical.

To pursue a wrongful death claim with the assistance of a CO poisoning lawyer in Houston, families must prove that a landlord knew, or should have known, about a dangerous condition and failed to correct it. Your legal team can evaluate whether prior complaints, inspection reports, or maintenance logs demonstrate a pattern of neglect. Your lawyer may collect evidence including:

• Tenant repair requests or emails
• Inspection reports and code violations
• Maintenance contractor reports
• Appliance service histories
• Fire department or medical examiner findings
• Photographs of the affected areas

Establishing landlord liability CO poisoning requires careful documentation of all relevant evidence before it disappears or is altered. Unfortunately landlords can be all too eager to deny fault, even when they have acted negligently. Keeping a good record of all relevant evidence ensures you have the strongest possible case.

Texas law allows surviving family members to seek compensation when negligence causes the death of a loved one. These claims address both the financial losses families face in the wake of a tragedy, as well as the emotional and psychological devastation that can be caused by the unexpected death of a loved one. Houston, Texas lawyers may seek recoverable damages including:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Lost income and future financial support
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental anguish suffered by surviving loved ones

Your legal representatives will work with economic and medical experts to calculate the full impact of your tragic loss. By taking a thorough approach, your attorney prevents landlords and their insurers from minimizing the actual costs, financial and otherwise, of a fatal carbon monoxide exposure incident.

The experienced and compassionate Houston wrongful death attorneys at Carabin Shaw have a proven track record of sinning in cases just like yours—and securing families the restitution they deserve in the wake of a carbon monoxide tragedy. Read our law firm’s client reviews to understand how we’ll fight for your right to justice.

We offer a free case review before we begin working together, so your family can understand the full range of their legal options. Once you take us on as your representation, we offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so youwon’t pay a dollar until we win.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to carbon monoxide due to landlord error, don’t hesitate. Call us 24/7 at our toll-free number 1-800-862-1260. Our compassionate, experienced staff of English- and Spanish-speaking professionals are standing by to take your call.

For more information:

• Texas State Law Library
• Texas Statutes 71