Liability for CO Exposure in Rental Homes and Apartments in Houston, Texas

The lower cost of living, diverse housing options, and ample job opportunities make Houston an ideal choice for renters. While houses and apartments are typically affordable, some may harbor dangers that future tenants are unaware of. Carbon monoxide (CO) hides in many appliances, particularly older models that have not been adequately maintained. Rental units may also lack CO detectors that alert residents to CO levels, creating the perfect storm for devastating consequences.

Your home is supposed to be a safe place, but what happens if you are exposed to dangerous levels of CO because your landlord was negligent? The trusted Texas attorneys at Carabin Shaw hold responsible parties liable and seek compensation for a victim’s injuries and related losses. Call our compassionate team 24/7 for a free consultation in English or Spanish at 1-800-862-1260.

Carbon monoxide is known as the “silent killer” because it has no odor, color, or taste. People are often not aware they are exposed to the gas until they suffer severe injury. CO exposure also kills over 400 Americans every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Numerous household appliances can produce CO, including gas-burning furnaces, water heaters, and ovens. Regular maintenance is critical to ensure appliances do not emit gas, which can quickly build to dangerous levels in enclosed spaces. Carbon monoxide detectors are also essential, since they can promptly alert residents to the presence of CO.

Texas renters have rights under the state's property code, including the right to live in a habitable dwelling free of faulty wiring, mold, and other hazards. Landlords are responsible for promptly making repairs to rental properties if the unit's current condition threatens the tenant's physical health or safety. Landlords must also install functional CO detectors within 10 feet of every sleeping area, or inside rooms that contain gas-burning appliances.

When your landlord fails to install the required detectors or make necessary repairs promptly, your attorney can hold them liable for injuries caused by CO exposure.

Once you have determined that your landlord was responsible for the injuries you suffered related to CO exposure, you can contact a lawyer to file a lawsuit. It's essential to act quickly, as the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Texas is only 2 years from the date of the injury.

Filing a carbon monoxide lawsuit in Houston is complex. The burden of proof is on the injured victim to prove that the landlord's negligence led directly to the CO exposure and resulting injuries. Negligence is a party's failure to act in a way another reasonable person might act in a similar situation. Your attorney will gather evidence, such as:

• Medical records
• Photos of the faulty appliance
• Documentation of previous complaints
• Repair orders
• Maintenance records

Using this evidence, your CO poisoning lawyer Houston TX will show your landlord failed to take necessary action to keep you safe in your home, and your injuries were a direct result of that failure.

Texas law allows victims of CO exposure to collect various damages, including:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earnings
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium
• Reduced quality of life

Your lawyer will calculate your economic damages, which include medical expenses and lost wages, based on your current losses and losses you may incur in the future. Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, are determined based on the impact of your accident and injuries on your life.

CO exposure can cause severe injuries that change your life forever. The expert team at Carabin Shaw can help you pursue compensation so you can move forward and take care of your family. Our skilled Texas lawyers offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, and our law firm’s client reviews attest to our commitment to accident victims like you. Call us toll-free today at 1-800-862-1260.

For more information:

• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Basics | CDC
• Texas Constitution and Statutes 92
• Texas Constitution and Statutes 16
• Texas Constitution and Statutes 41