Texas Law: Can I Sue My San Antonio Landlord for Missing CO Detectors and My Injuries?

San Antonio’s rental market is below the national average, with tenants often paying less for more. In addition to sizable units, properties may feature amenities such as swimming pools, luxurious clubhouses, and workout facilities. Some of them lack a working carbon monoxide (CO) detector. Tragically, a missing CO detector can lead to severe injuries and even death for unsuspecting residents.

The San Antonio carbon monoxide poisoning lawyers at Carabin Shaw help victims of CO accidents pursue damages for their injuries and related losses. Our expert team of attorneys is available 24/7 and provides free case reviews in English or Spanish. Call us toll-free today at 1-800-862-1260.

CO is an odorless, colorless gas that fuel-burning appliances, such as gas stoves, water heaters, or furnaces, may produce. When these appliances malfunction, CO can build to dangerous levels in enclosed spaces. Carbon monoxide detectors detect rising CO levels and trigger an alarm to alert residents to the danger.

When people inhale large amounts of CO, the gas binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells, preventing oxygen from reaching vital organs and tissues. Lower levels of CO exposure can cause flu-like symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. At higher levels, CO poisoning can lead to unconsciousness, brain damage, and death.

Texas law requires rental property owners to install CO alarms in units with fuel-burning appliances within 10 feet of sleeping areas. Landlords must also maintain these devices to ensure they remain in working order. Landlords are also responsible for ensuring that the appliances in their units are safe and up to code, and for responding promptly to tenant requests for maintenance and repairs.

If a tenant of a rental property suffers carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a lack of carbon monoxide detectors or a faulty appliance, the landlord may be held liable for the victim’s damages. However, premises liability laws in Texas can be difficult to navigate unless you are a legal expert. Our Texas lawyers at Carabin Shaw work with landlord liability cases regularly, and we can help you sue apartment complex CO poisoning, and pursue the compensation you deserve.

If you suspect you have been a victim of CO poisoning, follow these steps to protect your rights and strengthen your personal injury claim:

Seek medical treatment immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Victims must secure a diagnosis of CO poisoning, as this is critical evidence to build their case. Follow all treatment plans as instructed by your doctor.

If you are physically able, take photos of the appliance that you suspect caused your injury. Collect contact information for others in the building who may have been concerned about the unsafe conditions.

Keep copies of all your written correspondence with your landlord, including repair requests and complaints. Have copies of your medical bills and receipts for any other losses or expenses you incurred as a result of your injuries.

Call an experienced personal injury law firm like Carabin Shaw immediately to evaluate your case and launch an investigation. We offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any money up front.

If your local lawyer can prove your landlord’s negligence led to your injuries, you may be eligible for the following damages under Texas law:

• Economic damages (medical bills, lost wages)
• Non-economic damages (emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life)
• Punitive damages (for reckless or malicious behavior)

Your legal team will calculate your damages based on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life.

CO poisoning can have devastating effects on victims and their families. Get the legal expertise you need to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve in San Antonio with the help of our trusted attorneys at Carabin Shaw. Our client reviews attest to our ability to maximize damages for victims like you. We are available toll-free now at 1-800-862-1260.

For more information:

• Texas Statutes 92
• Texas Statutes 75 Texas Statutes 41