The Silent Killer - Understanding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Texas

When you hear the word “poison,” you might think of arsenic, cyanide, or other highly toxic substances that can kill in small doses. However, the most common cause of poisoning death, apart from drug overdoses, is a much more common household chemical: Carbon monoxide poisoning causes over 400 deaths every year.

If you have experienced medical complications or the wrongful death of a loved one as a result of gas poisoning, you could be entitled to a legal settlement. The best Texas attorneys at Carabin Shaw can assist you in filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim after a gas leak. Our legal team will fight for the compensation that you deserve.

Our firm offers free consultations so respective clients can learn about what to expect from working with our team. If you are interested in scheduling one, call 1-800-862-1260. Our bilingual phone staff is available 24/7.

The first step to understanding carbon monoxide poisoning in Texas is learning to recognize it.

Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when someone’s bloodstream becomes saturated with CO, which prevents their body from obtaining the necessary amount of oxygen. Because carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, you may not notice a gas leak before some symptoms of poisoning set in. Therefore, it is important to learn to recognize them. They include:

• Lightheadedness
• Loss of inhibition
• Memory loss and confusion
• Chest pain
• Headache
• Nausea

Prolonged exposure to large amounts of carbon monoxide can also lead to more serious symptoms, including cardiac issues and ongoing neurological damage.

Breathing clean air can reverse some of the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, go outdoors immediately and call an ambulance. Then, research carbon monoxide poisoning lawyers in Texas to find someone to assist you with a claim.

Carbon monoxide is produced as the result of incomplete burning of fuels such as natural gas and charcoal. Gas appliances such as ovens, washing machines, and heaters create CO. While proper HVAC installation makes these appliances safe to operate, a torn or broken gas line can cause carbon monoxide to build up indoors. Running a generator or using a charcoal grill inside can also lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Because carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, Texas requires natural gas providers to add a foul-smelling chemical to their gas to help consumers can quickly detect a leak. If you notice a gas smell in your home, exit as soon as possible and contact a landlord or superintendent about a potential leak. Make sure to get in touch with a Texas carbon monoxide attorney to determine whether you have grounds for a claim.

If you intend to claim damages for carbon monoxide poisoning, you and your lawyer will have to demonstrate that it was the result of another party’s negligence.

For example, if your apartment is not equipped with a functioning carbon monoxide detector, your landlord may be liable for any injuries you experience as a result of a gas leak. Texas requires that homes be outfitted with a functioning CO detector. If your landlord had acted in compliance with that code, you likely would have been made aware of the gas leak before you could experience any lasting damage.

Some other parties that may be held responsible for CO poisoning include hotel owners, daycare owners, the owners of workplace buildings, and manufacturers of appliances that emit carbon monoxide.

Make sure to consult with an experienced attorney before naming anyone in a claim.

If you are interested in pursuing a carbon monoxide poisoning claim, schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team at 800-862-1260. Carabin Shaw’s client reviews will let you know what to expect when working with our firm.