When a Hotel’s Gas Water Heater Becomes a Silent Killer: Legal Options in Central Texas

Hotel gas leaks in Central Texas can harm many people at once when invisible, odorless carbon monoxide accumulates in enclosed spaces and silently poisons occupants. Each year, Texas hotels evacuate numerous guests because of CO leaks. Some experience long-term injuries or even death. A local lawyer can help victims or the family members of deceased victims pursue compensation from liable parties.

The legal team at Carabin Shaw is here to help you pursue a personal injury or wrongful death claim after a water heater–related gas leak in San Antonio. We handle cases on a contingency-fee basis, which means you pay no attorneys’ fees unless and until we win your case. There are no upfront costs, and no money owed unless we secure compensation for you. Read our client reviews to learn more about the quality and dedication behind our legal services. When you’re ready, contact Carabin Shaw for a free case review.

There are multiple ways for hotels in San Antonio, Texas, to heat water for guests, including:

• Tank water heaters
• Tankless water heaters
• Boilers

These methods are available in electric or gas-powered options, and many hotels rely on natural gas for efficient energy use. Improper installation or maintenance may cause a gas water heater carbon monoxide poisoning. This means many CO gas poisoning incidents are preventable. Additionally, CO detectors should alert occupants to danger so they can move to a safe location before inhaling dangerous levels of CO gas.

People exposed to CO gas may experience the following symptoms:

• Trouble breathing
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Loss of consciousness

A lawyer will help you to compute your damages as a victim, which includes medical expenses, loss of income, and noneconomic losses such as pain and suffering. If the hotel has had a history of similar instances and your lawyer is able to prove gross negligence, you may also receive punitive damages. These are on top of compensable damages and meant to deter continued negligence.

In the case of a CO poisoning death, San Antonio wrongful death attorneys may seek compensation for the damages that the death caused to immediate family members. This includes loss of income and support, along with funeral expenses and mental anguish.

A carbon monoxide poisoning lawyer must figure out how a leak occurred through evidence collection and a thorough investigation. This may involve the gathering of photographic evidence, witness testimony, or documents that prove negligence.

During the discovery phase of a hotel CO poisoning lawsuit, the victim will gain access to evidence belonging to the defendant. You’ll also have the chance to request documents and records that the hotel may not have produced upon initial request. This is where having a strong attorney is an advantage because they can effectively request and collect evidence that would be difficult for an ordinary individual to obtain.

The evidence must prove negligence or intentional harm. Negligence has four requirements:

• Duty
• Breach of duty
• Causation
• Damages

In other words, the evidence must prove that the defendant had a duty to act in a certain way, and their breach of duty caused harm. In CO death cases, clearly establishing negligence helps families to financially survive the loss of a loved one.

After your Central Texas carbon monoxide attorney files a claim for damages against a liable party, the defendant in the case will likely return with an initial settlement offer. This is an amount of money that the defendant’s attorney will present to you in order to provide compensation while avoiding the extra expenses of a trial.

The San Antonio TX attorneys at Carabin Shaw are ready to help you understand your legal options after a gas water heater death or injury. Call our toll-free number today at 1-800-862-1260. You can reach a member of our legal team 24/7, and we have English- and Spanish-speaking staff available.

For more information:

• Waterheating
• Protect Your Family and Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
• CIVIL PRACTICE AND REMEDIES CODE