Wrongful Death From Unvented Gas Appliances in Houston TX | CO Poisoning Attorneys

Rental rates in Houston TX have been declining recently, giving residents looking for a place to call home plenty of affordable choices. While prospective tenants often ask about in-unit laundry and fitness center access, they don't always consider whether the unit's appliances are safe. Tragically, malfunctioning appliances can expose unsuspecting tenants to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide (CO), severe injuries, and even death.

The Houston wrongful death attorneys at Carabin Shaw help family members struggling with the devastating loss of a loved one to CO poisoning. These victims are often entitled to damages under Texas law to ease the financial burden of funeral and burial expenses and other related losses. While you can’t bring your loved one back, our experienced attorneys can hold those responsible for their death accountable for their negligence.

Our Houston, Texas lawyers provide free case reviews, and we offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you pay nothing until we win your case. Our client reviews demonstrate our commitment to victims like you. We have English- and Spanish-speaking professionals available 24/7 at 1-800-862-1260.

Since CO is a colorless, odorless gas, hazardous exposure can occur before you realize you are in danger. CO detectors alert people to rising CO levels, which is why they are required near all bedrooms in Houston rental properties.

Gas appliances can emit dangerous CO gas, including gas ranges and stoves, water heaters, and furnaces. Improperly vented appliances allow CO to build up in an enclosed area very quickly. Tenants may not realize their appliance isn't working correctly. Others may file a repair request with their landlord that is not addressed promptly, increasing their risk for a tragic accident.

Texas property owners and landlords have a duty of care to tenants in their buildings to ensure a safe living environment. That duty includes regular inspections and prompt repairs if any issues are discovered.

Landlords are also required to install working CO detectors within 10 feet of any sleeping area in their units and to maintain those detectors to ensure they are in proper working order. When landlords fail to meet these requirements, a personal injury attorney can hold them liable for injuries or deaths that result.

Gas appliance manufacturers also have a duty of care to ensure their products are free from potentially dangerous defects. Manufacturers must also warn consumers of potential hazards and provide clear operating instructions to ensure user safety. If a manufacturing flaw goes undetected and causes a CO leak, an experienced lawyer can hold the manufacturer liable for injuries or deaths that result from CO poisoning.

If someone you love suffers a wrongful death unvented gas appliance, seek legal help right away. You may be able to seek compensation by filing one of the following claims:

You may file a premises liability claim against a property owner or landlord who failed to maintain a safe environment for your loved one. Your Houston CO poisoning lawyer must demonstrate that the party owed your family member a duty of care and breached that duty by neglecting to maintain an appliance or install the appropriate CO detectors.

To file a product liability claim, your lawyer must demonstrate that a party failed their duty of care to ensure the device worked safely or warn consumers of potential dangers. Parties might include designers, manufacturers, distributors, or retail sellers.

Under Texas’s proportionate responsibility rule, you may hold more than one party liable for your loved one’s death. For example, the manufacturer may have failed to provide proper ventilation for the appliance, while the landlord neglected to check the device to ensure safe operation. The state’s proportionate responsibility rule allows you to seek compensation from all at-fault parties, according to their portion of responsibility for the death.

The sudden death of a loved one leaves family members devastated and unsure where to turn. Our compassionate team at Carabin Shaw can help. Call us toll-free today at 1-800-862-1260 to book your free, no obligation consultation. No money owed unless your case is won.

For more information:

• Texas Statutes 41
• Texas Statutes 75
• Texas Statutes 82
• Texas Statutes 33