How is Carbon Monoxide Harmful?

Austin is infamous for its heavy traffic, but a hidden danger to the roads’ congestion is carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide, also known as “the silent killer,” is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that is released by a number of modern conveniences including car engines, stoves, and charcoal grills. Carbon monoxide poisoning is responsible for the deaths of approximately 430 Americans every year.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of carbon monoxide poisoning in Austin, you need someone who will fight to get you and your family the justice you deserve. Our trusted Austin lawyers at Carabin Shaw have years and years of experience helping those who have suffered at the negligent hands of others.

Sources of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Austin

In today’s world, it’s hard to imagine life without appliances such as gas-powered stoves or getting around without cars. Although these items are useful and essential to modern life, they pose a danger because they produce carbon monoxide as a byproduct.

Below are some of the sources of carbon monoxide you may encounter every day:

• Gas stoves
• Water heater
• Gas-powered tools
• Generator
• Charcoal grill
• Furnace
• Car engines
• Fireplaces

Talk to Austin personal injury lawyers about what caused your carbon monoxide poisoning accident.

The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Most of us don’t realize it, but carbon monoxide is around us all the time. When things such as gas-powered ovens and cars are used properly, the levels of carbon monoxide we’re exposed to are negligible. However, when CO-releasing products malfunction or are used improperly, they can lead to serious injury.

How is carbon monoxide harmful? It can cause the following symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Loss of motor function
• Loss of conscious
• Death

If you’ve suffered serious injuries due to carbon monoxide poisoning in Austin, you deserve justice. Speak with a lawyer about what options you have to recover compensation.

Who Can be Found Liable in a Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Case?

In a carbon monoxide poisoning accident, a number of parties may be responsible depending on the circumstances of your case. In most cases, one of the following parties will be found at-fault for a CO poisoning accident:

1. Maintenance crews or repairmen - Appliances and tools that emit carbon monoxide require routine maintenance to ensure they’re working properly and safely. Most products that produce carbon monoxide should be inspected by a professional annually. However, when maintenance workers are hired to repair carbon monoxide-producing products and they are negligent in their work, they can be responsible for any damages they cause.
2. Manufacturer - In some instances, products such as gas stoves or lawn equipment may malfunction well before their expiration date. When this happens, the manufacturer can be held liable. Manufacturers are required to make products that adhere to certain safety standards and regulations. When they fail to meet these requirements, they can be liable for a carbon monoxide poisoning in Austin that happens because of their negligence.
3. Property owner - Landlords and property owners are required by law to keep their property reasonably safe for tenants and guests. Landlords in Texas, for instance, are supposed to install carbon monoxide detectors in their apartments and homes. When carbon monoxide accidents occur because property owners did not take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of those on their property, they can be found at fault under premises liability laws.

The Lawyers You can Count on After a Carbon Monoxide Accident in Austin

After you’ve suffered from a carbon monoxide poisoning accident, you need Austin personal injury lawyers on your side. Our trusted Austin lawyers at Carabin Shaw can fight for you to get you the justice you deserve. When it comes to our clients, we do everything that we can to make the most of your case and make sure you aren’t taken advantage of.

Free Case Review

Call an attorney at our firm today for a free consultation at 512-832-1101.

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