Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Oklahoma Rental Properties

Exposure to high levels of the odorless gas carbon monoxide (CO) almost always happens in enclosed spaces. Therefore, the biggest threat of CO poisoning is in your own home. As a tenant who rents property in Oklahoma, you might wonder what your landlord is required to do to protect you from the dangers of this hazardous gas.

Although the Oklahoma State Department of Health offers many suggestions for preventing CO injuries, you depend on your property owner to provide safe appliances, regular maintenance, and detection tools. When someone else’s negligence of their property causes you to suffer in your home, the expert Oklahoma attorneys at Carabin Shaw fight for fair compensation for your injuries.

Because the incomplete burning of fuel creates CO, any appliance that burns gas or wood can emit this chemical. Common examples of fuel-burning household features include the following:

• Furnaces
• Fireplaces
• Water heaters
• Dryers
• Stoves
• Items intended for outdoor use—such as grills, generators, or camping stoves—when used indoors

To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in Oklahoma rental properties, it’s important to use every appliance as intended. For instance, people might use stoves or other indoor fuel-burning appliances to heat their homes after winter storms cause electric outages. As a result, CO concentrations can rise to dangerous levels due to improper use of this equipment.

As a tenant, you can also protect yourself by understanding how to detect signs of appliance dysfunction. When you report property issues that cause CO hazards, your landlord must resolve your concerns to avoid liability.

Though landlords and property managers can’t control all factors, they’re responsible for the correct installation and maintenance of appliances. Oklahoma state code also requires functioning CO detectors and alarms for all residences that have CO systems.

When landlords neglect certain responsibilities, a lawyer might have evidence to prove that they’re liable for CO injuries. For instance, an Oklahoma landlord must do the following:

• Install, test, and maintain CO alarms according to manufacturer instructions and state code
• Uphold the terms for installing and maintaining CO detectors specified in your lease agreement
• Follow health and safety codes for installing, inspecting, ventilating, and maintaining fuel-burning appliances or fireplaces
• Conduct repairs as needed, including emergencies
• Respond to your repair requests without retaliation

If your landlord’s neglect of CO risks has caused you harm, consulting with Oklahoma carbon monoxide poisoning lawyers helps you prepare an ironclad lawsuit.

The term “premises liability” refers to a property owner’s legal responsibility for the unsafe conditions that caused your CO-related injuries. In a premises liability lawsuit against your landlord, your attorney must prove the following:

• Your landlord had a duty to care for their property.
• Your landlord neglected their duty despite having reasonable knowledge of CO hazards.
• You suffered injuries linked to CO poisoning.
• Your landlord’s negligence caused (or partially caused) your injuries.

The Oklahoma premises liability attorneys at Carabin Shaw specialize in collecting supportive evidence for CO poisoning cases. To support each of the claims above, our team gathers relevant records, expert testimonies, and more.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, around 50,000 people in the United States seek emergency services each year for accidental CO poisoning. Brief exposure to a high CO concentration or chronic exposure over time can cause permanent complications and even fatality.

If you experienced injuries from CO poisoning and believe your landlord is at fault, you might have suffered damages that seriously depreciate your quality of life. Carabin Shaw’s client reviews show our team’s dedication to thorough investigation and handling of each case, beginning with a free initial consultation and case review. By calling the number 800-862-1260, you can speak with our staff in Spanish or English 24/7 to start seeking justice without any financial risk.