Who is Liable for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning? | Houston Lawyers

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that exists in the fumes from burning fuel. It is most commonly associated with cars, generators, stoves, grills, fireplaces, and furnaces. While some Houston residents might associate this problem more closely with the frigid northern parts of the country that depend on heaters for more of the year, CO poisoning can occur anywhere.

If you were adversely affected by CO exposure and are struggling to determine who is liable for carbon monoxide poisoning, reach out to a qualified Houston injury attorney for help.

While CO poisoning is treatable, recognizing the symptoms early and seeking help and ventilation immediately is crucial for a successful recovery. CO poisoning symptoms include:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Headache
• Muscle weakness
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Fatigue

If your family or coworkers exhibited these symptoms suddenly and at the same time, you should call a carbon monoxide poisoning lawyer in Houston, Texas.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is serious. At best, it is sickening. At worst, it is deadly. While anyone can fall prey to CO, some people are more at risk due to their age, health, and occupation. For example, young children, the elderly, and people with chronic breathing problems, heart disease, or anemia are more likely to experience extreme symptoms or death.

Certain occupations are more at risk, too. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), “You may be exposed to harmful levels of CO in boiler rooms, warehouses, petroleum refineries, pulp and paper production, and steel production; around docks, blast furnaces, or coke ovens.”

OSHA declare that some of the most at-risk workers include:

• Garage mechanics
• Firefighters
• Forklift operators
• Longshore workers
• Forklift operators
• Tollbooth or tunnel attendants
• Welders

The above professions might require more training and awareness surrounding carbon monoxide poisoning. If employers failed to alert employees of the risks, train them correctly, or maintain dangerous equipment, they might owe compensation in a CO poisoning case. A Houston personal injury attorney can help with your next steps.

Determining liability is one of a Houston liability attorney’s crucial responsibilities.

To begin, your lawyer will look into where the CO poisoning occurred. If, for example, you were exposed to CO in a hotel or rental property, the owner might be liable for your injuries. State and local governments require property owners to promptly conduct certain maintenance checks and swiftly respond to tenant safety complaints. If you were exposed at work, your employer might be responsible for failing to uphold OSHA safety regulations.

Many carbon monoxide poisoning cases occur in the home. In these instances, your carbon monoxide poisoning lawyer in Houston, Texas might look into the reliability of your CO detectors, the quality of your furnace, and the results of any recent routine maintenance.

After your lawyer identifies the responsible party and holds them accountable, you may be able to receive compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Physical impairments
• Lost wages
• Loss of quality of life
• Pain and suffering

While nothing can take away the pain, discomfort, and fear of carbon monoxide poisoning, proper redress can relieve some of the financial anxiety you might face.

The Houston team at Carabin Shaw knows how severe carbon monoxide poisoning can be. We have served Texans for over 30 years and commit to giving our clients the best representation possible. If you choose to work with us, we promise to put our experience to work for you and aggressively pursue the justice you deserve.

Call us today at 1-800-862-1260 for a free initial consultation and case review. You deserve the best Texas has to offer, and we are here to give it to you.