The Causes of Texas Freeze Injuries and Deaths
Sadly, too many Texans suffered severe injuries and lost family members due to the Texas Freeze. Power companies such as the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), American Electric Power (AEP) failed to warn Texas communities about the impending hazards and rolling blackouts that many would face. Proper warnings could have saved many lives and avoided injuries.
Here are the most common injuries that resulted from the lack of heat and power during the Texas Freeze.
Top Injuries Due to the Rolling Blackouts
Hypothermia
According to the Texas Tribune, most deaths during the Texas Freeze were caused by hypothermia — including an 11-year-old boy in Houston. Hypothermia happens when the body loses heat faster than it can produce and goes below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The heart, nervous system, and other organs cannot function properly, and when left untreated, it leads to death.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Becker's Hospital Review reports that carbon monoxide poisoning caused 11 deaths and over 1,400 emergency room visits during the Texas Freeze. To keep warm during the power outage, many brought charcoal grills indoors and ran vehicles in enclosed spaces to keep warm. It's speculated that people may not have been fully aware of the dangers or not rationally thinking due to being overwhelmingly cold.
Medical Equipment Failures
The power outages during the Texas Freeze put many residents in grave danger who rely on energy-powered medical equipment to keep them alive. While medical equipment such as ventilators and oxygen tanks may have battery backup systems, they can only last for so long until they need to be recharged with running electricity. National Public Radio (NPR) reported that the ambulance provider, MedStar, which serves the greater Fort Worth area, fielded over 50 calls from patients with a life-sustaining device and no power between February 15 to February 17.
Injured Due to The Texas Freeze? We Are Here For You.
When an unexpected and devastating event like the Texas freeze causes victims to sustain severe injuries, it can be a stressful experience. When you don't know where to turn for help, it can make the ordeal that much more difficult. Let us be your advocate with support and guidance when going through a challenging time.
Our team of attorneys is dedicated to giving you the legal representation you deserve to help you move your life forward with your life. We have the resources available to help families and business owners to recover substantial losses due to the Texas Freeze.
Don't let negligent parties get away with hurting you, your family, and the community you care about.
Contact Robins Cloud LLP today at (800) 691-2363 for a free consultation with one of our Texas freeze lawyers.