What Happened During the Texas Freeze?
In February 2021, a torrent of arctic air swept over Texas, leaving power plants with an energy demand that they couldn’t keep up with. This left millions of Texans without power while temperatures dropped to a numbing cold. As a result of the power failures and freezing temperatures, deaths, injuries, and property damage became widespread. Read on to learn more about what types of damages you may be entitled to recover in a Texas freeze claim.
How Power Companies Failed to Warn Texas Communities
Texas power companies such as the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), American Electric Power (AEP), and others had reason to know that power would be out for an extended amount of time. However, they still failed to warn their customers about the expected power outages, blackouts, and the potential dangers ahead.
The attempt to manage the power outages by implementing “rolling blackouts” (rotating outages) to deal with the low supply of electricity was a reactive measure that did not help. As a result, communities were not prepared for the freezing temperatures, and the consequences were dire, resulting in home damages, injuries, and the death of loved ones. Now, only a few months later, many Texans realize that they may be eligible to pursue a claim against power companies for their failure to warn them about the impending blackout and the damages it would bring.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Texas Freeze Claim?
When pursuing a Texas freeze lawsuit, there may be several potential parties involved who can be held responsible for damages. Besides ERCOT, AEP, and other private energy companies, you may also make claims against your homeowner’s and commercial liability insurance policies. When it comes to determining liability, it’s critical to speak to a Texas freeze lawyer in protecting your rights and getting you the compensation you deserve.
What Types of Damages Can You Recover?
When the power companies failed to warn Texas residents about what to expect when freezing temperatures started to roll through, no one had ample time to prepare for the prolonged blackout that they would face ahead. Many had been subjected to hypothermia, serious injuries, and, sadly for some, death. The types of damages you may be able to recover may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Personal injury or death claim due to hypothermia.
- Personal injury or death claim due to lack of electricity needed to operate medical apparatus, such as life support systems.
- Costs for water damage due to frozen pipes.
- Costs for water damage to property due to bursting pipes.
- Costs for damage to swimming pools, hot tubs, and other equipment due to frozen pipes caused by lack of electricity to operate freeze prevention devices.
Need Help With Your Texas Freeze Claim? Speak to Us Today.
When an unexpected situation happens that causes someone to sustain injuries, property damage, or the loss of loved ones, it’s undoubtedly a daunting situation. When you don’t know where to turn for help, it can make it much harder to deal with. Know that you are not alone, and we are here to help you get through a difficult time. Our attorneys are armed with the resources necessary to fight for justice on behalf of Texas families and business owners who were negatively impacted by the Texas freeze and suffered substantial losses.
Don’t let negligent parties get away with hurting you, your family, and the community you care about.
Contact Robins Cloud LLPtoday at (800) 691-2363 for a free consultation with one of our Texas freeze lawyers.