Prolonged electricity blackouts pose serious risks to everyday Texans, including injuries, property damage, and even loss of life. This proved especially true in the aftermath of the 2021 Texas power crisis. The disaster’s consequences have been largely linked to negligence by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which oversees the state’s main power grid.
If you or a loved one was injured or killed during the winter storm power outages, you might be wondering how power outages can impact liability in a lawsuit. A personal injury lawyer at Shamieh Law is ready to help you understand your legal rights and explore your options for seeking compensation.
The 2021 Power Grid Failure
Three severe winter storms threatened Texas’s power supply in February 2021 due to the state’s failure to winterize power sources. ERCOT responded by cutting power to over 4.5 million homes and businesses to prevent the grid from collapsing. It was the worst power grid failure in Texas history. The blackout caused at least 200 deaths and up to $130 billion in property damage due to freezing and bursting pipes,
Texans are now suing ERCOT for allegedly failing to prepare for the winter weather. The lawsuits also allege that ERCOT previously issued reports misleading private equity investors about how much power the grid needed. ERCOT may have also mishandled soaring power prices during the storm.
How Can Power Outages Be Caused by Negligence?
Power outages are often a natural consequence of weather events. However, businesses and organizations still have a responsibility to protect the public from avoidable dangers. If these entities fail to take proper precautions against a foreseeable event, they may be liable for any harm that results from that failure.
Victims can file a lawsuit against the negligent entities to recover compensation for their losses in these cases. The personal injury lawyers at Shamieh Law can help you determine if you have a case and guide you through the ERCOT lawsuit process.
What Damages Could Be Available in a Power Outage?
The damages available in a power outage lawsuit typically include any losses you suffered as a result of the outage. Economic damages—the financial burden of the incident—are a major part of this compensation. Property damage, medical expenses, and lost wages due to injuries or business closures are common economic damages in Texas power outage legal claims. Non-economic damages could also be available, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress caused by the event or its resulting injuries.
If a loved one died because of the power outage, you may also be entitled to wrongful death compensation. This can include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
Punitive damages are available in some power outage lawsuits. These are intended to punish the negligent parties for their actions. Texas courts reserve punitive damages for rare, extreme cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
Consequences of Extended Power Outages and Grid Failure in Texas
Power outages can affect individuals, businesses, and communities in a variety of ways. This is why the damages available in power outage lawsuits can be significant.
Property Damage
Frozen pipes cause much of the property damage in Texas power outages. When the power is out, people can’t heat their homes or businesses. The pipes in their homes can freeze and burst, which releases large quantities of water into the surrounding structures. This causes mold and water damage to walls, floors, furniture, and other expensive parts of buildings.
Extended power outages can also cause food to spoil. Grocery stores, restaurants, and individuals may experience significant food loss if they lose power to their fridges and freezers.
Personal Injuries
Prolonged power outages can cause homes to drop to dangerously low temperatures. This can cause hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold-related injuries. Additionally, contaminated water supplies due to power outages can lead to gastrointestinal illness and other health issues.
Wrongful Death
In extreme cases, people can die due to the lack of power. This includes deaths from hypothermia and carbon monoxide poisoning. People with medical conditions that require electricity, such as oxygen machines or dialysis equipment, are also at high risk of death when the power is out for a prolonged period.
Lost Income
Many businesses cannot operate without power. This can result in lost income for the business owners and employees who are unable to work during this time.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer in Texas
An extended power outage can turn your life upside down. If you or someone you love has suffered harm due to a power outage in Texas, someone else might be liable for your damages. Power outage liability in Texas can be complicated, and you stand a better chance of recovering fair compensation with an experienced personal injury attorney in your corner.
Shamieh Law is here to help you understand your legal options and start taking legal action. Complete our contact form or call us at 469-813-7332 for a free consultation with an experienced Texas personal injury lawyer. You have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit, so don’t delay.
