In a harrowing case that underscores the importance of tenant safety, a lawsuit has been filed against a property management company following a tragic incident involving carbon monoxide poisoning. The complaint was lodged by Alexander Jose Toruno Ramos, individually and as the representative of the estate of Reyna Maria Barrera, along with Martha Adilia Barrera and Edwin Bismarck Rugama Rivera. It was filed in Harris County's 80th District Court on October 24, 2024, naming Texas Bridgegate Associates, LP; Texas Bridgegate Associates, LP doing business as Vintage Apartments; and Texas Chartwell Management, Inc. as defendants.
The plaintiffs allege that on June 22, 2023, at the premises located at 6500 West 43rd Street in Houston, Texas—owned or managed by the defendants—a severe carbon monoxide leak occurred due to negligence. According to the complaint, high levels of carbon monoxide were detected on the premises and adjacent apartments after a generator was found improperly placed in a closet with numerous electrical items connected to it via a power strip. This hazardous setup led to severe injuries for Alexander Jose Toruno Ramos, Martha Adilia Barrera, Edwin Bismarck Rugama Rivera, and ultimately resulted in the death of Reyna Maria Barrera.
The plaintiffs assert that the defendants failed to install or maintain adequate carbon monoxide detectors and neglected to warn residents about potential risks. They claim these oversights constituted gross negligence and created an unreasonably dangerous condition on the premises. "Defendants knew or should have known about this unreasonable risk of harm," states the petition, highlighting their alleged failure to rectify or warn against such hazards.
The lawsuit seeks damages for both survival and wrongful death claims under various sections of the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code. The plaintiffs are pursuing compensation for medical expenses incurred due to injuries from the incident, funeral costs for Reyna Maria Barrera, loss of companionship and society for her surviving husband Alexander Jose Toruno Ramos, mental anguish suffered by all plaintiffs involved, as well as exemplary damages due to gross negligence.
Representing the plaintiffs is Spencer P. Browne along with Ryan J Browne, Alex Ivanov, Megan Long, and Nathan Villarreal from Reyes Browne Law based in Dallas. The case is being overseen by Judge Adiliani Solis under Case ID 2024-74201.