Swimming Pools & Drowning Accidents

Due to the warm and pleasant climate in California, there are many swimming pools across the state, both public and private. Even though swimming is meant to be a leisurely activity, a fun day at the pool can quickly turn tragic. Many people drown in swimming pools every day, and San Fernando Valley is no exception. Adults and children have both been known to drown in swimming pools, but typically more children fall victim to swimming pool drownings because many of them are inexperienced swimmers.

Regardless of whether a person is injured in a swimming pool drowning, or dies in a swimming pool drowning, a San Fernando Valley injury attorney can help. In cases where an individual drowns, but is rescued or resuscitated, a personal injury claim should be made. When a person drowns and dies in a swimming pool, a wrongful death suit will become necessary. In either case, a personal injury lawyer from our firm can help you.

Swimming Pool Accidents in the San Fernando Valley

While public and private swimming pools are a source of water-related fun, they can also pose a serious threat. According to statistics released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ten people are killed in an accidental drowning every single day. Children are the most at risk for these accidents, with those under the age of 14 accounting for two of those accidental deaths every day. These ten daily deaths do not even take into account accidents which occur while on the water in a recreational boat.

Although death is the most common outcome of swimming pool accidents, there are also those who survive and suffer catastrophic injuries. The CDC stated that half of all victims in swimming pool drowning accidents who receive medical attention in a local emergency department require hospitalization, whereas all other unintentional injuries have a hospitalization rate of six percent. The most common injury from drowning affects the brain, due to the lack of oxygen. This can leave the victim in a permanent vegetative state.

There are countless causes that should be taken into consideration on any given drowning accident; however, the most common include negligence or carelessness. For example, young children may become a victim if they are left alone near a pool without any swimming ability – the same goes for adults who never learned. When young children are involved, it is advised that barriers are used and they are kept under close supervision to ensure they don't accidently fall when no one is looking.

For adults, the most dangerous factors in drowning accidents include location, where most adults are likely to die while swimming in a natural water setting, as well as the use of alcohol. If you or someone that you care about has suffered in a drowning accident, we encourage you to contact a San Fernando Valley personal injury lawyer from our firm as soon as possible. We are well-versed in all aspects of personal injury law and can help you.

San Fernando Valley Swimming Pool Accident Attorney

Owners of both public and private swimming pools have a legal responsibility to protect those on their property from harm. This includes providing the proper supervision, posting visible warning signs, and providing the necessary safety equipment such as fences to prevent child entry, flotation devices, etc. If a pool owner or property manager's negligence causes injury or death to another person, they will be held liable for any damages suffered.

Damages can include such things as medical expenses, lost wages, lost future wages, and pain and suffering. After a swimming pool drowning that happened because of another person's negligence, it is very important that the proper care and financial restitution be provided to help the victim reach a full recovery, both physically and financially speaking, and our personal injury lawyers will try very hard to makes sure this happens.

Contact a San Fernando Valley personal injury lawyer at The Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus as soon as possible if you or a loved one has been the victim of a drowning!