Have You or a Loved One Been Involved in a Drowning Incident?
Goldberg & Loren, the leading drowning injury lawyers in Fort Lauderdale, is here to help. With years of experience and a proven track record of success, we are committed to fighting for justice on your behalf. Call (954) 758-4553 today for a free consultation with a Fort Lauderdale drowning injury lawyer.
Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center Drowning
Aquatic center drownings are infrequent, but when they occur, life can be drastically altered. Some individuals are revived without any consequences, while others either pass away or experience detrimental changes after the incident.
Our team of legal professionals in Fort Lauderdale is here to provide support and assistance to you and your family in the event of a drowning incident at an aquatic center.
Aquatic center drownings may occur at:
Drownings happen in places other than aquatic centers too.
They may occur in the following locations as well:
- Hotels pools
- School Pools
- Beaches
- Gyms
- Residential swimming pools (home/apartment building)
- In open water related to boat accidents
- Anywhere water is present
Causes of Drowning Incidents in Fort Lauderdale
Florida has one of the highest rates of drowning in the U.S.A.
One of the leading causes of drowning is the lack of adequate supervision. Lifeguards on duty play a vital role in maintaining the safety of swimmers, but they can become overwhelmed, especially during busy periods when the pool or beach is filled with people.
Faulty pool equipment can also contribute to drowning incidents. Malfunctioning pool drains and pumps can create a powerful suction that can trap swimmers and make it difficult for them to break free.
Diving can increase the risk of drowning, especially when signage is missing that warns swimmers of shallow water. Diving accidents can result in severe injuries, including spinal cord damage and traumatic brain injuries.
Approximately 830 children ages 14 and under drown every year. [1]
Common Drowning Injuries and Injuries Related to Drowning Incidents
- Near-drowning injuries: Near-drowning refers to instances where a person is submerged in water for a significant period but survives. These incidents can lead to severe injuries, including brain damage due to lack of oxygen, lung injuries from inhaling water, and complications from excessive water intake.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): When a person loses consciousness while underwater, the lack of oxygen can cause brain damage. TBIs can result in cognitive impairments, memory loss, personality changes, and motor function problems, among other challenges.
- Spinal cord injuries: When diving into shallow water or hitting a submerged object, spinal cord injuries can occur. This may paralyze the body, making a drowning or near-drowning incident likely.
Drowning Incidents Resulting Wrongful Death Claims in Fort Lauderdale
Drowning deaths are devastating for the families of the victims. From a legal perspective, when a drowning death occurs due to the negligence or wrongful actions of another party, the family may have a basis to file a wrongful death claim.
Wrongful death claims are legal actions brought by the surviving family members seeking compensation for their losses and damages resulting from the death of their loved one.
In cases of drowning deaths, factors that contribute to a wrongful death claim may include:
- inadequate supervision,
- lack of safety measures,
- poor maintenance of the aquatic facility,
- or negligence on the part of lifeguards or staff.
If a Fort Lauderdale wrongful death claim is successful, the family may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including the victim's medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and emotional pain and suffering.
Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional death in children ages 1 to 4 years and ages 10 to 14 years. [1]
Who is Responsible for a Drowning Accident?
One primary party that may bear responsibility is the aquatic center if the incident occurs there. Aquatic centers have a legal duty to provide a safe environment for their patrons.
In supervised pools and beaches, trained lifeguards are present and responsible for properly supervising the swimming area. If it is determined that the lifeguards failed to meet this duty of care, they may be held liable for the drowning accident.
Lifeguards are entrusted with the safety of swimmers and have a responsibility to exercise reasonable care in their duties. If it is determined that the lifeguard was negligent in their supervision or failed to respond appropriately to the emergency, they may be held accountable for the drowning accident.
The pool owner or management company may also be found liable for a drowning accident. They have a duty to properly maintain the premises and ensure that all safety equipment is in place and fully functional.
If the drowning accident was caused by faulty pool equipment, the manufacturer or distributor of the product may be held liable. This could include pool drains, pumps, or diving boards.
For those less than one year old, drowning is the third leading cause of death. [1]
Get a Free Consultation From a Fort Lauderdale Drowning Injury Lawyer
Goldberg & Loren's hard-hitting personal injury lawyers have the knowledge and experience to thoroughly investigate the incident, gather evidence, establish liability, and fight for your rights.
We understand the wide range of legal issues surrounding swimming pool accidents and can guide you through the process of seeking compensation for medical costs, rehabilitation expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
If you have lost a loved one in a drowning accident, our Fort Lauderdale lawyers will assist you in pursuing a wrongful death claim.
Our drowning injury attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable for negligence and that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
Have you or a loved one been involved in a drowning accident at an aquatic center?
By choosing Goldberg & Loren as your legal representation for your drowning injury claim, you can have peace of mind knowing that we will do everything in our power to hold those responsible accountable for their negligence.
Contact us today at (954) 758-4553 for a free consultation, and let us guide you through the legal process.
Source:
[1] The Facts On Childhood Drowning. (n.d.). Retrieved October 11, 2023, from https://www.childrenssafetynetwork.org/infographics/facts-childhood-drowning
