Staying Afloat: What You Need to Know About Drowning Accidents

Drowning accidents can turn a day of fun into a devastating tragedy within seconds. Whether at a public pool, a private swimming pool, or a beach, the risk is always present. Understanding the causes, implications, and preventative measures of these accidents is crucial to ensure safety for yourself, others and your loved ones.

This blog post discusses some of the need-to-know harsh realities behind drowning accidents and swimming pool accidents. It will also guide you on how to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim if you tragically find yourself on the receiving end of such an unfortunate incident. Continue reading to get started.

Call 317-881-2700 to Speak With a Drowning Accident Attorney in Indianapolis Indiana
Call 317-881-2700 to Speak With a Drowning Accident Attorney in Indianapolis Indiana

Some Causes of Drowning Accidents

Drowning accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, some more obvious than others. Some causes of drowning incidents include:

▶ A lack or proper supervision

▶ Inadequate or malfunctioning pool safety equipment

▶ Inattention to water conditions (including the presence of strong currents and sheer number of swimmers) by lifeguards and other staff

▶ Electrical shock caused by defective wiring in a swimming pool or other aquatic environment

▶ Other malfunctioning or inappropriate pool equipment

Consequences of Drowning Accidents

A drowning accident can have devastating consequences for those involved. In addition to the physical and emotional trauma caused by a swimming pool or open water incident (lake, pond, creek, river, ocean, etc.), there are also legal implications that must be taken into account. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, it may be possible to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim in order to help cover medical costs and more, as well as obtain financial compensation for the victim or loved ones of the victim.

Preventative Measures

To prevent drowning accidents, it is important to take safety measures and remain vigilant when in or near water. These may include:

…providing adequate supervision for all swimmers and especially children or inexperienced swimmers (especially those under the age of 16).

…making sure that all pool safety equipment such as life preservers, pool alarms, and emergency flotation devices are properly provided, installed and maintained.

…ensuring that electrical wiring in a swimming pool or other aquatic environment is up to date and functioning correctly.

…paying attention to signs of strong currents or inclement weather conditions when swimming outdoors by lifeguards and other staff

…properly providing and maintaining all pool equipment

…provide enough certified lifeguards for the conditions and number of swimmers given the conditions then existing

Wrongful Death Claims

If a loved one has tragically passed away due to a drowning accident, it may be possible to file a wrongful death claim. In doing so, you can help cover medical costs and/or obtain financial compensation for the victim’s family. A wrongful death claim involves proving that the defendant was at fault or negligent in some way, so it is important to seek qualified legal counsel when considering this type of claim. Be sure to consult with an experienced wrongful death lawyer in Indiana for professional legal advice.

Personal Injury Claim of the Victim

If you or a loved one has suffered injury due to a drowning accident, it may be possible to file a personal injury claim. In doing so, you can help cover medical costs and/or obtain financial compensation and pain and suffering and other damages for the victim. A personal injury claim claim involves proving that the defendant was at fault or negligent in some way, so it is important to seek qualified legal counsel when considering this type of claim. Be sure to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney for professional legal advice.

Open Water Accidents

It is also important to be aware of other dangers associated with water sports, such as boating accidents or electrocution caused by electricity in aquatic environments. Boating accidents can occur due to a variety of factors, including but not limited to inexperienced or impaired boaters, equipment failure, and bad weather. To prevent boating accidents, it is essential to always wear a life jacket when on a boat, as well as to check the safety of the vessel before setting out.  The boat captain is ultimately responsible for safety.

When it comes to electrocution in aquatic situations, it is important to be aware of the dangers posed by faulty wiring in and around swimming pools. Wiring that has been damaged or exposed due to corrosion or age can lead to deadly shocks. Therefore, it is essential to regularly inspect the pool’s electrical components to ensure safety and prevent electrocution hazards.

In Summary

It is crucial to remain vigilant when it comes to water sports and aquatic environments, as the consequences of a tragedy can be life-altering. Taking preventative measures and understanding the implications of these incidents is key for staying safe and afloat.

If you have been affected by a drowning accident or any other type of water-related incident, it is important to seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer in order to understand your rights as well as any personal injury or wrongful death claims that you may be able to file. Knowing the ins and outs of drowning accidents and other aquatic dangers can help you stay safe both in and out of the water.

Are you looking for help with your swimming pool accident or drowning accident claim as a Hoosier? Contact Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. to schedule a free case evaluation with a seasoned Indiana civil litigator who is well-versed in child injury accidents, boating accidents, drowning accidents, personal injuries and wrongful deaths. Meet at our Indianapolis personal injury law firm, or engage with us over the phone, via internet, or at your place of inpatient medical care. No need to travel and no upfront fees. Call 317-881-2700 today while your timeclock for pursuing legal action still runs.

Related Posts:

Who’s Liable for a Drowning Accident in a Private Swimming Pool?
A Guide to Navigating Legal Issues After a Boating Injury
The Dangers of Unsupervised Swimming: What Parents Need to Know