A drowning accident refers to an incident where an individual is submerged in water and inhales a sufficient amount to result in respiratory impairment or the cessation of breathing. If someone else’s negligence contributed to the incident, you can recover compensation.
Vaughan & Vaughan offers compassionate legal support to injured victims and their families. We have been in business for more than 110 years, and we recovered over $25 million for clients. You can trust our Indianapolis drowning accident lawyers to fight for a maximum settlement. Call us today to schedule a free initial consultation.
The Definition of a Drowning Accident
A drowning accident is defined as an incident in which an individual experiences respiratory impairment or the cessation of breathing due to the inhalation or absorption of a significant amount of water. These accidents typically occur when a person is submerged in water, such as in swimming pools, natural bodies of water, or even smaller containers like bathtubs.
Drowning accidents can result from various factors, including a lack of supervision, inadequate safety measures, medical emergencies, or environmental hazards. The severity of these incidents can range from non-fatal injuries to tragic loss of life.
If you are not sure whether the incident you or a loved one were involved in qualifies as a drowning accident, consult our lawyers. After reviewing the details of your case, our drowning accident lawyers in Indiana can determine if you have a valid claim.
Your Case Will Get
The Attention It Deserves
Where Can a Drowning Accident Happen?
A drowning accident can happen in various settings, including swimming pools and natural bodies of water. Each of these settings presents its own set of risks and challenges. A lawyer will investigate the location of the accident to outline the legal strategy for your case.
Drowning accidents can happen in the following settings:
- Swimming pools
- Natural bodies of water, including lakes and rivers
- Bathtubs
- Hot tubs and jacuzzis
- Kiddie pools
- Water parks
Different locations impose varying levels of duty of care on property owners and supervisors. For instance, filing a claim for a public pool drowning incident may differ from filing a claim for a private pool incident. Our lawyers will guide you through the appropriate steps for seeking compensation.
Who Is at Fault for a Drowning Accident?
A drowning accident can involve various parties, each potentially bearing some level of responsibility for the incident. Pinpointing the responsible party is essential for pursuing a personal injury or wrongful death claim. However, determining who is at fault for the drowning incident can be difficult without legal representation.
Any of the following parties could be liable for a drowning incident:
- Property owners
- Lifeguards
- Swimming pool operators
- Boating or watercraft operators
- Local authorities
- Water park management
- Event organizers
By holding the at-fault party accountable for their actions, you could recover the compensation you need to rebuild your life. We will help you build a strong, evidence-based case.
Negligence Can Cause Drowning Accidents
Negligence refers to the failure of an individual or entity to exercise the reasonable level of care expected under the circumstances, ultimately leading to a tragic incident. It is not always easy to determine whether negligence contributed to the incident, but a lawyer can help.
To determine negligence, a drowning accident attorney will focus on the following elements:
- Duty of care: Evaluate the duty of care owed by the responsible party to those in or around the water, considering factors like supervision, pool safety measures, and adherence to regulations.
- Breach of duty: Scrutinize whether there was a breach of the duty of care, such as inadequate supervision, failure to implement necessary safety measures, or a lack of adherence to established standards.
- Causation: Establish a clear link between the breach of duty and the drowning incident, demonstrating how the negligent actions or inactions directly contributed to the harm suffered.
- Damages: Document and quantify the damages resulting from the drowning accident, encompassing medical expenses, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and other tangible or intangible losses.
Proving negligence in a drowning accident establishes legal responsibility, determining who should be held accountable for the incident. This is crucial in pursuing legal action and seeking compensation for the victims or their families.
Compensation Available for Drowning Accident Victims
If you were involved in a drowning accident, you could claim compensation. Beyond the immediate medical bills, you could also face long-term consequences, like diminished earning potential. Our personal injury attorneys will calculate how much money you spent after the incident and how much more you will spend until things return to normal.
Possible damages for a drowning accident include:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
Your attorney will use a wide range of evidence to show the extent of your injuries and financial losses. We will start by listening to your story closely to understand the accident’s full impact on your life. Then, we will use financial records, medical records, and witness statements to support your claim.
Call Our Drowning Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one were involved in a drowning accident, you might not know what to do next. Our legal team will walk you through the steps you should take to protect your claim. Vaughan & Vaughan believes in empowering injured victims to seek justice.
Our lawyers offer personalized legal representation, which means that we will match the legal strategy to your unique needs. We understand that each case is different and that no one solution fits all claims. Contact us today to share the details of your drowning accident, and we can get started in your case.
