Drowning Accident

At the Boston Injury Law Firm of Altman & Altman, LLP, we have represented individuals and families who have suffered catastrophic injury or death as the result of a drowning accident. Sometimes these accidents were the fault of no one and were just a random tragic occurrence. In other cases, we have seen either a lack of safety measures, defective product design and human error to be the cause of these unfortunate and oftentimes avoidable accidents. Our experienced team of litigators understand the gravity of the situation and will be along your side throughout every step of this often difficult and sensitive process. We are available to speak with you about your case 24 hours a day, seven days a week including nights and weekends. In addition, our personal injury attorneys will meet with you at your home, office or other convenient location.Â

Drowning occurs when a person is unable to breathe due to being submersed or immersed in water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 3,582 people who died from unintentionally drowning in the United States in 2005, the latest date available. Children aged 14 and younger make up more than 25 percent of all fatal drownings. More than four times as many children who die from drowning suffer from submersion injuries; these include memory problems, learning disabilities, and being left in a permanent vegetative state.

Precautions & Prevention

It is crucial to be aware when swimming or boating, and when monitoring young children near any body of water, including bathtubs, pails of water used while cleaning, hot tubs, whirlpools, swimming pools and all natural bodies such as lakes, ponds, rivers and the ocean. Avoid alcohol use if swimming or boating, and secure fencing around personal property so that children cannot access pools, hot tubs or whirlpools by themselves.

Other ways to avoid injury or worse while swimming include avoiding rip currents (choppy water) and staying away from animals such as jellyfish or coral while swimming. Children should not watch other children while swimming. Do not dive in shallow water. Avoid unsupervised swimming.

Where People Generally Drown

Drownings are more likely to happen during the summer, and nearly half of all incidents happen on the weekend. About 9 in 10 drownings will happen in fresh water, even in coastal states, and more than half of those occur in home swimming pools.

Children younger than a year old most often drown in bathtubs and buckets. Children aged 1 to 4 are most likely to drown in swimming pools. Those aged 5–14 are more likely to drown while in the ocean, ponds, lakes or rivers. Teens and adults are most likely to drown because of drug or alcohol impairment.

Causes

Drowning can be caused by many situations, including alcohol or drug use that affects judgment or coordination; accidents while boating, diving, scuba diving or other water sports; failing to wear a life vest while boating or not having a life preserver; and swimming unsupervised or not knowing how to swim, among others.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a drowning, call Altman & Altman at 617.492.3000 or 800.481.6199 (toll–free), or contact us online for a free consultation.