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Drowning Accidents

Drowning Accident Lawyer in Washington, DC

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Unintentional drowning and near-drowning accidents devastate the lives of thousands of families each year. As the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury death in the U.S., according to the CDC, drowning accidents can affect anyone. However, children and toddlers face the greatest risks of drowning fatalities and near-drowning injuries.

While drowning and near-drowning are tragic accidents, some may involve legal liability. This does not mean that drowning was intentional, but rather that the negligence of individuals or entities led to the drowning or near-drowning incident. When negligence plays a role in a water-related death or injury, victims and families may have the right to seek justice and financial compensation by pursuing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.

If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in a near-drowning accident, or if you have lost a loved one due to drowning, you can find the support and representation you need with Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Our award-winning DC lawyers have helped thousands of clients throughout Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC following preventable accidents, and have leveraged our experience and resources to help them recover millions of dollars in compensation.

Why Choose Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C.?

  • Over $250 Million in Compensation Recovered
  • More Than 90 Years of Collective Experience
  • Licensed in DC, Maryland, and Virginia
  • Three Partners Recognized by DC Super Lawyers® (2011-2017)

Discuss your case during a free case evaluation. Contact us today.

Drowning Risks & Children

Drowning and near-drowning have consistently been a leading cause of unintentional injury and death nationwide, especially among young children. Drownings and near-drownings also increase significantly during summer months. These accidents can occur in a variety of settings, including private and public swimming pools, bathtubs, and natural bodies of water.

  • Drowning – According to statistics from the CDC, drowning accounts for roughly 10 deaths every day in the U.S., with roughly half of these deaths involving children 14 and younger. Children ages 4 and younger have the highest risks of drowning, particularly in bathtubs and swimming pools. In fact, drowning causes more deaths among toddlers ages 1-4 than any other cause aside from birth defects
  • Near-Drowning – Near-drowning incidents are drowning incidents that do not result in death, but which still require medical attention. As with drowning, young children are most at risk of suffering near-drowning and submersion injuries, which can cause serious harm due to oxygen deprivation. Nonfatal drowning injuries often result in severe brain injuries that can cause long-term disabilities.

Although children have the highest rates of injury and death in unintentional drowning and near-drowning incidents, people of all ages can become drowning victims. For example, more than half of all fatal and nonfatal drowning accidents among victims ages 15 and older occur in natural bodies of water. Regardless of age, drowning risks increase when individuals lack sufficient swimming ability, injure themselves while diving, fail to wear life jackets, or when there is negligent or inadequate supervision.

Drowning & Legal Liability

Drowning and near-drowning are always tragic accidents, but some are preventable if not for negligence. When it comes to drowning and legal liability, there are several factors that come into play, one of which is premises liability.Premises liability requires property owners to ensure potential hazards on their premises are reasonably addressed, and that they provide safe conditions for visitors and guests. When they fail to do so as a result of negligence, they can potentially be held liable for harm suffered by victims.

Negligence can play a role in preventable drowning and near-drowning accidents in a number of ways, and in a number of settings, including bathtubs, beaches, lakes, and swimming pools at a private residence, HOA community, or public facility:

  • Negligent supervision by swimming pool owners, instructors, or lifeguards
  • Inadequately trained counsellors, instructors, or lifeguards
  • Lack of lifeguard on duty
  • Lack of adequate pool fencing or gates, or defective gates
  • Design or manufacturing deaths of pool or spa equipment

Discuss Your Case During a FREE Consultation

Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. has helped thousands of clients throughout the DC Metro area following preventable accidents, including drowning accidents and injuries involving children.

In even the most difficult cases, our legal team has leveraged decades of combined experience and the expertise of National Board of Trial Advocacy Board Certified Civil Trial Attorneys Joseph Cammarata and Allan M. Siegel to hold negligent parties liable for serious injuries and death. Over the years, our insight, skill, and resources have allowed us to secure millions of dollars in compensation for our clients.

To discuss a potential case with a Washington, DC drowning accident attorney, contact us today.

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Premises Liability

Nightclub Liability

Slip & Fall Accidents

— Ice & Snow

— Outside / Outdoors

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