Colorado Springs Drowning Accident Lawyer

Representing You After Tragic Loss

Drowning accidents are serious. If the victim survives the accident, he/she may require hospitalization and extended medical treatment. Even so, extended submersion can even result in permanent brain damage and other catastrophic injuries. At Clawson & Clawson, LLP, our Colorado Springs personal injury lawyers are here to help these victims and their families recover the compensation that they both need and deserve after drowning and near-drowning incidents.

Understanding the Facts: Drowning Statistics

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ten people are killed in drowning accidents every day. Approximately 20% of drowning victims are less than 14 years old. Sadly, drowning is the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury and death in the country. The CDC reports that an average of 3,533 drowning accidents occurred in the U.S. every year between 2005 and 2009. An additional 347 people died in drowning accidents that involved boats. In addition to an average of two child drowning deaths every day, another ten children under the age of 14 are treated at emergency rooms for near-drowning experience

The CDC reports that most drowning victims receive medical treatment from an emergency medical facility. In some cases, drowning accident survivors are left with memory problems, mental disabilities, mild/severe learning disabilities, or permanent loss of basic functioning. Individuals who lose "basic functioning ability" may be left in a permanent vegetative state. Even drowning survivors who fully recover may incur an overwhelming amount of medical expenses during hospitalization and recovery.

Common Factors in Drowning Accidents

Drowning accidents can be the result of a variety of circumstances. A 2008 survey indicated that as many as 34% of American adults can't swim. According to the CDC, swimming ability is one of the primary contributing factors in many drowning accidents.

Supervision is another key factor in water safety. Without adequate supervision, children are more likely to drown. Although many recreational swimming areas have lifeguards, children should remain supervised at all times when playing in the water. Location is another factor in many drowning accidents. According to the CDC, children are more likely suffer submersion injuries in swimming pools, while adults are more likely to drown in rivers, lakes, and oceans. 57% of adult (15+ years old) fatal and nonfatal submersion injuries occur in natural bodies of water.

The United States Coast Guard reported 4,604 boating accidents in 2010. Of these accidents, nearly 700 resulted in death. 88% of boating-related drowning victims in 2010 did not use life vests. Although a life vest cannot guarantee anyone's safety, it can significantly decrease the likelihood of a drowning accident. Alcohol consumption is another common cause of drowning in the United States. The CDC indicates that alcohol was involved in 79% of adult drowning incidents. A small percentage of drowning accidents are caused by untreated seizure disorders.

Taking Measures to Avoid Submersion Injuries

Many drowning and submersion injuries (nonfatal drowning incidents) are preventable. The CDC recommends that all children and adults learn to swim properly. Swim lessons between the ages of one and four years will significantly decrease an individual's likelihood of drowning in a pool or natural water source. Young children are 88% less likely to drown if they are taught how to swim properly. Additionally, children less than four years old who can't swim are more likely to drown than any other age group.

Adults can take preventive measure to avoid drowning accidents too. Adults should be familiar with the body of water that they want to swim in. For instance, don't swim at a beach unless you know that it doesn't have strong undercurrents. Lakes and other bodies of water may have sharp drop-offs and unexpected terrain. Before you swim, make sure that you understand where the water is shallow, where it is deep, etc. Never swim alone; only participate in water activities if another adult is nearby. The CDC recommends a "buddy system" to ensure adult swimming safety in natural bodies of water.

Do I Have a Drowning Accident Claim?

Accidents happen, but many fatal incidents can be avoided. In fact, some drowning and submersion injuries are the result of carelessness or negligence. If you lost a loved one in a preventable drowning accident, you may be able to recover damages through a drowning accident claim or lawsuit. Like any personal injury or wrongful death case, you must be able to prove liability in order to recover damages in a drowning claim. Our Colorado Springs drowning accident lawyers can help you establish a case for negligence your drowning accident case. Contact us today to see what the firm can do for you.

Additionally, the Prospect Lake Beach is open for recreationists to enjoy. While pools can be fun, slides and deep water can be hazardous. Even shallow water can result in a child drowning accident. If your loved one drowned at a public pool, our Colorado Springs accident lawyers can help you file a personal injury lawsuit. You don't have to face this challenge alone. Our team is ready to work by your side to obtain the full and fair compensation that you deserve. If your loss was the result of negligence at a city pool, call our office today.

Consult a Drowning Accident Attorney Today

A person can drown in a matter of minutes. It can happen in public pools with a lifeguard present, in private pools left unattended, or while boating on a lake. Not every instance of accidental drowning is a result of the negligence, but many drowning deaths are preventable through proper safety measures.

After the loss of a loved one in a drowning accident, it is imperative that you seek the advice of experienced counsel to determine if the accident could have been prevented, and if so, what safeguards can be employed to make sure it does not happen to someone else. Our powerhouse team of personal injury attorneys is ready to provide the skilled and compassionate legal guidance you need. The Colorado Springs personal injury attorneys at Clawson & Clawson, LLP can help ensure that the appropriate parties are held responsible and to help you navigate through this difficult time.