Personal Injury And Wrongful Death Liability In Swimming Accidents
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 10 deaths per day are related to nonboating swimming-related accidents by fatal unintentional drownings. One in five of those people are children under the age of 14. These are tragic and unfortunate statistics that are prevalent today.
Swimming accidents occur when there is negligence by either another person, a company or a manufacturer. Negligence in taking care of a swimming environment can cause either injury or become fatal. It can quickly turn a simple day of fun in the sun into a traumatic experience for all.
Statistics For Swimming Accidents In The United States
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), drowning accidents are the leading cause of death and injury for children under five years of age, with more than 80% of the drownings occurring in residential pools or spas. Around 20% of adolescents under the age of 14 suffer from severe and permanent disabilities after they are hospitalized for near-drowning events. Drowning is also fourth in the leading causes of accidental deaths in the United States (and third, worldwide). A whopping $273 million in direct and indirect costs are related to accidental coastal drownings in the United States alone.
These statistics help us understand the importance of pool safety and how we can help those who are currently under the traumatic stress of personal injuries and wrongful deaths due to swimming accidents.
Common Causes For Swimming Accidents
- Lack of warning signs
- Lack of proper barriers
- Lack of close supervision
- Damaged pool exit ladders
- Broken glass
- Malfunctioning pool lights
- Failure to install anti-entrapment devices
- Improper water levels
- Electrocution
- Missing emergency floatation devices
- Negligent lifeguard supervision
- Drowning, near-drowning
- Slip, trip and falls on wet surfaces
- Swimming pool disembowelment
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Risk Factors For Swimming Accidents
- Age: This is one of the largest risk factors for injuries and fatalities from swimming accidents. The highest drowning rates are among children from one to four years old.
- Gender: With twice the mortality rate, males are more likely to have swimming accidents that can cause injuries or become fatal than females. For example, males have higher drowning rates due to riskier behavior around water.
- Medical conditions: Medical conditions, such as epilepsy, can increase a person’s chance of an injury or fatality due to a swimming accident.
- Alcohol use: Alcohol use in or near water can cause an increase in the possibility of a swimming accident.
- Infants left alone: Infants left alone around water can increase the chance of a fatality from a swimming accident.
Compensation For Personal Injury And Wrongful Death Liability In Swimming Accidents
If you or a loved one has suffered from an injury or fatality from a swimming accident, contact us at Moraitakis & Kushel, LLP, today for information about the compensation you may be entitled to. Our injury lawyers in Atlanta have helped hundreds of people receive compensation for their losses. Call us today at 404-973-0341 or reach out to us online for a free consultation.