Long Island Drowning Accident Attorney Near Me
Drowning Accident Claims
Most drowning accidents occur during the summer months and involve young children. A child’s drowning can devastate a family, especially if the accident was the result of another person’s negligence.
Drowning accidents frequently occur in places such as:
- A neighbor’s swimming pool
- Recreational center pools
- Hotel pools
- Apartment complex pools
Property owners have a legal responsibility to ensure a pool on their premises is fenced, properly maintained and safe to use. When the owner of the pool fails to follow the legal guidelines to keep the pool and surrounding area safe, he or she may be held responsible under premises liability law.
Near-drowning can result in serious injuries such as:
- Spinal cord trauma
- Neurological damage
- Brain injuries
- Head injuries
- Broken bones
Many drowning accidents occur when a pool isn’t properly fenced or gated, the gate lock is left open, the lock or latch doesn’t work properly, the ladder leading out of the pool is in the wrong position and cannot be accessed, or there was a lack of supervision.
Drowning accidents have also occurred due to the entrapment of a person’s hair, limb or body in the pool’s drain. It is also possible for drowning accidents to be due to unsafe premises around the swimming pool, such as uneven tiles which cause someone to fall into the pool. When a person drowns as the result of a boating accident, the investigation becomes more complex and you will need a knowledgeable attorney on your side. If a loved one was in a fatal or serious drowning accident that was the result of another person or entity’s negligence, contact The Odierno Law Firm, P.C. to find out if a claim can be filed under wrongful death and personal injury compensation laws.
Eight Tips for Pool Safety
On a hot summer day, there’s nothing better than relaxing in your pool. Whether it’s an above-ground, in-ground, or kiddie pool, children are usually the first ones to cannonball right in for a game of “Marco-Polo” or a few laps in their floaties. Adults may enjoy a cold beverage while lounging around the pool, or dipping their feet in while watching the kids. As fun as pools are, they can also be very dangerous.
According to the American Red Cross, over 200 young children drown in pools every year. Thousands more are injured, and these figures continue to rise when you include adults. In New York State, homeowners may find themselves liable for any incidents that happen in or near their pools. Follow these tips to protect your family and friends while enjoying your pool:
- Make sure that everyone near the pool knows how to swim, or that they are wearing a properly fitting flotation device.
- The pool must be fenced or walled in by a barrier that is four feet or higher. The latch on the gate should be self-securing and high enough that it is out of a child’s reach. No one should have access to the pool when it is not in use by the homeowners.
- No children should be allowed in or near the pool without adult supervision. It is also a good idea for adults to make sure that someone is home before they go in the pool so that they can be checked on occasionally.
- At least one person in your household should know CPR. Even an untrained person is able to perform chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute until paramedics arrive.
- Keep safety and rescue devices readily available near the pool. These can include rescue ropes and poles, and floating rings.
- Maintain a clean pool, but keep cleaning chemicals locked up and away from children and pets. Water should be tested regularly to ensure that it is a proper pH level.
- Establish “Pool Rules” for family and visitors. These should include proper usage of the pool–no horseplay, no running on the deck, no eating and swimming, when it is appropriate to swim (with adult supervision), and health tips–wear sunscreen and proper swimming attire.
- Do not allow intoxicated adults to use the pool. Impaired judgment may cause someone to slip and fall onto the hard deck, or into the pool, which can be potentially life threatening. Beverages in glass bottles should never be enjoyed near a pool. Broken glass is nearly impossible to see in a pool and may cut swimmers.
How Our Long Island Attorney Can Help
If we represent you, we will conduct an extensive investigation to determine the cause of a drowning accident. We are committed to aggressively pursuing damages if the incident was the result of another individual’s negligence. We have more than 150 years of experience representing clients in personal injury and wrongful death cases, and can provide you with valuable legal advice and caring assistance when pursuing a claim.
Our legal team guides our clients through each part of the claims process to minimize frustration and anxiety. A Long Island personal injury lawyer from our firm may be able to provide legal representation if you or a loved one were injured in a drowning accident.
Contact us today for the legal guidance you can rely upon!
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