Some steps that everyone can take to help prevent drowning accidents include:
- Ensuring fences fully enclose swimming pools;
- Supervising children and adults that are weak swimmers;
- Learning basic swimming and water safety skills;
- Learning CPR;
- Wearing a life jacket;
- Understanding the risks of natural waters;
- Swim with a buddy;
- Avoiding alcohol and drugs before swimming;
- Considering the effects of certain medications;
- Taking precautions for medical conditions.
The majority of drowning accidents are preventable, and they are often down to somebody’s negligent behavior. If you or someone you love has been in a drowning accident in Texas, you may be owed compensation. These types of cases can be highly complex and emotional, and it’s important to have representation from an experienced drowning accident attorney.
Abraham Watkins has been helping drowning accident victims and their families in Texas for more than 70 years, making us one of the longest-standing law firms in the state. We boast a stellar reputation and a wealth of resources that allow us to gather evidence, investigate your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and take your case to trial, if necessary, to fight for the compensation you deserve.
We believe that all drowning victims and their families deserve high-quality legal representation without an upfront cost. We work on a no-win no-fee basis and offer a free consultation.
So do not hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced drowning accident attorney at 713-535-9319.
How Can Drowning Accidents Be Prevented?
Drowning accidents are far more prevalent than most people realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are around 4000 unintentional drowning deaths each year in the U.S. and around 8000 non-fatal drowning incidents. Non-fatal drowning can lead to serious injury, including brain injury and other life-long conditions. Unfortunately, children are most at risk. That is why drowning prevention is so important.
Fences That Fully Enclose Swimming Pools
Unfortunately, the most common victims of drowning accidents are younger children, and often these accidents can be prevented with proper fencing. In fact, drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged between 1-4.
In Texas, property owners must have a fence surrounding their pool that is at least four feet tall and made from solid and non-climbable material. The law also states that any gaps in the fence should be small enough that they do not allow a four-inch square through them. These laws are in place largely to protect children.
In Texas, a swimming pool is considered an attractive nuisance under premises liability law, which means that a pool is attractive to children who may not fully understand the risks involved. Property owners have a responsibility to ensure that private pools are inaccessible, even if the child has trespassed. If you have a child who was injured in a swimming pool that had inadequate fencing, then the property owner could be liable for the resulting damages.
Supervising Children and Adults That Are Weak Swimmers
When children or adults with weak swimming abilities participate in water activities, they should be supervised closely, even if lifeguards are present. An adult should also watch children when they are close to any water including bathtubs.
Young children can drown in bathtubs, sinks, toilets, buckets, or any place in the house where water can collect. Most drownings in the home happen in the bathroom, and parents with young kids should take care to supervise their children around water, and should always keep the bathroom door shut.
Supervising adults should also avoid distracting activities like using their phone, reading, or consuming alcohol or drugs. Drowning accidents can happen quickly and quietly, especially with distractions.
If you are in an unfamiliar location, then supervising adults should also be careful to learn about any potential risks.
Learning Basic Swimming and Water Safety Skills
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) child drowning is the leading cause of death for ages 1-4, and the second leading cause of death for those aged 5-14. Therefore, it is a good idea to teach children basic swimming and water safety skills. Formal swimming lessons for children and adults can help to reduce the risk of drowning accidents. However, supervision is still essential for all children in or around water, regardless of whether they have had lessons.
Learn CPR
CPR skills could save someone’s life while the victim waits for paramedics to arrive. Organizations such as the American Red Cross and American Heart Association provide CPR training courses, both online and in-person.
Wear a Life Jacket
Life jackets reduce the risk of drowning for all ages and abilities. Life jackets should be worn when swimming, boating, fishing, or any other water-related activity. You should not rely on foam or air-filled toys as they are not safety devices.
The U.S. Coast Guard reported 658 boating-related deaths in 2021, and 83% of people were not wearing life jackets.
Understanding the Risks of Natural Waters
If you are participating in water activities in natural waters, it is important to understand the risks of where you are. Rivers, lakes, and oceans could have hidden hazards such as rocks, vegetation, poisonous or sharp wildlife, or dangerous currents. You should check the forecast in advance of activities while also being aware that weather conditions can change quickly, which could create hazardous conditions. You should also look out for any signs that could be informing you of potential danger and act accordingly.
Swim With a Buddy
When you go swimming, be sure to take a buddy with you, and when possible, choose sites that have lifeguards present. The buddy system is especially important for weak swimmers or people with medical conditions that increase their risk of drowning, such as those with seizure disorders.
Avoid Alcohol and Drugs
Consumption of alcohol or drugs before water activities substantially increase the risk of drowning because alcohol and illicit drugs impair balance, coordination, and judgment. Even if you yourself are not participating in water activities but are watching children, it is still recommended that you don’t drink alcohol and avoid anything that could hinder your ability to supervise them and react accordingly.
Considering the Effects of Medications
It isn’t only illicit drugs that impair balance, coordination, and judgment. Certain medications can also have this effect and therefore increase your risk of drowning. Many types of medications have side effects, including those used for depression and anxiety. If you are unsure, then you should speak to your healthcare provider.
Taking Precautions for Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can also increase the risk of drowning, including epilepsy, seizure disorders, or heart conditions. For people with these conditions, it is essential to have supervision around water and to consider using a shower instead of a bath.
How a Drowning Accident Lawyer Could Help
If you or someone close to you has experienced a drowning incident, the personal injury attorneys at Abraham Watkins are here to help you get the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Some of ways an attorney from our law firm can help include:
- Expertly handling the bureaucratic and administrative aspects of your personal injury claim;
- Determining how much compensation you may be owed, including past and future expenses and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering;
- Gathering and organizing evidence that establishes the at-fault party’s negligence;
- Supporting you in negotiating a favorable settlement while ensuring that you don’t unintentionally reduce your claim’s value;
- Presenting your case in court if necessary to secure what you are owed;
- Working on a no-win, no-fee basis so that you are not left out of pocket for seeking help.
We offer a free consultation, so do not hesitate to contact us and find out how we can help. We will assess whether we believe you have a valid case and will advise you on your next steps.
Arrange a Free Consultation with Abraham Watkins Today – One of The Longest Serving Law Firms in The State of Texas
Abraham Watkins is a respected law firm that has been committed to personal injury victims and their families in Texas for more than seven decades. If you or someone you love has experienced a drowning accident, then do not hesitate to contact us today.
We will help you determine whether the accident could have been prevented and whether someone’s negligence contributed to the incident. If we believe you have a valid claim, we will offer our services on a no-win, no-fee basis.
Our drowning accident lawyers will get to work quickly to protect evidence, determine what your case is worth, and begin negotiations. Our stellar reputation places us in a strong position for negotiations, and we will fight for what you deserve. However, if necessary, we will be prepared to take your case to trial to secure what you are owed.
Don’t hesitate to pursue the justice and compensation you could be entitled to. Get in touch with Abraham Watkins today.
Call us at 713-535-9319 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.