Articles Tagged with drowning

From oceans to lakes to pools in Florida, bodies of water inspire people to get out and enjoy swimming, diving, and other water sports. You may be aware of many of the risks of injuries with these activities, but there is one that might surprise you. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is estimated that more than 140,000 people are injured in accidents linked to swimming and other water activities. Diving and head-first sliding into water account for the most serious injuries. 

Swimming and diving accidents are preventable, and it’s unfortunate that they still happen frequently because of negligence. You could suffer physical, financial, and emotional turmoil, so seeking monetary damages under Florida law is a must. A Miami swimming and diving accident attorney can assist with your case, and some background is informative.

Dangers of Diving and Head Injuries in Florida

Summer in Florida is a time for fun in the sun, but unfortunately, accidents can happen. With children out of school and enjoying outdoor activities, the risk of injuries is high. According to the child safety organization Safe Kids Worldwide, the months of May through August are considered “summer trauma season” because of the disturbing statistics. Up to 42% of all child fatalities from accidents occur during these months, while many other children suffer injuries. 

Children are active and inspired to engage in strenuous activity in summer, so there are some types of child injuries that happen quite frequently. It is helpful to look at some of the most common accidents that happen while school is out since you may need a Miami child injuries attorney to assist with the legal process. There are also some tips on what you can do if your child is unfortunately involved in an accident.

Common Injuries to Children in Summer

The highlight of many resort vacations in Florida is the vast array of water features, including pools, slides, splash pads, surfing simulators, and hot tubs. However, many of these fun-filled amenities can lead to tragedy when pool accidents and drownings occur. Sadly, data reported by the National Safety Council (NSC) indicates that children are most affected by these incidents. More children aged infant to 4 years old die from drowning than any other cause of death. Plus, around 6,400 children under the age of 15 are treated in hospital ERs for pool injuries every year.

For victims of all ages, it is a comfort to know that Florida personal injury laws hold careless resorts accountable for accidents involving pools, spas, and water attractions. To ensure a smooth process, it is wise to work with a Miami resort accident lawyer with experience pursuing these businesses. Some background about your rights is also useful.

Legal Claims for Pool Accidents

South Florida is a popular vacation destination for its weather, beaches, and water attractions, but a recent story is a reminder of how quickly a fun time can turn tragic. According to a Miami’s NBC News Channel 6 report, two children were found unresponsive in a backyard pool early on June 30, 2023. Hollywood Police and Hollywood Fire Rescue responded to the 911 call and provided first aid at the scene before transporting the victims to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. NBC later reported that the two children died at the hospital. 

Officials will continue to investigate how these horrific drownings occurred, but an important point may affect how the grieving family moves forward with legal options. The subject property is an Airbnb, and the victims were among the guests. Fortunately, there are options to pursue negligent property owners, including those who make money through home-sharing services. It is essential to retain a Miami swimming accident lawyer for help with legal tasks, but some background is also useful.

Legal Obligations of Property Owners

It is extremely disturbing news to learn that Florida tops the list of US states in terms of accidental drowning fatalities, but there are also opportunities to learn from the statistics. A recent report found that the Sunshine State is #1 for unintentional drowning deaths among children 1 to 4 years old. Plus, drowning is the top cause of death nationwide among children from 1 to 5 years old. Many other incidents involve near-drownings, but the child could suffer life-changing, catastrophic injuries as a result. 

Both drownings and near-drownings are tragic, no matter the age of the victim. The losses for families can be tremendous, so it is reassuring to know that you have legal remedies. It is smart to get help from a Miami swimming and drowning accident attorney when pursuing the at-fault party, as the legal process can be complicated. Some additional statistics and background are also useful.

Concerning Data on Drownings

Law enforcement officers continue to investigate a swimming pool accident that led to the deaths of a young father and his two children, looking for answers as to how such a tragedy could occur. According to a February 24, 2022 article posted by South Florida’s Local 10 News, the gruesome scene was discovered by the man’s wife and children’s mother. Upon her return from work in the late afternoon, she found all three victims floating in the family’s backyard pool. Though she called 911 right away, it was too late for the three individuals who drowned. 

A police spokesperson mentioned that foul play was not suspected, and that the incident appeared to be a tragic accident. However, accidents happen for a reason. When there is no evidence of direct misconduct, it may come to light that defective pool equipment is to blame. If so, the manufacturer is a potential party that a Miami swimming pool accidents attorney would pursue for compensation. An overview may help you understand how liability works in such cases.

Defective Pool Equipment in Swimming Pool Accidents

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