According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 350 children over the age of five drown in pools every year in the United States. In fact, drowning is one of the leading causes of death in this age group, second to only motor vehicle accidents. Another 2,6000 children area treated in hospital ERs each year for near-drowning accidents, which can range from an estimated $2,000 to an excess of $150,000 for the most serious cases. If your child has been involved in a drowning or swimming pool accident, this is what you need to know.
Child Drowning & Swimming Pool Accidents
Near-drownings can result in devastating consequences for your child. Around 5-10% of children involved in accidents suffer severe and permanent neurological disabilities as a result of lack of oxygen and subsequent brain damage. These life-altering injuries may require a variety of medical expenses, such as surgeries, rehabilitation, and medications.
If the drowning or swimming pool accident is caused by the negligence or intentional misconduct of another person, you have the right to recover damages incurred by you and your child. Examples of negligence include a poorly installed swimming pool, a defect in the design of a pool toy, a lack of fencing or warning signs or an improperly trained lifeguard.
Once you have a liable party, you and an attorney can work on directing your personal injury claim towards them. You may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering and even punitive damages, which are meant to punish a defendant who has committed an especially egregious act of negligence.
If your child has been involved in a drowning or swimming pool accident, contact our Orange County personal injury lawyers at Law Office of Marshall Silberberg. Call (949) 565-4281 or contact us online today for a free consultation.