Drowning Accidents in Temple
Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in all age groups, and ranks fifth in causes of unintentional injury death in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Ten people die every day from unintentional drowning
- 20% of victims of unintentional drowning are children 14 years old and younger
- For every child that dies from drowning, five more require emergency care for nonfatal injuries
Victims that survive drowning can be left with life-altering injuries and long-term disabilities may include learning disabilities, memory problems, and permanent loss of function leading to a permanent vegetative state.
Factors Contributing to Drowning
There are many reasons that people suffer unintentional drowning, but there are several factors that may increase the risk of drowning, including the following:
- Inability to swim
- Lack of barriers to prevent access
- Unsupervised water access
- Lack of close supervision
- Location of water
- Failure to wear life jackets
- Alcohol use
- Seizure disorders
Children and Drowning Accidents
Research has shown that more than 30% of all accidental drownings happen to children. In fact, unintentional drowning is one of the leading causes of death in children age four and under, second only to death from congenital birth defects. Young children often drown in home swimming pools - more than any other type of water death – and it is often attributable to the attractive nuisance value of a swimming pool.
Many families enjoy pools in their yards for fun and recreation, but all too often, they prove to be fatal to young children.
- Attractive Nuisance – an object or condition that is likely to attract or entice a child to place themselves in a position of danger of harm that they are unable to understand or appreciate.
An attractive nuisance may include pools, spas, ponds, stock ponds, hammocks, skate board ramps and trampolines. Children are susceptible to the attraction of the nuisance because their lack of self control and reasoning powers that are not fully developed making them susceptible to the danger.
What You Can Do To Minimize the Danger
If you have an attractive nuisance on your property, it is important to secure it properly to avoid putting children in harm’s way. To prevent children from entering your pool area, you can:
- Install four-sided fencing at least four feet high
- Use self-closing and self-latching gates that open outward
- Place latches out of reach of small children
- Install automatic door locks and alarms
- Clear the deck and the pool of all floats, balls and toys
- Teach your children how to swim
- Learn CPR
Zinda Law Group Can Help You
If your child or a loved one has been injured or drowned in a swimming accident or by any attractive nuisance accident, you have the right to bring a legal claim for damages against the property owners. The attorneys at Zinda Law Group have the experience and expertise you need to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company and get your medical bills and rehabilitation costs covered. Call today to speak with an attorney and let us help you. (800) 863-5312