Maison Law stands by victims and families who have had their lives upended by drowning and near-drowning accidents in Morro Bay. No matter where the drowning accident took place, we will explain your rights to you and assist you on the path toward financial recovery. To find out what our attorneys can do for you, please contact us today to schedule a completely free legal consultation.
Should I Speak with a Lawyer After a Drowning?
Drowning survivors or families of loved ones who lost their lives could benefit greatly from speaking with a lawyer after one of these devastating accidents. A drowning or near-drowning is often more severe than just a minor accident with a few bumps and bruises. A person or entity who is responsible for a drowning incident should be held fully accountable for their actions that led to the accident.
Our experienced team of lawyers at Maison Law can do the following for you after a severe accident:
- Investigate your accident to determine who is at fault
- Help you gather evidence like medical records
- Handle communications with the insurance company and negotiate on your behalf
- Speak with any witnesses who may have seen what happened
Where Do Morro Bay Drowning Accidents Occur?
A drowning or near-drowning can take place virtually anywhere. Whenever there is water nearby, one of these accidents can occur and devastate those involved or their loved ones around them. Some of the most common places for drownings in Morro Bay include the following:
- Pools: There are many places across Morro Bay where you could come into contact with a pool, from a hotel or a gym. There should be lifeguards available in these areas, as well as be safe from all hazards.
- Lakes and Ponds: Lakes and ponds exist around Morro Bay. Eto Lake and Morro Bay Water Access are just a few areas where serious accidents like drownings could occur. There could be many dangers that could be prevented when certain entities take precautions and consider the safety of swimmers.
- Beaches: There are also many beaches where accidents could occur when lifeguards are not present or warnings are not posted. These include Morro Rock Beach and The Pit Beach.
- Water Parks: Several water parks exist around the Morro Bay area. When safety rules are not posted or equipment fails, a serious accident could occur in one of these areas.
- Spas: Morro Bay is also home to several spas where accidents could happen in the blink of an eye. An unexpected drowning can prove fatal to victims.
Who is Responsible for a Drowning in Morro Bay?
If you or your family want to move forward with a claim following a drowning in Morro Bay, it is crucial that you find out who is responsible. Drowning incidents fall under what is known as “premises liability” in California. This means that property owners are expected to ensure that the safety of visitors is being protected on a property. This means engaging in some of the following acts:
- Posting warning signs near a body of water
- Inspecting the property for any hazards
- Properly maintaining bodies of water
- Having lifeguards available in case of an emergency
The injuries, fatalities, or other damages that stem from a property owner’s breach in duty could result in liability. An attorney can help you determine who is responsible for an accident so that you can move forward with a successful claim.
Damages in a Drowning Accident Claim
Regardless of how the drowning occurred, the results are often traumatic and catastrophic. In many cases, an individual will be left with severe injuries or will lose their life. Some of the damages that you may be eligible for in your claim include the following:
- Medical expenses you have incurred or expect to incur
- Lost income or future lost wages due to missing time at work
- Property damages
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death expenses if a life was lost
Whether your claim is a personal injury claim or a wrongful death claim, you have two years to file it under California’s statute of limitations. After this, you could miss out on financial opportunities. You should consider speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible following a drowning.
Legal Support After a Morro Bay Drowning Accident
You may be looking forward to a day of fun and excitement at a Morro Bay beach, pool, or any other body of water. When a drowning or near-drowning occurs, however, you may be left with questions and be left feeling alone and confused. At Maison Law, our Morro Bay personal injury lawyers are here to assist you in your time of need. You and your family have all of the resources and support that you need with us by your side. For more information, please contact us today for a no-obligation legal consultation.