At Maison Law, we offer representation to those who have been involved in a drowning or near-drowning event in Pacific Grove and surrounding areas. These accidents can be incredibly traumatic, whether they occur at an ocean, pool, lake, or any other major body of water. We will explain all of your rights and available options to you after one of these devastating accidents. Contact us today to set up a no-obligation case review.
Should You Hire Our Lawyers?
A drowning accident can happen in a variety of different areas in Pacific Grove, such as Asilomar State Beach, Lovers Point Beach, local pools, and more. Because a drowning or a near-drowning can lead to devastating and permanent results, you can greatly benefit from speaking with an attorney as you move forward with a claim.
Especially in cases where a loved one’s life has been taken in a drowning, we believe that families should be able to receive justice following their losses. Close relatives deserve to be supported financially as they deal with burial costs, loss of income, and other expenses after the loss of someone closest to them. We will work to negotiate on your behalf as it concerns the insurance companies and big-name attorneys for the other party. You should not have to worry about how you will move forward with financial recovery after an accident that has left a loved one with devastating injuries or fatal results.
Drowning Accident Dangers in Pacific Grove
There are many ways that individuals can be seriously injured or lose their lives in Pacific Grove drownings. It is not uncommon to see people hopping into their pools or making a trip to the beach, especially when the weather is just right. Even though individuals are expected to act responsibly in these areas, there could be others who are also supposed to look out for the safety of others at every cost.
Here are some safety precautions that property owners, government entities, and other parties should take in areas that contain bodies of water:
- Providing lifeguards in certain areas, as well as training for the lifeguards
- Providing safety devices for swimmers at pools, parks, and more
- Removing any slip-and-fall hazards around bodies of water
- Providing fencing and other security measures to prevent unattended people from coming onto the property
- Putting up warning signs to warn of any hazards
If you can show that a person or entity acted carelessly and it led to an accident, you can hold them liable for any damages you or a loved one have sustained. Property owners and others owe you a duty of care in places with water and you should always be kept safe from harm so drownings can be prevented.
What To Do Following a Pacific Grove Drowning
There are some steps that you can take so that you can protect yourself or a loved one or your rights following a drowning or near-drowning. These include some of the following:
- If you are in immediate danger, you should always receive emergency help.
- Make sure that you receive medical care even if you think that you’re going to be fine.
- Notify authorities or those in charge so that the accident can be documented and prompt actions can occur.
- Collect evidence at the scene, such as photographs of your injuries or exactly where the accident was located.
- Preserve any property that was damaged in the accident.
A victim’s health and and a family’s recovery are the most important things following a drowning or near-drowning. However, it is also important to consider the future of your personal injury or wrongful death claim.
What Damages Are Available After a Drowning?
After you or a loved one have experienced a drowning, a responsible party should be held accountable for the harm that their actions caused. Your claim can go in two different directions: An insurance claim or a lawsuit. Here are some of the damages that may be available for you or your family, depending on the circumstances of the accident:
- Medical expenses that have been incurred or could pile up in the future
- Lost income or future lost wages due to missed income or benefits
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages if gross negligence was present
- Wrongful death expenses if a life was lost prematurely in an accident
In California, you have two years from the time of your accident or the accident that took your loved one’s life to file a claim under the state’s statute of limitations. It is important that you have an attorney on your side so that you can ensure that you meet all deadlines in your claim.
Legal Support After a Pacific Grove Drowning Accident
After a careless act or inaction has led to a drowning accident, you may wonder where you and your family can turn. Speaking with a Pacific Grove personal injury lawyer can ensure that your rights are being protected as you navigate the complexities of the California legal system. At Maison Law, we will ensure that you have the protections that you need along with a free case evaluation. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information today.
