At Maison Law, we stand up for the rights of those involved in tragic drowning incidents. We have represented many victims and their families as they hold property owners and lake operators responsible for the harm that they have suffered due to a drowning. We will help you through every step of the legal process and help you determine what options you have. Please contact us today to set up a free consultation to get started.
Do You Need an Attorney After a Drowning Accident?
When a drowning incident occurs, it typically leaves a victim with serious injuries or even takes a life. You have the right to handle a personal injury or wrongful death claim on your own but it can be difficult to do so. This is especially true if you are not familiar with laws in California pertaining to these types of claims. If there were serious injuries or a fatality involved, it can be beneficial to seek the assistance of an attorney.
An attorney can assist you with some of the following aspects after a drowning, if you choose to move forward with a claim:
- Investigate the circumstances surrounding the drowning
- Walk you through your options concerning your recovery
- Help you to gather evidence that you can use to prove liability
- Talk to eyewitnesses who were at the scene
- Request any documentation from Lake Almanor
Your physical and emotional recovery is vital after a drowning incident. Our attorneys will handle the stressful aspects of your claim and help you achieve financial damages for your losses.
Is Lake Almanor Responsible for a Drowning?
In the event of a drowning, it can be challenging to prove who is liable. Legally, the owner of a lake like Lake Almanor is supposed to do whatever they can to protect visitors from harm and any dangerous hazards that could be present. Even though visitors of a lake have to assume a certain amount of risk from the moment they venture onto a lake’s property, another party could still be responsible for the events leading up to a drowning. There are some things that property owners and staff can do to prevent the likelihood of drowning events:
- Warn of Hazards: There are hazards at lakes that cannot always be seen right off the bat. If there are no signs pointing to familiar hazards like undercurrents and drop-offs, the lake could be liable for anybody involved in a drowning due to these events.
- Keep Safety in Mind: Unsafe conditions sometimes exist at lakes that could have been prevented or should have been noticed and corrected in a reasonable amount of time. If unsafe conditions led to a drowning, property owners could be liable.
- Supervise All Visitors: There should always be staff members and lifeguards present at a lake if swimming is involved. If visitors are not properly supervised, a drowning could occur within seconds.
- Proper Maintenance: All areas of a lake should be properly maintained by owners. The property, boats, and safety equipment at the lake should be inspected regularly so that drownings are less likely to occur.
Steps to Take After a Lake Drowning
In the eyes of California law, a drowning is known as either a personal injury or wrongful death claim depending on the circumstances of the accident. As with any other injury or wrongful death lawsuit, you must be able to strengthen your claim with any types of evidence and documentation possible. Here are some steps that you can take after a drowning incident:
- Call 911 and get help right away after somebody has been involved in a drowning incident.
- If a person is unconscious when they are pulled from the water, try to do CPR and keep them stable until paramedics arrive on scene.
- Report the accident to a park ranger, police, or lifeguards present at Lake Almanor.
- Take notes regarding certain details of the drowning such as when, where, and how it took place.
- Make sure that you or any other injured parties receive follow-up medical care.
- Take photographs and videos of the accident scene, if possible.
Damages Available Following a Drowning
Every drowning incident is unique, including the circumstances that led up to the accident. As the victim of a drowning or the family of a loved one whose life was lost due to one of these accidents, you have the right to file a claim for compensation that can help you get back on your feet during these challenging times.
Some of the damages that you may be eligible for include:
- Medical expenses incurred and those related to future medical care
- Lost wages and future lost income due to missed time at work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life caused by the drowning
- Wrongful death damages resulting from the loss of a loved one
After a drowning, it is always beneficial to seek the immediate help of an attorney who has handled these types of cases in the past. This can ensure that your rights are being protected and all of your questions are being answered as you move forward.
Contact a California Drowning Accident Lawyer Today
At Maison Law, our California drowning accident lawyers are here for you after you or a loved one have experienced a drowning at Lake Almanor. It is incredibly important that you understand all legal options that are available for you and your family at this time, which is why we are here for you every step of the way. Our lawyers can ensure that your rights are being protected when you are up against a big insurance company. Contact us today for a confidential and free legal consultation for the support you need.
