Maison Law and our California drowning accident lawyers can represent you in a claim for a drowning accident at Shasta Lake. When you or someone you care about has been hurt in one of these accidents, it can be incredibly difficult. We’ll be there to support you as you navigate the recovery process. Contact us today to set up a free consultation to learn more.
Should You Get a Lawyer?
Whether or not you need a lawyer depends on how serious your injuries are. Although drowning injuries are usually rather serious, these accidents can also sometimes just be minor. If that’s the case, you probably don’t need a lawyer. However, especially when they happen at places like Shasta Lake, a drowning accident is going to raise a lot of questions about liability. Worse, if the accident ends up being fatal, you’ll likely need much more substantial help.
Our lawyers have extensive experience with these types of cases, and can help you by:
- Investigating the accident and what caused it
- Helping you gather important evidence and records
- Figuring out who is liable
- Accurately valuing your claim and losses
- Helping you with any insurance issues
- Explaining the legal process and what to expect
- Easing the burden on you and your loved ones
What Can Cause Drowning Accidents?
Every drowning case is unique, including yours. At the same time, there’s many different activities to do at Shasta Lake that can lead to these accidents. More to the point, there’s also a large number of underlying causes of these accidents:
- Lack of supervision – Failure to provide adequate supervision, especially in areas where swimming is allowed, can be negligent, particularly if children or inexperienced swimmers are involved.
- Failure to maintain safety equipment – Neglecting to maintain safety equipment such as life jackets, flotation devices, or warning signs can be considered negligent, as these items are crucial for preventing drowning accidents.
- Ignoring or failing to warn about unsafe conditions – Disregarding posted safety guidelines, such as swimming in designated areas or observing boating regulations, may constitute negligence if it leads to accidents or injuries.
- Poor training or lack of certification – Employers or organizations responsible for water-related activities at the lake may be negligent if they fail to provide proper training or certification to staff members responsible for supervising swimmers or operating watercraft.
- Failing to address hazardous conditions – Neglecting to address known hazards such as submerged obstacles, dangerous currents, or insufficient safety measures can be negligent if it contributes to accidents or injuries.
- Using drugs and alcohol – Allowing individuals under the influence of alcohol or drugs to take part in water-related activities without proper supervision or intervention can be considered negligent, as intoxication impairs judgment and increases the risk of accidents.
- Not preparing for emergencies – Failure to establish and implement emergency response protocols or provide adequate first aid training to staff members may constitute negligence if it results in delayed or ineffective assistance during drowning emergencies.
There’s obviously many different things that can lead to a drowning accident. What’s important for you, the victim, to understand is that you have the right to file an injury claim to recover damages.
Legal Process in a Drowning Accident
A drowning accident is incredibly scary and traumatic, but in the eyes of California law, it’s the same as any injury claim. This means that when you or someone you care about are hurt or die in one of these accidents, there’s a specific legal process in place that’s designed to help you and surviving family members.
The first step is establishing liability, which falls on the party or parties who were negligent and caused the accident to happen. This can include:
- Property owners
- Shasta Lake management
- Boat or watercraft operators
- Third parties
- Product manufacturers
- Local or state governments
With that established, you can then proceed to actually filing an injury claim. Usually, you do this by first filing an insurance claim, going through that process, and then depending on the settlement offer, moving forward with a personal injury lawsuit.
Regardless of the option you choose, you can recover certain damages from the responsible party. These damages can include:
- Payment for medical expenses – This includes covering hospital bills, medications, surgeries, and any necessary medical devices related to the accident.
- Pain and suffering damages – You can receive financial support for the physical pain and suffering endured due to the accident.
- Lost income – You’ll be covered for any lost income and potential future earnings resulting from the accident.
- Emotional distress – Financial support is available for mental and emotional distress, including issues like PTSD.
- Reduced quality of life – If the accident causes you to experience a reduction in the enjoyment or quality of your life, these damages are meant to cover those changes.
- Wrongful death expenses – If the drowning was fatal, your surviving family members can receive financial support for things like funeral or burial expenses, or loss of companionship.
Each drowning accident case is unique, and the outcome depends on the specifics of your incident. The claims process can be time-consuming and challenging, especially when dealing with a large entity like Shasta Lake. However, by working with our experienced lawyers, we’ll make sure your claim stays strong, and you achieve the desired result.
Can You Avoid a Drowning Accident?
No matter how strong of a swimmer you are, there are certain conditions that you come in contact with while at Shasta Lake that can lead to drowning. At the same time, there are ways that you can at least reduce the chances that you’ll be involved in one of these accidents. Here’s a few tips:
- Be vigilant – Always supervise children and inexperienced swimmers closely when they are near the water’s edge, and never leave them unattended.
- Wear life jackets and safety gear – Wear properly fitted life jackets, especially when boating, kayaking, or participating in water sports on the lake.
- Follow the rules – Always follow all posted signs, buoys, and safety guidelines provided by park rangers and authorities at the lake to prevent accidents.
- Avoid using drugs and alcohol – Never use alcohol or drugs when swimming, boating, or operating watercraft at the lake, as impaired judgment can lead to accidents.
- Learn CPR – Consider taking a CPR course to learn life saving techniques in case of emergencies.
- Be aware of the conditions – Be aware of hazards such as underwater obstacles, changing water depths, and sudden currents while swimming or boating at the lake.
No matter the type of accident, prioritizing your health and safety is the most important thing. If you are injured during an activity, lake officials should provide necessary medical assistance, except for severe injuries. Once you’ve taken care of your safety and health, you should start thinking about how you want to legally approach your claim. We’ll be there to help and support you.
Contact Maison Law After a Shasta Lake Drowning Accident
At Maison Law, we firmly believe that Shasta Lake and anyone else involved should be held accountable for any drowning accidents and injuries caused by their negligence.
Our knowledgeable California drowning accident lawyers are ready to assist you in navigating the legal process and making sure you receive the financial assistance necessary for your recovery from injuries. Contact us today for your free consultation.
