Maison Law stands up for survivors and families following drowning and near-drowning events. We will help you hold a property owner or another negligent party liable for the harm that has resulted from one of these accidents. Our attorneys will provide you with the assistance you need as you and your family recover. Contact a skilled California lawyer today for a free consultation.
Should You Hire Our Lawyers?
In Santa Maria, there are many nearby beaches to explore such as Avila Beach and Pismo State Beach. On top of this, you may find yourself at a local lake or pool. Anywhere a body of water is located is an opportunity for a drowning accident to occur. Survivors of near-drownings and families who lost their loved ones in drownings may wonder where they can turn and if they need the assistance of an attorney after an accident.
Because drownings are such severe incidents, it is incredibly beneficial to move forward with a claim with the help of an attorney on your side. Individuals and businesses whose negligent acts led to a tragedy will often have high-priced lawyers and big insurance companies on their sides. We will fight for you and negotiate on your behalf to help you achieve the best outcome in your claim so that you or your family can get back on your feet.
How Do Santa Maria Drowning Accidents Typically Occur?
In many cases of near-drownings or drownings in Santa Maria every year, the accident could have been prevented if precautions were taken. These accidents are sometimes caused by one or more parties and their actions or failure to act. Here are some of the most common ways that drowning accidents occur in the area:
- Failure to Warn About Dangers: Hazards are present in many areas where water is also present. If property owners are aware that a hazard could exist in a body of water, they should always put up warning signs or do their best to prevent these hazards.
- Unsafe Conditions: A body of water could be lacking lifeguards or buoys could be placed in the wrong area. People who are supposed to make these areas safe could be held liable if a drowning occurs.
- Lack of Supervision: Poor supervision could lead to a devastating drowning. Everybody who is in the water at a beach or pool should be supervised so accidents can be prevented.
- Failure to Maintain: People and entities are supposed to work together to maintain a body of water, as well as any equipment in these areas. If a drowning occurs due to lack of maintenance at a body of water, the person who is in charge of this body of water could be responsible for the accident.
Steps to Take to Protect Your Health and Strengthen Your Claim
A drowning accident can be incredibly scary, no matter the circumstances. You may be feeling helpless and alone, though there is a variety of things that you can do to make a strong claim. These steps include:
- Call for Assistance: You should always call emergency services so that you and others around you can get help after an accident.
- Obtain Medical Care: Medical treatment is the most important thing to consider after you or someone you know has been involved in a drowning. You should always go to the hospital for treatment and follow up on any care with your doctor.
- Report the Incident: Tell authorities or a manager on the property that you or a loved one have been involved in a drowning. If you report the incident, it is documented and they can be held accountable.
- Get Documentation: Try to gather as much evidence as you can at the scene. These include witness statements, as well as photographs of your injuries or where the accident was located.
- Preserve Evidence: Keep records of any expenses that you have sustained due to the accident, as well as property of yours that was affected by the drowning incident.
What Damages Are Available in a Santa Maria Drowning Claim?
A drowning or near-drowning incident can impact you or your family financially in ways that you never expected. If you choose to move forward with an insurance, personal injury, or wrongful death claim after one of these accidents, you may find that you are eligible for a wide array of damages. These include:
- Medical expenses you have incurred or will experience in the future
- Loss of income and future lost wages caused by missing work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of quality of life caused by your injuries
- Wrongful death damages if a loved one’s life was lost
- Punitive damages meant to punish a wrongdoer
If you wish to be successful in a claim, it is crucial that you comply with California’s statute of limitations. You have two years to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim until you are no longer able to. Speaking with a lawyer can ensure that your rights are being protected and that all deadlines are met in your claim.
Contact a Santa Maria Drowning Accident Lawyer
You may be excited for a day of fun when you are at a pool, lake, or beach in Santa Maria. However, when a drowning accident occurs, your world could be turned upside-down in many ways.
At Maison Law, our Santa Maria personal injury lawyers are here to help you after you have been hurt or lost a loved one in a drowning accident. We will work to hold all responsible parties accountable for the harm that they have caused you. You may be entitled to numerous means of support at this time. Please contact us today for a free and confidential case review to get started.
