At Maison Law, we offer representation to those who have lost loved ones in Stockton lake drownings. We believe that property owners and other negligent parties should be held liable for the harm that they have caused others in the event of a drowning. To find out what options are available for you and your family, contact us today for a free consultation.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Stockton Drowning Accident?
There are many cases in which an accident victim or their family may need the assistance of an attorney. If you or someone you know was involved in a minor accident with property damage and very few noticeable injuries, you may not need legal assistance. However, drowning accidents are typically much more severe than that.
You may need legal help after a lake drowning accident in Stockton. This is due to the fact that there could be issues regarding liability and the injuries are typically catastrophic in nature. When serious injuries result or a life is taken due to a drowning,
Drowning Dangers at Stockton Lakes
Stockton residents and those visiting the area enjoy the excitement of spending long hours by a lake and participating in a wide array of water sports. There are a variety of lakes to choose from that are located in and around Stockton, including McLeod Lake, Lake Lincoln, and Yosemite Lake among others.
Unfortunately, even when a family is supposed to be having a fun day of adventure, it can turn into a day of danger and devastation when a drowning occurs. Even though property owners and other parties are supposed to prevent accidents at lakes that lead to drownings, these accidents still take place every single year in Stockton due to the negligence of others.
Some of the dangers that are commonly seen at Stockton lakes that lead to drownings include:
- Changing depths in the lake’s water
- Obstructions that are not easily seen under the water
- Muddy bottoms
- Changes in weather that happen suddenly at a lake setting
- Reckless boaters
- Damaging waves
- Lack of safety devices such as floatation devices and equipment for boats
Holding a Party Accountable for a Fatal Drowning at a Stockton Lake
Owners, operators, and governments who are responsible for lakes are supposed to always take precautions so that drownings can be prevented. If a danger is found on a lake property, these parties need to correct the hazard or post warning signs for those in the area. They are also supposed to monitor for careless guests who are not following the rules or are causing dangers to others, which could lead to a drowning.
If you believe that a party acted in a negligent way or failed to take action and it led to a drowning, the individual or entity could be held liable for your family’s losses. If you choose to file a claim against a person or entity whose actions led to a drowning, it is important to keep the statute of limitations in mind. You have up to two years to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of a loved one unless the loved one was a child, which means that these deadlines may vary. If a government entity is at fault, you may have less time to file your claim. This is why you should consider speaking with an attorney as soon as possible after a drowning accident.
What Damages Are Available in a Stockton Lake Drowning Claim?
If you have lost a loved one in a Stockton lake drowning, you may be eligible for a wide array of damages through a wrongful death claim. The circumstances of a drowning can vary from family to family, which means that every settlement amount will be different. However, some of the damages you may be able to receive include the following:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost income and benefits
- Medical bills that your loved one incurred before passing
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship and consortium
- Punitive damages in certain cases
Contact a Stockton Lake Drowning Lawyer for More Information on Your Options
It is normal to feel helpless and confused after you have lost somebody closest to you in a Stockton lake drowning accident. After one of these unexpected accidents has claimed the life of your loved one, our attorneys at Maison Law know that you must be feeling unimaginable grief. Speaking with a Stockton drowning accident lawyer can ensure that your rights are being protected as you navigate the complex legal system. Please contact us to schedule a free consultation that comes with no risk to you and your family after one of these tragic accidents.
