Encino Drowning Accident Lawyer
Pursuing Injury Compensation in Sherman Oaks & Studio City, CA
Drowning accidents are devastating events that frequently result in severe injuries or the tragic loss of life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4,000 people in the U.S. die from drowning each year. Per the California Water Safety Coalition, our state has a drowning rate of one in every 100,000 residents.
These incidents are often preventable and, in many cases, may give rise to personal injury claims when negligence or unsafe conditions contribute to the tragedy. If you or a loved one has been affected by a drowning accident, our Encino-based law firm is here to provide compassionate and experienced legal representation.
Contact Law Offices of Colleen O'Hara at (213) 996-0529 for a free consultation with an Encino drowning accident attorney. Hablamos español.
Drowning Accidents & California Personal Injury Law
Under California law, drowning accidents can qualify for a personal injury or wrongful death claim when they result from negligence or a breach of duty by an involved party. Legal theories like premises liability often apply, holding property owners, pool operators, or other responsible parties accountable for failing to maintain safe conditions.
For instance, if a property owner neglects to install required safety barriers around a pool or a lifeguard fails to supervise swimmers adequately, these lapses can establish grounds for a claim. Similarly, faulty pool equipment or failure to warn visitors of hazardous water conditions may also constitute negligence.
What Must Be Proven to Win an Encino Drowning Accident Claim?
To successfully pursue a personal injury claim for a drowning accident, the following elements must be established.
- Duty of care: Demonstrating that the defendant, such as a property owner or pool operator, had a legal obligation to maintain a safe environment.
- Breach of duty: Evidence must show that the defendant failed to uphold their duty by neglecting pool safety standards or providing adequate supervision.
- Causation: Establishing a direct link between the defendant’s breach of duty and the drowning or injury suffered by the victim.
- Damages: Proof of harm, such as physical injuries, medical expenses, emotional distress, or loss of income resulting from the incident.
An investigation often includes gathering physical evidence, reviewing safety protocols, and securing expert testimony to strengthen the claim.
Encino Drowning Accident Cases We Handle
Some drowning cases result in fatality in which family survivors may pursue compensation through wrongful death claims or lawsuits. Law Offices of Colleen O'Hara represents families in these cases, negotiating at the settlement table for fair compensation or litigating claims in civil court.
In other cases, survivors of drowning or near-drowning incidents may face severe, life-altering injuries such as the following.
- Brain injuries. Lack of oxygen during submersion can cause traumatic brain injuries, leading to memory loss, cognitive impairments, or permanent vegetative states.
- Neurological damage. Victims may suffer paralysis or motor impairments that restrict their ability to walk or complete daily activities.
- Respiratory issues. Non-fatal drownings can result in damaged lungs and long-term breathing difficulties.
- Psychological trauma. Near-drowning incidents frequently result in lasting emotional distress or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care, creating enormous financial and emotional burdens for victims and their families.
Compassionate Service, Unwavering Integrity.
Our Commitment
to You
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Fighting for Justice, Every Step of the WayWhether you’ve been injured due to negligence or are seeking a second chance through post-conviction relief, we are committed to protecting your rights and your future.
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Legal Advocacy Without BarriersWith Spanish-speaking services and free consultations, we ensure that language and cost are never obstacles to getting the legal help you need.
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Proven Results, Compassionate RepresentationFrom personal injury claims to post-conviction relief, we fight tirelessly for the best outcome, so you can move forward with confidence.
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Your Case, Your Future—Handled With CareEvery case is personal. Whether you’re recovering from an accident or challenging a conviction, we provide strategic, results-driven representation tailored to your needs.
Why Hire Our Encino Drowning Accident Attorney?
Drowning accident claims can be legally complex, particularly when multiple parties or government entities are involved. Government entities can include local parks and recreation departments, city or county governments, or school districts.
Law Offices of Colleen O'Hara can help accident victims and their families in the following ways.
- Navigating the legal process: We understand the intricate laws surrounding premises liability and personal injury and can oversee your case to ensure it follows proper legal standards and deadlines.
- Investigating the cause: We collect the necessary evidence, such as witness statements, safety violations, and accident reports, to build a compelling case.
- Proving liability: Our attorney works closely with experts to establish negligence or a breach of duty, addressing any potential defenses the opposing party raises.
- Pursuing fair compensation: We know how to calculate the full scope of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic factors like pain and suffering, to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Drowning accidents can leave you grappling with the consequences of injuries or sudden deaths, causing immense hardship. Our firm aggressively pursues the justice and compensation you need and deserve in these difficult circumstances. Let us handle the legal complexities so that you can focus on restoring your life.
Call (213) 996-0529 or complete our online contact form to discuss your case and options with an Encino drowning accident attorney.
