Drowning Accident Lawyers

Despite being known for its arid climate and desert landscapes, Arizona has a surprising number of bodies of water where people engage in various water activities. Accidental drowning in Arizona is a significant issue that demands attention and preventive measures. The sites where drowning accidents occur include swimming pools, lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and even canals. However, the popularity of water-related recreation in Arizona means that accidental drownings unfortunately occur.

The desert heat, coupled with the temptation to seek relief in the water, often leads to an increased risk of drowning. Many residents and visitors to Arizona turn to swimming pools as a primary means of cooling off. Pools can be found in numerous backyards, apartment complexes, and public spaces. Unfortunately, a lack of proper supervision, barriers, or safety precautions sometimes leads to tragic accidents, especially involving young children or those who are unable to swim.

Arizona is also home to several natural lakes, reservoirs, and rivers that are inviting for water enthusiasts. These bodies of water provide recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, and kayaking. However, without proper consideration of safety measures, accidents can easily occur. Strong currents, inadequate life jackets, alcohol consumption, and a lack of swimming skills pose significant risks to those engaging in water activities.

Additionally, Arizona boasts an extensive canal system designed for irrigation purposes. These canals, while serving their intended function, can unfortunately become hazardous. Their deceptive appearance, with calm and seemingly harmless waters, can mislead individuals into thinking they are safe for swimming. However, the swift currents and steep sides of the canals contribute to numerous drowning incidents each year.

To combat this problem, awareness campaigns, swimming lessons, and public safety initiatives are essential. Communities, educational institutions, and local authorities are working together to educate people about water safety, especially in areas with high drowning rates. Improving access to swimming lessons, enforcing regulations regarding pool safety, and installing barriers around bodies of water can significantly reduce the incidence of accidental drowning in Arizona.

Ultimately, it is crucial to prioritize education, awareness, and preventative measures to mitigate the risks associated with water activities in the state. However, some accidents that could have been prevented can leave victims feeling dejected with nowhere to turn. The drowning accident lawyers at Torgenson Law have been defending the rights of drowning victims for more than two decades. If your family has suffered a loss due to a wrongful death by accidental drowning, call today for a free and confidential consultation. We are here to help.

Arizona Drowning Accident Statistics

In Arizona, drowning poses a significant concern. According to the most recent complete statistics, the rate of accidental drowning has remained a prevalent issue in the state. In 2019, there were a total of 160 drowning incidents reported across Arizona. While this number may not seem immense compared to other states, it is crucial to consider the state’s unique geographical characteristics, particularly the abundance of swimming pools and water bodies.

Children under the age of five are particularly vulnerable to drowning incidents. Disturbingly, this age group accounts for a significant portion of the drowning cases in Arizona, with nearly 40% of all reported incidents involving children under five. This statistic highlights the importance of increased vigilance, supervision, and water safety education for young children and their parents or guardians.

It is worth mentioning that the statistics also reveal that adult males continue to be at a higher risk of drowning in Arizona. In 2019, adult males accounted for approximately 75% of all drowning incidents in the state. This trend emphasizes the need for targeted drowning prevention programs and initiatives that specifically focus on adult men to raise awareness about water safety practices and provide educational resources.

In 2020, a total of 137 drowning incidents occurred in Arizona, with 75 of the drownings involving an infant or toddler, six over the age of five, and five were teenagers. The remaining 51 were adults.

Common Reasons for Arizona Drowning Accidents

Understanding the common reasons behind drowning accidents in Arizona can help shed light on the contributing factors and develop effective preventive strategies. Several factors contribute to these incidents, including:

• Lack of supervision. Insufficient adult supervision is a prominent factor in drowning accidents, especially among young children. Distractions, such as phone usage or engaging in other activities, can hinder proper monitoring, leaving children vulnerable near water bodies or swimming pools. This is common in public pools, water parks, and other public swimming locations where proper supervision may be lacking.
• Inadequate swimming skills. Many drowning accidents occur due to limited swimming ability or lack of proper water safety knowledge. This can apply to both children and adults. In such cases, individuals may find themselves in unfamiliar or challenging aquatic environments without the necessary skills to stay afloat or navigate difficulties, increasing the risk of drowning. In some instances, proper safety precautions may have been lacking, resulting in a dangerous swimming environment.
• Absence of barriers and safety measures. Inadequate safety precautions, such as lacking proper pool fencing or barriers, can result in unsupervised access to water bodies, leading to tragic accidents. As Arizona is characterized by a high density of swimming pools and recreational water areas, enforcing strong safety regulations becomes crucial to prevent wrongful death drownings.
• Alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption is often associated with drowning incidents in Arizona and elsewhere. Impaired judgment, reduced coordination, and slower reaction times can significantly increase the likelihood of accidents occurring while near or in water. Mixing alcohol with water activities can be a dangerous combination, impacting individuals’ ability to stay safe and respond appropriately to emergencies. Likewise, if public gathering places such as hotels and resorts over-serve their guests and allow them to swim in their pools, they can be held liable for damages.

Lack of life jackets or flotation devices. Another contributing factor to drowning accidents is the absence or improper use of flotation devices, particularly in recreational activities such as boating or water sports. Failing to wear or provide adequate life jackets significantly increases the risk of drowning, especially in situations where unexpected events occur, such as capsizing or strong currents. Boat operators are required to store an adequate number of lifejackets to account for each passenger. If proper safety equipment is not provided, the boat operator or company can be held liable for any accidents resulting from their negligence.

Efforts to address these common reasons for drowning accidents in Arizona include promoting water safety education, increasing awareness about the importance of adult supervision, enforcing stringent safety regulations for pool owners, and encouraging the use of appropriate safety equipment, such as life jackets, in boating and other water activities. Continuous community engagement and proactive measures are essential to prevent these incidents and ensure the safety of individuals enjoying Arizona’s water resources.

Compensation After an Arizona Drowning Accident

After a tragic drowning accident in Arizona, compensation for the victims or their families can vary depending on various factors. In such cases, seeking legal assistance from drowning accident lawyers is crucial to navigate the complex legal landscape and help ensure fair compensation.

First and foremost, it’s important to determine liability in the drowning accident. If negligence or wrongful actions on the part of another party contributed to the incident, such as the negligence of lifeguards, poorly maintained premises, or defective pool equipment, it may be possible to hold the responsible party accountable. Alternatively, if the accident occurred on public property or in a public facility, a government entity may bear liability.

Compensation in drowning accident cases often covers both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to quantifiable losses, such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost wages, and rehabilitation treatments.

Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are more subjective and encompass pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship, and loss of enjoyment of life.

In Arizona, the concept of comparative negligence may impact the amount of compensation awarded. If it is determined that the victim shared some degree of responsibility for the accident, their compensation may be reduced proportionately to their level of fault. However, even if the victim is found partially at fault, they may still be eligible for compensation, although the amount may be diminished.

Navigating the legal process and determining fair compensation after an Arizona wrongful death drowning accident can be a complex and emotionally challenging task. Seeking professional guidance from the drowning accident lawyers at Torgenson Law, who are experienced in such cases, is crucial to ensuring your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

How Is Fault Determined in a Wrongful Death Drowning Lawsuit?

Determining fault in a wrongful death drowning accident, like any other type of accident, can be a complex process. The investigation generally involves gathering evidence, analyzing the circumstances, and establishing liability based on legal principles and local laws. Here are some key factors that may be considered in determining fault:

• Negligence. One of the primary factors examined is whether negligence played a role in the drowning accident. Negligence occurs when someone fails to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm or injury to others. For instance, negligence might be established if it is found that responsible parties, such as lifeguards, failed to supervise the swimmers properly or failed to take appropriate safety measures.
• Duty of care. It is important to establish the duty of care owed by various parties involved. This might include lifeguards, property owners, event organizers, or even manufacturers of safety equipment. Each party’s responsibility, such as maintaining a safe swimming area or providing adequate warnings and safety measures, will be evaluated and calculated.
• Proximate cause. To determine fault, it is necessary to establish a direct causal link between the actions or failures of the responsible parties and the drowning incident. If the negligence or breach of duty was a reasonably foreseeable cause of the accident and subsequent wrongful death, it strengthens the case for fault.
• Comparative negligence. In some cases, fault may be shared by multiple parties, including the victim. If the victim’s actions or negligence contributed to the drowning accident, the concept of comparative negligence may come into play. Comparative negligence assesses the degree to which each party involved bears responsibility and apportions fault accordingly.

Expert opinions and evidence. Investigations often rely on expert opinions from professionals such as forensic specialists, water safety experts, or accident reconstruction analysts. Their testimony and the analysis of physical evidence, eyewitness accounts, surveillance footage, and any available documentation can be crucial in establishing fault.

It’s important to note that legal procedures and standards for determining fault in wrongful death drowning accidents may vary depending on local laws and jurisdiction. Consulting with a Torgenson Law attorney experienced in wrongful death cases can provide more accurate guidance based on the specific circumstances and laws relevant to the accident in question.

Choose Torgenson Law to Represent Your Family’s Best Interest

Torgenson Law has been representing Arizona residents in all types of wrongful death suits for over two decades. If you or a family member has been injured or harmed because of the negligence of a person or company, get in touch with us right away for a case evaluation. These cases are often complex, and you need experienced legal representation to ensure your rights are protected.

The personal injury lawyers at Torgenson Law offer a free consultation to review the details of your case. They’ll then use that information to build a strong argument for compensation. We evaluate the unique circumstances surrounding your situation and guide you along the best path forward. Our attorneys are expert litigators prepared to go to trial if needed to achieve justice for you and your family. For a free and confidential case evaluation, contact us online or call 602-726-0747.