Arizona Drowning Accident Lawyers

Accidental drownings are unfortunately far too common. According to the World Health Organization, drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide, claiming an estimated 360,000 lives each year. In the United States alone, drowning is the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury death, killing nearly 4,000 people annually.

The risk of accidental drowning is highest among children. In the United States, the CDC reports that more than one in five fatal drowning victims are children ages 14 and younger. In addition, it is estimated that three times as many children are hospitalized for non-fatal drowning incidents.

In the United States, accidental drownings occur most frequently in swimming pools. According to the CDC, nearly 80 percent of fatal drowning incidents involving children 14 and younger occur in swimming pools. However, Arizona is dotted with lakes and rivers, and every year we experience a fair share of drownings in waterways.

Although most people take precautions when swimming, a number of drownings each year are caused by negligence. If your family or a loved one has been affected by an accidental drowning, call the Arizona drowning accident lawyers who can help you get justice for your pain and suffering.

Arizona Drowning Accident Statistics

Arizona is a beautiful state with a variety of landscapes to explore, but it is important to remember that the state’s waterways can be dangerous. The Arizona Department of Health Services reports that in 2017, there were a total of 91 drowning deaths reported in the state. Of these, 56 were adults and 35 were children.

A majority of Arizona drowning deaths occur in natural bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and streams. In 2017, 49 of the 91 drowning deaths occurred in natural bodies of water. Additionally, 38 drowning deaths occurred in swimming pools, 3 in bathtubs, and 1 in a hot tub.

The Arizona Department of Health Services also reports that the majority of drowning deaths are male. In 2017, 68 of the 91 drowning deaths were male, while 23 were female. Additionally, the majority of drowning deaths occurred in the summer months, with June, July, and August accounting for 68 percent of all drowning deaths.

It is important to be aware of the risks associated with Arizona’s waterways. It’s common sense to take precautions when swimming in natural bodies of water and to always supervise children around all bodies of water. However, we have to ensure that those who have a responsibility to act safely around water are held to account.

Common Reasons for Arizona Drowning Accidents

Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death worldwide and is a major public health issue. While drowning can occur in any body of water, certain factors may increase the risk of a drowning accident. Understanding these common causes of drowning can help prevent these tragic events.

• Poor Swimming Ability. Not everyone is able to swim proficiently. While swimming is a valuable skill, many people lack the ability to do so. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including lack of access to swimming lessons, poor physical fitness, or fear of the water. Those with poor swimming skills are typically supervised by trained lifeguards when in a public setting.
• Lack of Supervision. Drowning accidents often occur when people are left unsupervised. This can include both adults and children. Children and inexperienced swimmers should always be supervised by an adult when in or near a body of water.
• Alcohol Use. Alcohol consumption can be a major factor in drowning accidents. Alcohol impairs judgment and coordination, which can lead to risky behavior. It also reduces the body’s ability to sense the temperature of the water, which can lead to hypothermia.
• Distractions. Swimming is a demanding activity that requires focus and concentration. Distractions, such as talking, listening to music, or playing games, can easily take the swimmer’s attention away from their environment and increase the risk of a drowning accident.
• Inadequate Safety Equipment. Many bodies of water require safety equipment to help prevent drowning. This includes life jackets, flotation devices, and life preservers. However, if this equipment is not properly maintained, or if it fails due to wear and tear, it can put swimmers at an increased risk of drowning.
• Weather. The weather can also be a major factor in a drowning accident. Sudden storms can create dangerous waves and strong currents that can easily overwhelm even the most experienced swimmers. Cold temperatures can also cause hypothermia, which can lead to drowning.

Drowning accidents are a major public health concern and can have tragic consequences. Many swimmers who suffer an accidental drowning, are victims of someone else’s negligence. This can include not providing proper equipment, unsafe boating, or faulty flotation devices. If a loved one has been affected by an accidental drowning, Torgenson Law’s experienced trial lawyers are here to help.

Pool Safety Laws in Arizona

Pool safety in Arizona is a top priority for the state government. Arizona has laws in place to help protect children from drowning incidents in swimming pools. These laws ensure that all pool owners and operators comply with strict safety standards.

In Arizona, all pool owners must have a pool barrier in place at least four feet tall and completely surrounds the pool. This barrier should have self-closing and self-latching gates that are always locked. Pool owners must also post signs around the pool warning of the dangers of accidental drowning. Additionally, all pools must be equipped with anti-entrapment drain covers that are compliant with the Pool and Spa Safety Act.

Arizona also requires pool owners to have an additional layer of protection in place. This can be an alarm system that will sound when a child enters the pool area or in the form of a pool cover that can be quickly deployed to block access to the water. Pool owners must ensure that all pool equipment is up to date and in working order.

Pool owners have the responsibility to be aware of their responsibilities when it comes to supervising children in and around the pool. It is important to always make sure that there is an adult present when children are in or near the pool. Additionally, pool owners must provide adequate rescue equipment, such as life jackets, and make sure that children are not engaging in dangerous activities, such as diving into shallow water.

Pool safety in Arizona is essential for the safety of all pool users. If pool safety laws and regulations are not followed, accidents and deadly drownings may occur. The family members of drowning victims have the right to have the drowning investigated and to seek redress for their loss.

Is Drowning an Accident or Negligence?

In some cases, drowning is an accident, while in others, it is the result of negligence. Whether it is an accident or negligence is an important distinction, as it can have implications for filing civil claims and criminal charges. The Arizona drowning accident lawyers at Torgenson Law can help you sort through the facts and determine what steps need to be taken to seek justice for a loss.

The first step in determining if a drowning is an accident or negligence is to investigate the circumstances of the incident. This includes gathering information from witnesses and examining the area where the drowning occurred. It’s important to look for any evidence that suggests the presence of a hazard or lack of safety precautions. This could include broken fences, inadequate lighting, lack of safety equipment, or other safety violations.

Next, it’s important to consider the behavior of the people responsible for ensuring the safety of the area where the drowning occurred. Were the necessary steps taken to prevent a drowning from occurring? Did they provide adequate warnings and safety instructions? If the answer to these questions is “no,” then the drowning may be the result of negligence.

The wrongful death attorneys at Torgenson Law are experts investigating and evaluating accidental drowning cases to determine who was at fault. The best thing you can do for your loved ones is to talk with an attorney so you can protect your interests. Our entire team is dedicated to learning the truth behind your case and ensuring that you get the justice you deserve for your pain and suffering. Reach out online today so we can hear more about your case, or give us a call at 602-726-0747.