Jacksonville Swimming/Drowning Injury Attorney
Swimming is a fun activity for people of all ages, but it can be deadly if proper precautions are not in place. Many drownings and injuries are caused by negligent behavior by a third party. Jacksonville swimming/drowning injury attorney Charles J. Gillette can help you file a claim against the liable party.
While most drowning injuries occur in the summertime, the truth is that water injuries can happen all year long. Many of the victims are children, particularly those who don’t know how to swim, although anyone of any age can be a victim.
Drownings and Near-Drownings
Drownings and near-drownings are the most common type of swimming injury. A drowning occurs when water fills a person’s lungs, causing suffocation and death. Near-drownings do not result in death, but they can still be serious, causing lasting injuries.
Brain damage often occurs when a person has been underwater for four minutes. Even if the person does not fully drown, they can still suffer long-term medical issues. Brain damage can affect the entire body and make it difficult to walk or talk. It’s a life-altering situation that can require extensive medical care, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and medications. In severe cases, a person may need care for their entire lives. Because this care can be costly, it’s important to obtain the right legal help so you can obtain sufficient compensation for all your damages.
Common Swimming-Related Accidents and Injuries
Diving accidents are also common, causing thousands of spinal injuries in the United States every year. Many of these accidents are caused by defective diving boards. A third party can also be held liable if there is negligent supervision, a lack of warning signs, or a lack of maintenance.
Wet pool decks are also the source of injuries. They are often slippery, causing people to slip and fall and suffer serious injuries. No warning signs and a lack of supervision can lead to liability issues.
Pool chemicals are another issue to consider. While they help keep the pool water clean, they are toxic if ingested. They can cause serious illness and the pool owner can be considered negligent if there were no warnings.
Other Types of Swimming Injuries
A swimmer can suffer a variety of injuries while in the water, including the following:
- Irritation and inflammation in the shoulders
- Rotator cuff tears
- Tears in the cartilage in the shoulders
- Bicep tendonitis
- Neck and lower back pain
- Knee injuries
While these injuries are often caused by the swimmer’s own negligence and overexertion, it’s possible for someone else to be liable for these injuries. In these situations, a lawsuit can be filed to recover compensation for damages.
Contact a Jacksonville Swimming/Drowning Injury Attorney Today
Playing in water can be a lot of fun, but it comes with a lot of dangers. Young children are especially susceptible to the dangers of drowning and other swimming injuries.
If you or a loved one was injured or killed in a swimming or drowning accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact Jacksonville swimming/drowning injury attorney Charles J. Gillette. We can hold the responsible parties liable for your damages. Schedule a free initial consultation by calling 904-600-4758 or filling out the online form.