An average of 12,000 drownings a year occur in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While Washington’s drowning rates have declined over the last 30 years, tragic accidents still happen. If you or a loved one suffered a swimming pool drowning accident in Spokane due to someone else’s negligence, Van Law Firm can help.
A Spokane, WA pool drowning lawyer from our firm can help you pursue compensation. You could be entitled to recover medical expenses, income loss from missed work, or other damages. We can discuss your case during a free, no-obligation consultation.
Why Choose Van Law for Your Spokane Pool Drowning Case?
Our attorneys have dedicated their careers to the building of strong personal injury claims. Additionally, our awards reflect our commitment to the law and client service. We have a proven track record of success and honors.
At Van Law, we are top-rated legal representatives who’ve earned distinguished honors, such as Super Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers, Top Trial Attorneys, the Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion Award, and many others.
For a free legal consultation with a pool drowning lawyer serving Spokane, call (360) 200-0000
Recoverable Damages in a Pool Drowning Accident Claim
Under RCW § 4.56.250, you can recover economic damages (monetary losses that can be counted and verified) and non-economic damages (non-monetary losses such as mental anguish).
A Spokane, WA drowning lawyer can help you seek damages, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Travel costs related to the injuries or accident
- Lost quality of life
- Reduced enjoyment of activities
- Loss of companionship or society
- Destruction of a parent-child relationship
- Emotional distress
- Inconvenience
- Disability
Wrongful Death in a Fatal Drowning
In many cases, drowning results in death. If you lost a relative in a pool drowning accident, you could recover compensation for your tragic loss in a wrongful death claim. It’s important to hold the negligent party responsible for this preventable death. Damages in a Spokane wrongful death claim could include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost financial support
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of guidance
- Loss of services
- Loss of protection
- Loss of parent-child relationship
- Emotional distress
Our attorneys can determine the specific damages you could recover and how much you may be entitled to after reviewing your case, investigating the swimming pool accident, and gathering evidence like key financial documentation or expert opinions.
Spokane Pool Drowning Lawyer Near Me (360) 200-0000
A Spokane Pool Drowning Lawyer Can Get Your Case Filed Before the Legal Deadline
Washington generally provides three years to file a personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death claim in court. A Spokane swimming pool drowning attorney on our team can file your case before the deadline expires.
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Who is Responsible for a Pool Drowning Accident in Spokane, WA?
Generally speaking, the party whose negligence led to the drowning is responsible for paying damages to the victims or their families. Drowning accidents are usually considered premises liability cases, meaning the party in charge of the property is liable. That said, several parties could be responsible depending on the circumstances, such as:
Homeowner or Rental Tenant: If a guest drowns in a residential pool the homeowner or rental tenant in control of the premises could be liable if their pool area was not properly maintained or safety measures were not taken to prevent harm to others. For example, a person slipped on food around the pool during a barbeque. The homeowner or rental tenant must keep the pool area safe.
Public Pool Owner: Public pools must have a certified lifeguard on call or on duty when the pool has reached a certain capacity. If a lifeguard is not present or accessible, lacks proper training, fails to fulfill his duty to keep others safe, or if legally required safety equipment isn’t available, the public pool owner may be liable (the owner could be an organization or a local government).
Manufacturers of Swimming Pools, Pool Components, and Safety Equipment: Manufacturers of faulty or improperly designed pools, pool components, or safety equipment may be liable if these items are defective or inherently dangerous. For example, an improperly designed drain could lead to entrapment, causing a person to drown due to suction holding them underwater. Drain covers must meet anti-entrapment standards under The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Act to prevent dangerous suction.
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Attractive Nuisance Doctrine and Swimming Pool Accidents
Drowning (especially in a residential pool) is the leading cause of accidental death in children ages 1-4 years old in the United States, and the second leading cause in children 5-14 years old.
The homeowner may be liable if a child trespasses and drowns in their pool. The attractive nuisance doctrine holds property owners responsible for potentially dangerous conditions that attract children. If an owner fails to resolve the dangerous issue, such as an unguarded pool littered with colorful floaties, and a child in the neighborhood drowns, the owner is liable even though the child wasn’t invited.
Our Spokane swimming pool drowning lawyers can work to build a compelling claim if your child suffered a fatal or non-fatal drowning accident.
Swimming Pool Building Codes in Spokane, WA
Washington state laws also require all pools built after 2007 to have protective barriers meeting certain standards. A pool must have a fence of at least 4 feet, a power pool cover, or another barrier to prevent children from falling in. Fences must have a self-closing and self-latching mechanism. Failure to adhere to these codes is negligence even if an adult was injured in a pool drowning accident.
A Spokane, WA Pool Drowning Attorney at Van Law Will Fight for You
Van Law Firm is dedicated to getting justice for drowning victims in Washington. No matter how the accident occurred, if negligence played a part, our Spokane, WA pool drowning lawyer can fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for your free consultation.
No obligation consultations are always free.
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