Denver Drowning Attorney

Fighting for Your Rights & Health

The Denver area is home to a wide range of beloved lakes and rivers, from Sloan Lake to the Chatfield Reservoir to Clear Creek - and that's not to mention the various bodies of water on properties such as swimming pools and amusement parks.

If you or a loved one have been killed or injured in a drowning accident in Denver, CO, you deserve compensation and restitution. Our Denver drowning lawyer will fight for your rights and health in your case.

To schedule a consultation with our team, contact us online or via phone at (800) 349-0000.

When Does Drowning Occur?

Tragically, drowning is a leading cause of death for children in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control, "more children ages 1-4 die from drowning than any other cause of death except birth defects." Every year, there are 3,960 fatal and 8,080 non-fatal drownings in the U.S. alone.

Children between the ages of one and four have the highest drowning rates. Most children who drown do so in swimming pools, but drowning can happen anywhere, and it can take as few as 20-60 seconds for someone to drown.

If you're a parent, you may be understandably concerned reading these statistics, but this doesn't mean you need to panic every time your child goes near water - instead, it means you should stay vigilant. Practice safety procedures, such as having your child wear flotation devices and keeping a close eye on them while they're swimming.

Knowing what drowning looks like can also help you prevent a drowning accident or respond to one quickly. Here are some quick tips:

• Drowning is usually silent. Speech is a secondary function of breathing. As a result, most people who are drowning will not be able to speak, since they can't get enough air to breathe. If you see someone making erratic movements in the water - or conversely, moving less than they probably should - and they're not making any noise, it may be worth checking in and making sure they're okay.
• Drowning people often bob up and down, without the help of their arms. Most people who are drowning lose voluntary control of their limbs, meaning they may not be able to wave for help or try and use their arms to escape the water. Additionally, they often alternate between being under and above the water, although their mouth may not be above the surface long enough to exhale, inhale, or call for help. If you see someone who looks like they're quickly exhaling and inhaling while moving up and down in the water, but it doesn't look like they're in control of their movement, check-in with them.
• Most drowning happens while people are upright in the water. This is one reason drowning is so dangerous, and so few people notice it. Keep an eye out for people who, in addition to the signs we've already covered, appear unable to focus, have their mouths open or their heads tilted back, aren't moving their legs, or appear to be making desperate motions against the water without making any actual headway.

Not all drownings are fatal, as the CDC indicates. When someone survives a drowning incident, it can have a range of outcomes. They may experience no injuries or long-term effects. Conversely, nonfatal drowning can result in long-term health problems.

What Are the Consequences of Nonfatal Drowning?

Nonfatal drowning accidents can result in:

• Brain damage, due to the drowned individual intaking a lack of oxygen;
• Organ damage;
• Coma;
• Seizures;
• Permanent disability;
• Decrease incoordination;
• Poor judgment;
• Memory loss;
• Changes in mood or behavior;
• Unusual sleep patterns;
• And more.

If you or someone you know was recently the victim of a non-fatal drowning and experienced any of the above symptoms, it may be worth undergoing a medical evaluation.

When Can I File a Drowning Case?

Individuals who have at-home swimming pools have a responsibility to visitors to ensure their safety. Similarly, entities in charge of public bodies of water, such as State Parks, National Recreation Areas, public pools, hotels, resorts, or waterparks, also have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their residents.

If you or someone you know was involved in a drowning accident due to the negligence of another person or business, the drowned individual may be able to gain compensation by filing a drowning suit against the at-fault party. Successfully filing a drowning suit can help a drowned individual or their loved ones receive compensation for treatment, economic damages, pain and suffering caused by the incident, and more.

Our Denver drowning attorneys can help you understand the best path forward in your drowning case. To schedule a consultation with our team, contact us online or via phone at (800) 349-0000.