Drowning Prevention & What to Do After a Pool Drowning
Erik • June 10, 2019
As sad as it is, children drowning in pools is an all too common occurrence.
According to the CDC :
- There are about 10 pool drowning deaths per day.
- Children ages 1-4 have the highest drowning rates.
- For every child who dies from drowning, another 5 receive emergency care.
Even when not fatal, “drowning injuries can cause severe brain damage that may result in long-term disabilities such as memory problems, learning disabilities, and permanent loss of basic functioning.”
What Every Public Pool Owner Should Know
Drowning prevention should be a top priority of every public pool owner.
Follow these prevention guidelines to help keep kids safe in and around your pool:
- Get all required pool inspections done yearly.
- Have a proper barrier (perimeter fencing, keyed-access doors, etc.).
- Provide properly trained lifeguards, if possible.
- Enforce safety rules.
Remember, if a pool drowning takes place on your property, the law may hold you responsible.
What Every Parent Should Know
The main factors that contribute to a child’s pool drowning (as far as what a parent can control), is a lack of swimming ability, a failure to wear a life jacket, and a lack of supervision. However, even with the most diligent, watchful eye, accidents can happen.
Medical care and funeral costs can place an enormous financial burden on your family, and no amount of money can truly pay for the emotional trauma of a drowning. That’s why it’s important to know your rights when it comes to holding a negligent party responsible for a severe injury or death.
Call for a Free Consultation about a Pool Drowning
If your child has suffered a serious injury or has died from a pool drowning, speaking with an experienced injury attorney can help ease your burden, both financially and emotionally.
Contact Ahlander Injury Law to find out if a negligent public pool owner should be held responsible for your child’s pool drowning.
The post Drowning Prevention & What to Do After a Pool Drowning appeared first on Ahlander Injury Law.
Experiencing a slip and fall accident can be unsettling and confusing, especially when it happens without warning. A seemingly minor fall could lead to unexpected injuries, mounting medical bills, and stress about your legal options. While every situation is different, you can take key actions right away to protect your well-being and preserve your rights should you decide to seek legal recourse. Assess Your Safety and Health First Your top priority after any slip and fall should always be your safety. If you can move without further injury, carefully get to a safe place away from potential hazards like wet floors, uneven surfaces, or obstructive debris. If you feel dizzy or in severe pain, remain where you are and, if possible, ask someone to call for medical assistance. Adrenaline can mask injuries, so never assume you are fine just because you feel minimal discomfort in the immediate aftermath. Recognizing the possibility of internal injuries or hidden trauma is vital. Even as you focus on regaining your composure, keep in mind that the steps you take in these first moments can significantly affect the success of any future claim should you decide to consult with a professional. Document the Scene and Preserve Evidence Once you feel safe, documenting the scene becomes critical. Photographs and witness statements can protect you later if the cause of the accident is disputed. Use your phone’s camera to capture: The exact location of your fall and any contributing factors (e.g., liquid spills, uneven flooring, or loose cords) Warning signs (or lack thereof) indicating a hazard Weather and lighting conditions if relevant (especially important for outdoor incidents) Any visible injuries you have sustained Keep copies of any pictures you take, and ask witnesses for their contact information. Ask them if they noticed any specific hazard, witnessed your fall, or have any additional details they can share. These accounts can bolster your case by corroborating your version of events, which can be crucial if legal disputes arise later. Seek Prompt Medical Evaluation Even if you think your injuries are minor, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial for your health and for establishing a clear record that links the incident to your condition. Slip and fall accidents often result in injuries that do not always present immediate symptoms. A trained healthcare professional can detect and document any hidden issues, which may include concussions, sprains, fractures, or spinal injuries. This official diagnosis may prove vital if you decide to file an insurance claim or begin legal proceedings. Additionally, follow your doctor’s recommended treatment plan to help your recovery and avoid gaps in your medical record. Avoid Common Pitfalls That Could Weaken Your Position While you might be eager to put the incident behind you, certain avoidable mistakes can undermine your ability to seek fair compensation and protect your rights: Minimizing or dismissing your injuries: Even if you feel you can “shake it off,” take every concern seriously and follow medical advice. Posting about your accident on social media: It can be tempting to share your experience, but insurance companies or opposing parties can use social media posts against you. Restrict who can see your profile, and keep discussions about the accident or your condition offline. Not following through on medical care: Failing to refill prescriptions or skipping follow-up appointments could be interpreted as you not taking your injuries seriously. Giving statements without understanding your rights: If questioned by a property owner, insurance adjuster, or other party, avoid making statements that admit fault or downplay your injuries unless you have sought proper guidance. Awareness of these common pitfalls can save you from unnecessary complications and help you maintain a stronger position should you decide to pursue legal action. Report the Accident Promptly Notifying the right individuals promptly can make a significant difference in establishing a proper record of your accident. Your specific reporting obligations vary based on the setting. If you fall in a commercial setting, like a grocery store, notify the manager or property owner so they can file an incident report. For falls on public property, consider contacting the relevant local authority or agency responsible for the area. Request a copy of any incident report, and keep it in a safe place. This document serves as official proof of your statement about what happened and when. Consider Professional Guidance for Your Next Steps Slip and fall cases can involve complex legal questions, especially when multiple parties or potential defendants are involved. You may wish to explore local laws and regulations to understand your rights. At Ahlander Injury Law , we focus on personal injury cases, including slip and fall accidents, and prioritize providing a clear understanding of your potential options. During an initial consultation, you can discuss the facts of your situation, learn about possible legal strategies, and decide whether taking legal action is in your best interests. Taking advantage of professional guidance can help you avoid missteps and successfully navigate your claim’s complexities. Learn Why Timely Action Matters Time is a crucial factor in slip and fall cases. Most states enforce statutes of limitations, which strictly limit how long you have to start legal proceedings. Delaying essential steps—such as seeking medical care, notifying the property owner, or consulting with professionals—could jeopardize your ability to recover compensation. Beyond legal considerations, timely action also helps you identify potential evidence before it disappears. For instance, a slippery substance might be cleaned up quickly, eliminating vital proof of the hazard. Witnesses’ memories can fade as well, making their statements less accurate over time. The sooner you act, the stronger your position will be if you choose to file a claim. Discover the Value of Proper Documentation and Care Not every slip and fall incident results in injuries serious enough to warrant a legal claim, but careful documentation and proactive measures can benefit you in both minor and severe cases. In situations where your injury may have lasting effects, thorough documentation ensures you have the information you need for insurance claims, potential rehabilitation, and peace of mind. Falls account for over 8 million hospital emergency room visits each year. With these statistics in mind, slip and fall accidents should not be dismissed as trivial events. Maintain Peace of Mind and Protect Your Rights A slip and fall can be an alarming experience that disrupts daily life, leaving you uncertain about your health and legal standing. With the right steps, you can safeguard your rights, secure a thorough diagnosis of your injuries, and ensure you have the support needed if you choose to explore legal options. It is within your power to regain control after a slip and fall accident. Collect the evidence you need, get prompt medical attention, and seek a qualified professional’s thoughts on how to move forward. Each of these decisions contributes to a solid foundation for both your recovery and potential legal claim should you decide to pursue one. If you have questions about your circumstances, reach out to Ahlander Injury Law for personalized legal support.
Discover the step-by-step process of a personal injury case, from consultation to settlement, with Ahlander Injury Law in Las Vegas.
Navigating a personal injury lawsuit can be challenging, especially when you have a pre-existing medical condition. Courts and insurance companies often scrutinize any past injuries or illnesses to determine whether they contributed to your current situation. While this may seem daunting, understanding how to document your injuries, work with medical experts, and demonstrate aggravation of a pre-existing condition can help you seek fair compensation. The key is to be transparent about your health history so you can build a case that accurately reflects the impact of the recent accident on your well-being. Keeping Transparent Medical Documentation Medical documentation is the cornerstone of any personal injury claim, and it becomes even more critical when you have a pre-existing condition. Insurance adjusters and opposing counsel will look closely at your records to see whether your injury is truly related to the accident. Regular Check-Ups and Record-Keeping: If you have a pre-existing condition, you likely already have a record of routine doctor’s visits. Continue these visits after your recent accident. By maintaining updated medical records, including diagnostic tests and treatment notes, you’ll show any changes that occurred immediately following the incident. Detailed Accident-Related Records: The sooner you seek medical care after the accident, the easier it is to establish which injuries are new or worse than before. Ask your physician to detail in their notes the specific ways your condition has changed, and be consistent about follow-up visits. These meticulous records can substantiate that the accident had a meaningful effect on your health. Potential Impact on Compensation: Chronic conditions impact roughly 60% of American adults . This is significant when presenting how an existing health issue might amplify the suffering or medical costs you incur after an accident. Proper documentation can help ensure you’re compensated appropriately and not penalized for having a pre-existing condition. Clarifying Your Condition with Medical Experts Presenting expert testimony from qualified medical professionals can diminish any uncertainty about the extent to which your pre-existing condition was exacerbated by the accident. Neutral and Specialized Opinions: Having specialists—such as orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, or other relevant experts—evaluate your condition adds credibility. They can compare medical images and test results from before and after the incident to highlight any aggravations to your health. Explanation of Causation: Medical experts can delineate the difference between your baseline condition and post-accident condition. This helps to draw a clear line between what is pre-existing and what is newly aggravated, refuting any claims that your symptoms are wholly attributable to a prior issue. Expert Reports and Courtroom Testimony: Written expert reports are often submitted to insurance adjusters or courts as part of settlement negotiations or trial proceedings. In some cases, these experts may testify, addressing questions about whether your condition would have worsened on its own or if the accident was a contributing factor. Demonstrating Aggravation of Pre-Existing Conditions Another pivotal aspect of your claim involves proving that your pre-existing condition has substantially worsened following the accident. It’s not just about showing new injuries; it’s about confirming that your prior challenges have been made more severe due to someone else’s negligence. Baseline Health Assessment: Seek a thorough medical evaluation to establish your previous health baseline. This way, any departure from that baseline post-accident is easier to quantify. You might rely on diagnostic imaging, doctors’ notes, or physical therapy progress reports. Corroborating Evidence: Beyond medical records, testimonies from friends, family, or coworkers familiar with your physical abilities and limitations can bolster your claim. Proving that you were more active or in less pain before the accident can be persuasive, especially if it’s consistent with other evidence. Consistent Datapoints: Sometimes even small details show the aggravation over time—like a noticeable increase in medication dosage, additional rehabilitation sessions, or changes in mobility. Keep track of these details to form a cohesive narrative about how the accident has altered your life. Addressing Insurance Adjusters’ Perceptions In cases involving pre-existing conditions, insurance adjusters will often attempt to pin the majority of your pain and related expenses on your old injuries. While it may seem frustrating, you can take proactive steps to address these perceptions. Communicate Clearly and Honestly: Offer complete transparency about your medical background. Concealing or downplaying a pre-existing condition can undermine your credibility if undisclosed information surfaces later. Avoid Unfounded Claims: Strive to be factual about new symptoms or increased discomfort. Exaggeration or misrepresentation can make it harder, not easier, for you to secure compensation. Legal Counsel Assistance: An experienced personal injury attorney can help interpret insurance policies, structure settlement demands, and negotiate with adjusters so that your worsened condition isn’t unfairly dismissed. At Ahlander Injury Law , we prioritize transparency while building a strong factual basis to illustrate the impact of an accident on a pre-existing condition. Strengthening Your Claim with Practical Strategies While documentation and expert testimony carry significant weight, there are other practical steps you can take to support your personal injury claim. Maintain a Recovery Journal: Daily or weekly entries describing your pain levels, mobility issues, and emotional challenges can round out the clinical evidence. This approach demonstrates the real-life impact of the accident on top of your pre-existing condition. Seek Timely Treatment: Prompt medical intervention, including follow-up appointments and therapy sessions, underscores the seriousness of your aggravated injuries. Skipping sessions or waiting too long to consult a healthcare professional post-accident can make insurers question the legitimacy of your claim. Explore Support Groups or Physical Therapy: Engaging with structured recovery programs can not only expedite healing but also create a paper trail of consistent effort to address lingering or aggravated issues. Moving Forward with Confidence Facing a personal injury lawsuit while dealing with a pre-existing condition can feel overwhelming, but evidence-based documentation and credible expert opinions can fortify your claim. Insurance companies are trained to minimize payouts. However, when you maintain accurate records and seek timely support, you place yourself in a much stronger position to secure fair compensation. If you’re ready to take the next step or need personalized guidance, contact us today to discuss possible legal options. You may also explore our other practice areas if you have additional concerns. Effective, transparent advocacy can make all the difference in ensuring that your aggravation of a pre-existing condition is acknowledged and appropriately compensated.
