According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, media reports reveal that between Memorial Day and Labor Day of this year there were at least 137 child drowning deaths and 168 near drownings (serious enough to warrant emergency help) in US pools and spas. 54 of these drownings took place not long after the victim had left the proximity of a grownup in the immediate area. 31 kids drowned even though there were people in the pool with them. At least 100 of these children were under the age of 5. Seeing as drowning is the number one cause of accidental death among kids in the one to four age group, these latest figures are, unfortunately, not surprising.
Our Boston swimming accident lawyers represent children and their families with claims and lawsuits against negligent parties that either directly or indirectly caused a child’s injury or death. Depending on the specifics of what happened, possible liable parties when drowning in a spa or pool is involved may include the pool/spa owner, the manufacturer of a defective pool or spa part, or the party that was responsible for supervising the victim at the time of the accident. Altman & Altman LLP is experienced in handling cases involving the Massachusetts personal injury areas of premises liability, negligent supervision, and products liability. We also handled drowning accidents and deaths involving adult victims.
In a report that it issued earlier this year, the CPSC noted that during the summers of 2007, 2008, and 2009 about 243 kids drowned in spas or pools each season-with about 390 child drowning deaths ultimately reported for each year. Also, for 2009, 2010, and 2011 on average there were about 5,200 spa- or pool- related submersion injuries that required ER care each year. Once again, kids under age 5 made up the majority of the reported child deaths and injuries.
It takes just seconds for a Boston drowning death to occur. For someone who is lucky enough to survive a near-drowning, he/she may be left with brain damage or some other permanent impairment. Many drowning accidents could have been prevented.
CPSC’s 2012 Submersion Report (PDF)
More Blog Posts:
Brockton Teen Fatally Drowns in Plymouth, Massachusetts During Church Camping Trip, Boston Injury Lawyer Blog, June 9, 2012
35 Pool Portable Deaths Involving Kids Under Age 5 Reported Every Year, Says CPSC, Boston Injury Lawyer Blog, April 27, 2012
Massachusetts Swimming Pool Death: State Report Released on Woman’s Fatal Fall River Drowning, Boston Injury Lawyer Blog, April 20, 2012