Real Results for Real Families
People come to Arnold & Itkin during the most challenging times. We take it upon ourselves to help in every way possible, fighting to get the results they need while keeping them supported and informed along the way. We care about our clients like we care about our friends and families. They matter, and that is why we do everything we can to win.
Our attorneys have secured significant results in drowning cases, including:
- $8 million settlement for the parents of a child who drowned in an apartment pool.
- $6.98 million settlement for the family of a young man who drowned in a community pool.
- $6 million for the families of two maritime workers who drowned in a capsizing incident.
- $4 million for the family of a young man who drowned due to a lack of safety equipment.
We are proud of these results because they represent families who can move forward, knowing that justice has been served on behalf of those they lost.
Cases Filed By Our Drowning Attorneys in Houston
We are currently investigating and taking on cases involving drowning and near-drowning accidents in Houston and across the country. If you were injured in an accident involving a pool or water park, or if you lost someone you love in any type of drowning-related incident, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Houston drowning attorneys for help.
Here are several recent drowning cases we've filed:
It can be difficult to know what caused your loss and who should be held responsible. With our attorneys' extensive experience with drowning lawsuits, plus the resources to conduct a full investigation into your case, we are confident in our ability to help you understand your rights and help you take the best course of action for you and your family.
Why Drowning & Swimming Pool Accidents Happen
After decades of decline, drowning deaths are on the rise in the United States.
These tragic incidents often occur because of preventable factors, such as:
Inadequate Supervision & Training
Lifeguards and staff are the first line of defense in preventing drownings, but when they are inadequately trained, inattentive, or absent altogether, the risk of drowning increases significantly. Overcrowded pools and water parks only exacerbate this issue, making it difficult for lifeguards to monitor everyone effectively. Additionally, the absence of a proper prevention plan or emergency procedures can result in delayed and ineffective responses to drownings.
Defective or Missing Safety Equipment & Infrastructure
Pools and water parks must adhere to safety standards, including the proper installation and maintenance of gates, latches, and emergency equipment like life rings and defibrillators. Defective equipment or design flaws, such as faulty drains or inadequate fencing, can lead to entrapment or unauthorized access, while broken or missing emergency equipment reduces the chances of rescue. Poorly maintained pool water can also be an issue, as cloudy or murky water can obscure signs of a struggling swimmer, delaying rescue efforts.
Failure to Install Fences or Barriers
Proper fencing and barriers are critical in preventing unauthorized access to pools, especially for children who are unaware of the danger. Failure to install these barriers significantly increases the risk of accidental drowning.
As experienced Houston drowning attorneys, we understand that these incidents have specific, identifiable causes. They can always be traced to negligence or wrongdoing of some kind, and those responsible must be held accountable.
Child Drownings in the U.S.
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 4 in the United States. These heartbreaking tragedies often occur due to inadequate safety measures or supervision. Improper fencing around pools is a significant factor; without secure barriers, young children can easily wander into dangerous areas. Lifeguard negligence is another critical issue—when those entrusted with the safety of children are distracted or poorly trained, the risk of drowning escalates. Furthermore, a lack of appropriate supervision, especially in environments like public pools and water parks, leaves children vulnerable. We must address the systemic failures that contribute to these devastating losses.
Accountability for Drowning Accidents
After a drowning accident, determining who is responsible is a crucial step in seeking justice. Property owners, including private pool owners, hotels, water parks, recreational centers, and neighborhood associations, can be held accountable if their negligence contributed to the incident. For example, a Houston hotel or water park may be liable if they fail to hire trained lifeguards, maintain proper safety equipment, or ensure that the premises meet local safety standards.
Legal principles such as the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act set forth federal safety standards for pool drains and other equipment to prevent entrapment. Additionally, premises liability laws in Texas can hold property owners responsible if they fail to keep their property safe or if they create an attractive nuisance that draws children into danger. In cases of extreme negligence or violation of safety statutes, victims and their families may pursue claims under gross negligence or negligence per se.
These legal avenues are vital for holding the responsible parties accountable and for preventing future tragedies. Our drowning lawyers in Houston understand which laws apply and how to serve our clients’ needs through personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits that expose wrongdoing, cover medical and funeral costs, and help families rebuild.
Water Safety & Drowning in Houston, TX
Houston is home to a variety of water-related attractions that offer residents and visitors the perfect way to cool off and have fun, especially during the scorching summer months. From expansive water parks like Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark and Typhoon Texas to public swimming pools in Memorial Park and Shepherd Park, the city provides countless opportunities for water-based recreation. Natural bodies of water, such as Clear Lake and Lake Conroe, also attract those looking for a more relaxed day of swimming, boating, or fishing.
However, with these attractions comes the critical responsibility of ensuring water safety. The people and companies that own, operate, and maintain these facilities must be vigilant in preventing drowning accidents. This includes hiring well-trained lifeguards, maintaining water quality, and ensuring that all safety equipment is functional and accessible. Proper fencing, gates, and barriers should be installed to prevent unauthorized access, particularly by young children.
Our Drowning Attorneys in Houston Are Here to Help
Overcrowding, defective equipment, and inadequate supervision can quickly turn a day of fun into a tragic event. That’s why it’s essential for water park operators, pool managers, and property owners to adhere to industry safety standards and to be proactive in identifying and addressing potential hazards. Vigilance and a commitment to safety are key to preventing accidents and ensuring that everyone can enjoy Houston’s water attractions safely.
If your family has been affected by a drowning or other water-related incident in the Houston area, do not hesitate to reach out to Arnold & Itkin. Our Houston drowning lawyers are standing by to answer your questions, help you understand your rights, and guide you through this impossible time.
Schedule a consultation online or call (888) 493-1629 to find out how our drowning attorneys in Houston can help. We represent clients nationwide.
