Drowning Accident Cases We Handle in California
We represent families across California in a wide range of drowning and near-drowning cases, including:
- Swimming pool drownings (residential, hotel, apartment, and public pools)
- Water park incidents (wave pools, lazy rivers, slides, etc.)
- Beach and ocean drownings, including lifeguard negligence
- Summer camp drownings and child supervision failures
- Cruise ship and boating-related drownings
- Hot tub / spa entrapment injuries
- Drain entrapment and pool design defects
- Catastrophic brain injury from near-drowning
- Wrongful death claims involving adults or children
If your case involved any aquatic setting — from private homes to major tourist destinations like Raging Waters, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, or Great Wolf Lodge — we can help you pursue the truth, the liability, and the full compensation you deserve.
How Liability Works in Drowning Cases
Under California law, property owners and operators have a legal duty to maintain safe premises and to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm. In an aquatic setting, that includes complying with state and federal safety regulations, proper supervision, and maintenance of pools, equipment, and safety features.
When a drowning happens, potential causes of legal liability may include:
- Inadequate supervision (lifeguard negligence, camp counselor negligence, staff inattentiveness)
- Failure to follow required staffing ratios
- Failure to secure the area (broken gates, missing fencing, unsecured access)
- Defective equipment (drain entrapment, lighting issues, broken ladders)
- Improper pool or aquatic feature design
- Failure to post required warnings or signage
- Failure to follow emergency response protocols
- Overcrowding or poor visibility in aquatic attractions
Our legal team works closely with forensic experts, aquatic safety consultants, medical professionals, and accident reconstructionists to uncover the truth about what caused the drowning and who should be held responsible.
Why You Need Us On Your Side
The Difference is Clear
-
Virtual Consultations, Online Chat & Video Conferencing Available
-
Nationally Recognized Authority on Aquatic Accidents
-
Se Habla Español
-
Open, Honest & Upfront Legal Advice
-
We Respond to Texts, Emails, Calls Within 1 Hour
-
Serving Clients Nationwide
-
No Fee Owed Unless We Win
-
We Utilize the Latest Technology
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Depending on the circumstances, one or more parties may be legally responsible for the drowning or near-drowning, including:
- Property owners and operators (homeowners, hotels, resorts, apartment complexes)
- Water park owners and operators
- School districts, summer camps, and childcare providers
- Municipal entities responsible for public pools and beaches
- Third-party lifeguard staffing companies
- Cruise lines and excursion providers
- Manufacturers of defective pool equipment or aquatic features
- Homeowners’ associations responsible for community pools
Identifying the liable parties — and proving their negligence — requires highly specialized knowledge of aquatic safety and premises liability law. Our firm knows how to build these cases.
Do I Have a Case?
If your loved one drowned — or suffered catastrophic injury — in any aquatic setting, it is worth speaking with a lawyer. You may have a viable case if:
- The drowning occurred at a public or commercial property (hotel, apartment, water park, camp, cruise, etc.)
- The pool or aquatic area was improperly maintained, unsecured, or lacked proper safety features
- There was inadequate supervision (including no lifeguard or improperly trained staff)
- Safety rules or regulations were violated
- There was a delay in emergency response that contributed to harm
- A product defect (such as a pool drain or aquatic equipment) contributed to the incident
Even if you’re unsure exactly what happened — that’s normal. Many families don’t have all the facts at first. That’s why it’s critical to have experienced drowning accident attorneys conduct a thorough investigation.
Compensation in California Drowning Accident Cases
Survivors and families may be entitled to substantial compensation, including:
- Medical bills (emergency treatment, ICU, rehabilitation)
- Future care for brain injuries or disabilities
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of income or earning capacity
- Wrongful death damages, including funeral costs and loss of companionship
- Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)
Because we handle catastrophic injury and death cases nationwide, we know how to assess the long-term impact of drowning injuries and demand compensation that truly reflects the harm done.
Why Acting Quickly Is So Important
In drowning cases, evidence can disappear quickly:
- Surveillance footage may be erased
- Witness memories fade
- Maintenance records can be altered or withheld
- Physical conditions at the pool or facility may change
The sooner our team can get involved, the stronger your case will be. We take immediate action to preserve evidence, secure expert analysis, and protect your family’s right to justice.
Call For a FREE Consultation: (800) 349-0000
At The Doan Law Firm, we don’t just take on drowning cases — we set the standard for how they should be handled. If your family is reeling from a drowning tragedy or a life-altering aquatic injury, you don’t have to navigate this alone.
Call us at (800) 349-0000 or contact us online for a FREE and confidential consultation. We serve clients across California and the nation.
-
Hear From Our Clients -
Get To Know Us
-
Client Successes
-
Stay In The Know
