California Water Park Drowning Lawyer

Standing Up for Victims & Families After Water Park Drownings in California

Water parks promise fun and excitement — but when safety is neglected, they can become sites of catastrophic injury or death. If you or someone you love suffered harm in a California water park drowning or near-drowning, The Doan Law Firm is here to help.

Our firm is one of the few in the nation focused on drowning and aquatic injury litigation. Led by Jimmy Doan, a former drowning investigator and nationally recognized trial lawyer, we represent clients in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases arising from water park incidents across California and the U.S.

We have recovered billions of dollars for victims nationwide — and we know how to hold major corporations and park operators accountable. Call (800) 349-0000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.

Proven Results for Drowning Victims & Families

The Doan Law Firm has built a record of success in drowning and aquatic accident litigation and recovered billions in verdicts and settlements for clients. Some of our results include: 

• $102 million – Confidential aquatic accident
• $25 million – Drowning death
• $5.5 million – Drowning death
• $4 million – Drowning death

We’ve also earned the respect of clients and colleagues across the country, including many who turn to us for help with their most complex cases. We’re known for delivering results and exceptional client experiences: 

"I could not thank them enough."

I love that they always answered my text even on weekends.  – Former Client

"They went above and beyond for me"

They are extremely professional and knowledgeable in what they do. – Former Client

"I received AAA+ care from The Doan Law Firm team."

I am glad to have had Jimmy Doan on my side. – Former Client

See more of what our clients have to say.

Why Families Trust The Doan Law Firm with Water Park Drowning Cases

Water park drowning cases are uniquely complex. They involve corporate defendants, multiple contractors, high-volume operations, and specialized safety regulations — requiring legal experience few personal injury firms possess.

Families turn to The Doan Law Firm because:

• We are national leaders in drowning and aquatic injury litigation.
• Attorney Jimmy Doan is a former drowning investigator, nationally recognized expert, holder of 12+ aquatic safety certifications, and President of Pool Guardians, where he personally trains hundreds of lifeguards each year.
• Our team is trusted by other firms nationwide for consultation on complex drowning cases.
• We routinely take on major corporate defendants — water park chains, insurers, private equity-backed operators — and fight to win.
• We deliver personalized, one-on-one attention — because these are deeply personal cases.

Water Park Drowning & Near-Drowning Cases We Handle

We represent clients across California in serious and fatal drowning cases at all types of water park attractions, including:

• Wave pool drownings
• Lazy river incidents
• Water slide injuries and drownings
• Children lost or unsupervised in large crowd areas
• Shallow water blackout incidents
• Pool and attraction drain entrapment
• Overcrowding-related accidents
• Lifeguard negligence and inadequate supervision
• Defective ride design or maintenance issues
• Wrongful death and catastrophic brain injury cases

We handle claims involving both major California water parks — including Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, Raging Waters, Great Wolf Lodge, Knott’s Soak City, and others — as well as regional and smaller water parks throughout the state.

How Liability Works in Water Park Drowning Cases

Water parks in California are commercial enterprises subject to heightened duties of care under state law. They must adhere to strict safety protocols, provide adequate supervision, and maintain their premises and attractions to prevent foreseeable harm.

Common causes of liability in water park drowning cases include:

• Inadequate lifeguard staffing or supervision
• Failure to properly train and certify staff
• Overcrowding of pools or attractions
• Failure to enforce height, weight, or swimming ability restrictions
• Negligent design of attractions (wave pools, lazy rivers, slides)
• Failure to provide appropriate barriers, signage, or warnings
• Delayed emergency response
• Negligent maintenance of equipment and water clarity

Our firm works with forensic experts, aquatic safety consultants, and engineers to analyze every aspect of the incident — from staffing logs to ride design — to uncover what went wrong and who is responsible.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Water Park Accident?

Water park drowning cases often involve multiple layers of liability. Potential responsible parties may include:

• Water park owners and corporate operators (often national or international chains)
• Property management companies
• Third-party staffing companies providing lifeguards
• Ride or attraction designers and manufacturers
• Maintenance contractors
• Event organizers (if drowning occurred during a special event or private function)

Proving liability in these cases requires deep familiarity with California premises liability law, aquatic industry standards, and corporate risk management practices — which is why families turn to our firm.

Do I Have a Case?

You may have a viable water park drowning claim if:

• The drowning occurred at a commercial water park or aquatic attraction.
• The area was overcrowded or improperly supervised.
• Lifeguards were missing, distracted, or inadequately trained.
• Safety rules or protocols were not followed.
• Ride or attraction design defects contributed to the incident.
• There was a delay in emergency response.
• The victim was a child lost or unsupervised in a large crowd.
• A product defect (such as pool drain or equipment failure) contributed to the harm.

Even if you don’t yet know all the facts — that’s normal. Many families are left in the dark after these incidents. Our job is to uncover the truth and advise you of your legal options.

Compensation in Water Park Drowning Cases

Survivors and families may be entitled to significant compensation, including:

• Medical expenses (emergency care, ICU, rehabilitation)
• Future medical needs for brain injuries or disabilities
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of income or earning capacity
• Wrongful death damages (funeral costs, loss of companionship)
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

Water park drowning cases often involve large corporate defendants with substantial insurance coverage — but they fight hard to protect their bottom line. We know how to level the playing field.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for California Water Park Drowning Cases?

If you are considering legal action after a water park drowning or near-drowning in California, it’s important to understand that the law gives you only a limited amount of time to file a claim.

In most cases, the statute of limitations for personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits in California is:

• Two years from the date of injury or death.

However, there are exceptions. For example:

• If the drowning victim was a minor child, the deadline may be extended.
• If the drowning involved a publicly owned water park or municipal facility, government claim procedures and shorter deadlines may apply (as little as six months to file an administrative claim).

Missing the applicable deadline can result in losing your right to pursue compensation — no matter how strong your case may be. Acting sooner rather than later can also help you and your legal team improve your chances of preserving critical evidence and building the strongest possible claim.

Call For a FREE Consultation: (800) 349-0000

At The Doan Law Firm, we bring unmatched experience and determination to water park drowning cases in California and nationwide. If your family is facing this kind of tragedy, you don’t have to face it alone.

Call (800) 349-0000 or contact us online for a FREE and confidential consultation. We represent clients across California and the U.S.