Drowning

Being at the pool is one of America’s favorite pastimes in the summer. In many parts of the country, the heat is too excruciating not to be in the water. From elaborate water parks to the neighborhood pool, there are many ways to stay cool. However, when water is involved there is always the tragic possibility of drowning.

In 2005, there were 3,582 fatalities from drowning in United States according to the Centers for Disease Control. More than a quarter of drowning victims are younger than 14 years of age. If the person survives the drowning incident, they are likely to have brain damage that results in loss of basic functioning, memory, and learning. Some drowning victims are even left in a permanent vegetative state.

Males are much more likely than females to die from drowning. Four times as many males die as females die from downing each year. Drowning is the cause of death of 30% of children ages 1 through 4. While drowning deaths have declined in recent years, it still is the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children.

Minorities have a higher rate of drowning. For African Americans, it is 1.3 times the rate of the white population, and for American Indians it is 1.8 times higher. Researchers suspect factors such as access to swimming pools as well as cultural traditions contribute to the differences. Some have suggested that minorities may spend less time participating in water activities, and this may place them at a higher risk.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one has suffered from a drowning injury, you may be entitled to compensation for damages. Contact the Rhinelander personal injury lawyers of Habush Habush & Rottier, S.C., today by calling 1-800-242-2874 to schedule a free consultation.