Drowning accidents happen in seconds. A child slips into a pool. A swimmer encounters a dangerous current. A boater falls overboard. These tragic moments change families forever.
When someone drowns due to negligence, families face overwhelming grief and financial hardship. Medical bills pile up. Funeral costs mount. Lost income creates additional strain.
The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs helps families pursue justice after drowning accidents. Our attorneys understand the pain you’re experiencing. We work to hold negligent parties accountable and recover compensation for your losses.
Call (253) 588-6696 today for a free consultation. We handle drowning cases on a contingency basis—you pay nothing up front.
What Is A Drowning Accident Claim?
A drowning accident claim is a legal action against the party responsible for the drowning. These claims seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and wrongful death.
Drowning accidents often involve negligence. Property owners fail to maintain safe conditions. Lifeguards abandon their posts. Boat operators ignore safety rules. Swimming instructors provide inadequate supervision.
Washington law allows families to pursue compensation when negligence causes a drowning. The responsible party may be property owners, lifeguards, boat operators, swimming instructors, equipment manufacturers, or government agencies. Our personal injury attorneys thoroughly investigate each case. We identify all liable parties and pursue maximum compensation for your family.
Common Causes Of Drowning Accidents
Drowning accidents result from various negligent actions and unsafe conditions:
- Inadequate supervision by lifeguards or facility staff
- Unsafe pool conditions (broken drains, poor water quality, slippery surfaces)
- Boating negligence (intoxicated operators, missing life jackets, overloaded vessels)
- Lack of safety equipment (missing rescue equipment, broken defibrillators)
- Failure to warn of hazardous conditions or dangerous currents
- Inadequate training for lifeguards, staff, or boat operators
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is a leading cause of unintentional injury death, with nearly 4,000 fatal unintentional drownings annually in the United States.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Multiple parties may bear responsibility for a drowning accident in Washington.
Property Owners and Managers
Property owners and managers must maintain safe conditions, install proper fencing, hire trained lifeguards, and maintain rescue equipment. Under premises liability law, property owners have a duty to protect visitors from foreseeable hazards. Failure to maintain safe pool conditions or provide adequate supervision can result in significant liability.
Lifeguards and Facility Staff
Lifeguards and facility staff have a duty to monitor swimmers, respond quickly to emergencies, and maintain current CPR certification. When lifeguards fail to perform their duties, families may pursue wrongful death claims against both the individual and the facility. The American Red Cross establishes lifeguard training and certification standards that facilities must follow.
Boat Operators
Boat operators must follow safety regulations, provide life jackets, operate sober, and maintain their vessels properly. Boating accidents caused by operator negligence can result in drowning deaths and significant liability. The U.S. Coast Guard enforces federal boating safety regulations.
Swimming Instructors
Swimming instructors must provide adequate supervision, teach water safety, and maintain appropriate student-to-instructor ratios. Negligent instruction or inadequate supervision during lessons can lead to tragic drowning accidents. The American Swimming Coaches Association provides professional standards for swimming instruction.
Equipment Manufacturers
Equipment manufacturers can be held liable for defective life jackets, faulty pool drains, or broken rescue equipment. Product liability claims may apply when equipment defects contribute to drowning deaths.
Government Agencies
Government agencies must maintain public beaches and pools, post warning signs, and ensure proper staffing. Negligence by government entities may result in claims under Washington’s tort claims act.
Types Of Damages In Drowning Accident Cases
Families can recover several types of compensation in drowning accident cases:
- Medical expenses and emergency care costs
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost income and lost earning potential
- Pain and suffering experienced before death
- Wrongful death damages (loss of companionship, parental care, spousal relationship)
- Punitive damages in cases involving reckless or malicious conduct
Our attorneys work to maximize compensation for all recoverable damages. We understand the financial and emotional impact of losing a loved one to drowning.
Washington’s Statute Of Limitations
Time matters in drowning accident cases. Washington law sets strict deadlines for filing claims.
Under RCW 4.16.080, families have three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This deadline is firm. Missing it means losing your right to pursue compensation.
However, don’t wait until the deadline approaches. Evidence disappears. Witnesses move away. Memories fade. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better. Our attorneys begin investigating immediately. We gather evidence while it’s fresh, and interview witnesses while they remember details. We preserve crucial information for your case. Contact our Lakewood office without delay.
Washington’s Comparative Negligence Rule
Washington follows a “pure comparative negligence” system under RCW 4.22.005. This rule affects drowning accident claims significantly.
Under comparative negligence, a family member can recover compensation even if the deceased was partially at fault. However, the compensation is reduced by the deceased’s percentage of fault. If the deceased was 20% at fault, the family recovers 80% of damages.
This rule protects families. It allows recovery even when the deceased bears some responsibility. Our attorneys understand how comparative negligence applies to your case. We work to minimize any assigned fault and maximize your recovery. Understanding Washington’s comparative fault rules is essential to protecting your claim.
Why Hire The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs?
Experience With Serious Cases
The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs has handled personal injury cases since 1952. Our attorneys have 60+ years of combined experience. We understand the complexities of drowning accident claims and wrongful death cases. We have represented families throughout Washington, including in Lakewood, Tacoma, Olympia, and surrounding areas.
Proven Track Record
Our attorneys have recovered millions for injured clients and grieving families. We’ve secured settlements and verdicts in cases involving wrongful death, serious injuries, and multi-million dollar claims. View our case results and settlements to see how we’ve helped families recover compensation.
Skilled Trial Attorneys
Shawn Briggs has nearly 40 years of experience handling serious personal injury and wrongful death cases. He was named a Super Lawyer by Washington Law & Politics. The National Trial Lawyers Association recognized him as a top trial lawyer. He is a Fellow of the National College of Advocacy.
Marie Docter brings over 25 years of experience. She has handled maritime law cases, personal injury claims, and wrongful death matters. She represents clients in State and Federal courts. Both attorneys are committed to holding negligent parties accountable.
Contingency Fee Basis
We don’t ask for money up front. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. This means you can afford quality legal representation during your time of grief. Our contingency fee arrangement removes financial barriers to justice.
What To Do After A Drowning Accident
If a loved one has drowned, take these steps immediately:
- Seek immediate medical attention and call 911
- Preserve evidence and document the scene
- Gather witness information while memories are fresh
- Document all expenses (medical bills, funeral costs, lost wages)
- Contact an attorney immediately—don’t wait
- Avoid speaking with insurance companies without an attorney present
Taking these steps protects your legal rights and strengthens your potential claim. Our attorneys can guide you through this process and ensure evidence is properly preserved.
Drowning Accident Cases We Handle
The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs represents families in various drowning scenarios:
- Pool drowning accidents (public pools, private pools, hotels, community centers)
- Beach and water accidents (ocean, lake, river, waterpark)
- Boating accidents (operator negligence, missing life jackets, intoxicated operators)
- Swimming lesson accidents (inadequate supervision, improper ratios)
- Bathtub and bathroom drowning (inadequate supervision, unsafe conditions)
We handle cases throughout Washington, including Lakewood and all surrounding communities. No matter the circumstances of the drowning, we are prepared to investigate and pursue justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Is My Case Worth?
Every case is unique. The value depends on the deceased’s age, earning potential, and the circumstances of the drowning. We evaluate your case individually and discuss potential compensation. Factors include medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and damages for pain and suffering.
How Long Does A Drowning Case Take?
Some cases settle quickly. Others require litigation and trial. We work efficiently while protecting your interests. We’ll keep you informed throughout the process. The timeline depends on the complexity of liability and the willingness of defendants to negotiate fairly.
Do I Have To Go To Court?
Many cases settle before trial. However, we’re prepared to take your case to court if necessary. We have the trial experience to fight for you in front of a jury. Our attorneys have successfully litigated personal injury cases through trial.
What If I Can’t Afford An Attorney?
We work on contingency. You pay nothing up front. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you. This arrangement ensures that families can access quality legal representation regardless of financial circumstances.
Can I Recover If The Deceased Was Partially At Fault?
Yes. Washington’s comparative negligence rule allows recovery even if the deceased bore some responsibility. We work to minimize assigned fault and maximize your recovery. Our attorneys understand how to present evidence that reduces assigned fault percentages.
Contact The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs Today
Losing a loved one to drowning is devastating. You deserve justice and compensation. The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs is ready to help.
Call (253) 588-6696 for a free consultation. We’re available 24 hours a day to take your call. We serve families throughout Washington, including Lakewood, Tacoma, Olympia, Puyallup, Chehalis, Bremerton, Bellevue, Kent, Midland, Renton, Spanaway, Waller, and Federal Way.
Our attorneys will review your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal options. We’ll work hard to hold negligent parties accountable and recover the compensation your family deserves. Contact us today for your free consultation.
