Common Causes of Drowning and Near-Drowning Accidents

While many drowning incidents are accidental, most can be traced to negligence or unsafe conditions. Common causes in San Diego include:

• Unsupervised swimming pools with inadequate fencing or broken gates.

• Negligent property owners who fail to maintain safe pool areas — learn more from our San Diego premises liability lawyer page.

• Boating accidents involving reckless operation, alcohol, or defective equipment — handled by our San Diego boating accident attorneys.

• Unsafe hotel or apartment pools lacking proper lifeguards or warning signs.

• Public pool negligence caused by poor maintenance or inadequate supervision.

• Defective pool equipment such as malfunctioning filters or suction drains that trap swimmers.

Even brief submersion can lead to severe oxygen deprivation, resulting in lifelong injuries or death.

Common Drowning-Related Injuries

Not all drowning incidents result in death. Many survivors suffer long-term complications that require extensive medical treatment. These may include:

• Brain damage from oxygen deprivation

• Spinal cord injuries caused by diving or impact — see our San Diego spinal cord injury lawyer page for related cases

• Lung damage or aspiration injuries

• Cardiac arrest or respiratory failure

• Cognitive impairment and memory loss

• Emotional trauma and post-traumatic stress

Our firm works with neurologists, pulmonologists, and rehabilitation experts to build strong medical evidence that supports full financial recovery.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Drowning Accident

Drowning accidents often involve multiple responsible parties. Depending on where and how the incident occurred, liability may fall on:

• Property owners or landlords for unsafe pools or lack of supervision.

• Resorts, hotels, or gyms that fail to follow safety codes or lifeguard standards.

• Boat operators or rental companies for negligent or intoxicated driving.

• Manufacturers of defective safety equipment, flotation devices, or pool components.

• Municipal entities overseeing unsafe public pools or beaches.

When drowning results in death, our San Diego wrongful death lawyers help families pursue justice and compensation for their loss.

Compensation Available for Drowning Accident Victims

Victims and their families may be entitled to recover damages for:

• Medical expenses and rehabilitation

• Lost wages and future earning potential

• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress

• Permanent disability or brain injury care

• Funeral and burial costs (for fatal cases)

• Loss of companionship or parental guidance

We calculate both immediate and long-term losses to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve under California law.

If your case involved watercraft or maritime factors, visit our San Diego boating accident attorney page to understand how those claims are handled.

What to Do After a Drowning or Near-Drowning Incident

1. Seek medical care immediately. Even short oxygen deprivation can cause brain injury.

2. Document the scene. Take photos or videos of the pool, signage, or boat conditions.

3. Report the incident. Notify property owners, law enforcement, or facility managers.

4. Gather witness information. Collect names and contact details of anyone present.

5. Contact an attorney quickly. Evidence can disappear fast, especially in public or private facilities.

A San Diego personal injury lawyer can guide you through the process and ensure your claim is filed within California’s two-year statute of limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drowning Accidents in San Diego

Can I file a lawsuit if a loved one drowned in a private pool?
Yes. Property owners can be held liable for unsafe pool conditions, lack of supervision, or violations of safety codes.

What if the drowning occurred at a public beach or park?
Claims involving public entities must be filed quickly — sometimes within six months. Our firm can help you meet those deadlines.

What compensation can be recovered in a fatal drowning case?
Families may seek damages for funeral costs, loss of companionship, lost income, and emotional distress through a wrongful death claim.

Who investigates drowning accidents?
Depending on where it happened, investigations may involve local police, the Coast Guard, or private investigators working with your attorney.

What if the victim survived but has brain damage?
Near-drowning cases can involve lifelong care needs. We work with medical experts to calculate long-term costs and fight for full recovery.

Speak With a San Diego Drowning Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one suffered a drowning or near-drowning injury, you don’t have to face it alone. At Gomez Trial Attorneys, we combine compassionate representation with proven trial results to help victims and families across San Diego rebuild their lives.

Call (866) 395-6792 or contact us online for a Free Consultation — No Fees Unless We Win.