California Injury Blog
A 4-year-old boy nearly drowned in a Los Angeles swimming pool accident that occurred during a gathering at a Woodland Hills home. According to a CBS Los Angeles news report, the near-drowning incident happened at a home on Burbank Boulevard in Woodland Hills, the evening of May 12, 2012. Officials have not released information regarding the circumstances of the accident, how long the child was underwater, or if there was adult supervision around the pool at the time. The child was airlifted to a nearby medical center where he was listed in fair condition.
My thoughts and prayers are with this young victim and his family. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Child Drowning Accident Statistics
According to The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is a leading cause of injury or death for young children ages 1 to 4. For children between the ages of 1 and 4, swimming pools pose the greatest risk of drowning injury. Approximately 10 children receive emergency department care for non-fatal submersion injuries for every child who suffers fatal injuries from drowning in a swimming pool.
Swimming Pool Safety
Even in cases where a near drowning victim survives the accident, there is the potential for catastrophic injuries such as irreversible brain damage. During summer poolside gatherings, it is very important to take several safety precautions to prevent these types of serious or catastrophic injuries. No child should be allowed near or in a swimming pool without proper adult supervision.
Assuming a child will be safe because he or she knows how to swim or because other older children are present is a dangerous mistake. All pools should have enclosures or fencing around it. The access gate to the pool should be secured or locked. Toys or other items that can attract young children should not be left lying around the swimming pool.
Liability Issues
If a child is injured in a swimming pool accident under your watch or on your property, you could be held liable for the injuries caused. Injured victims or their families can seek compensation to cover damages such as medical expenses, hospitalization costs, pain and suffering and emotional distress. The family would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable.