With many restrictions still being put in place in an effort to slow the spread of the Coronavirus, more and more families have turned to a tried and true form of entertainment: swimming. Swimming pools are nothing new here in the Sunshine State, however, their increased popularity has yielded tragic results. According to the John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, child drowning accidents have increased a whopping 150 percent when compared to this time in 2018. Find out why this is and what a parent should be on the lookout for to ensure you and your family remain safe this summer season.
Summer Drowning Incidents Are Increasing
When asked about the spike in drowning incidents, Dr. Patrick Mularoni who is an emergency physician at John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital said that families’ unprecedented circumstances could play a significant role in the increase. He is quoted as saying, “with parents working from home and trying to provide that supervision of their children while working, it leads to more opportunities for children to get out of the house and to get to a pool or a body of water.”
The Coronavirus pandemic has definitely shifted the way many Americans live their lives. In an effort to slow the spread, many businesses have allowed their employees to work remotely, however, that has been compounded by the closure of schools. As a result, many parents have been forced to try and balance many significant responsibilities at the same time such as working, helping their children with remote learning and provide a source of entertainment.
Back in May, the American Academy of Pediatrics released a report that noted how caregivers may be distracted as a result of trying to juggle too many responsibilities at once. A family in California faced this very nightmare after their daughter, unbeknownst to them, wandered to the pool and almost died. The mother – Emily Friske – said that her daughter, for more than twenty minutes, wasn’t breathing and that she had to perform CPR on her until an ambulance arrived to take her to the hospital. Fortunately, the Friskes’ daughter survived and will make a full recovery.
Filing a Claim for a Swimming Pool Accident
As it stands, Florida leads the way in drowning deaths for children under the age of five. Below are the most common causes of a swimming pool accident:
- Lack of barriers around the pool
- Lack of adult supervision
- Slip and falls into the pool
- Improper drain coverage
- Lack of proper flotation devices
- Lack of CPR training
- And more
The injuries one can sustain from a swimming pool accident can vary from very minor such as a few bumps and bruises to life-changing injuries such as a head trauma. In the case of Emily Friske’s daughter, hospital staff said she may have suffered brain damage as a result of not breathing for such an extended period of time. This is because the brain needs oxygen to survive; when there is a lack of oxygen to the brain, it can result in catastrophic injuries that can severely impact an individual’s ability to live their life normally. In the worst of circumstances, it could lead to someone’s death.
If you or your child was injured in a swimming pool accident and want to file a claim, you have two years from the date of the incident to get started. However, when plagued with medical bills, missed time off work and rehabilitative care, it’s important to not delay in getting started. The team at Lawlor, White & Murphey are here to help you get started.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Swimming Pool Accident Case in Florida
Did you or a loved one sustain a serious injury as a result of a swimming pool accident in Florida? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Lawlor, White & Murphey represent clients who have been injured in a swimming pool accident in Broward, Dade, Palm Beach Counties, and throughout Florida. Call 954-525-2345 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 2211 Davie Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 as well as offices in Pembroke Pines, Weston, Coconut Creek, Pompano Beach and Plantation.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.