From backyard pools to community swim centers, Lafayette offers many ways to enjoy the water. But with that enjoyment comes risk. Swimming pool and drowning accidents can cause devastating injuries, especially for children, and may even result in fatalities. When negligence plays a role, families deserve answers and accountability.
At Dudley DeBosier, our experienced Lafayette personal injury attorneys understand the lasting impact of drowning and near-drowning events. We can review your case, explain your legal options, and fight to protect your rights.
Common Causes of Swimming and Drowning Accidents
Swimming pool accidents are rarely “just accidents.” They often occur because someone failed to meet their duty of care, a legal responsibility to take reasonable steps to prevent harm to others. A pool owner, for example, has a duty of care to maintain safe conditions, provide barriers or fencing, and warn guests of hazards.
When that duty is broken, it may be considered negligence. In legal terms, negligence occurs when a person or entity fails to act with the same level of care that a reasonably cautious person would in the same situation, and that failure results in injury. Examples of negligent acts include:
- Inadequate supervision by lifeguards or staff
- Defective or missing safety equipment
- Poorly maintained facilities, such as slippery decks or broken ladders
- Lack of fencing or barriers around residential pools
- Improper water treatment that causes illness or injury
- Alcohol use at parties or gatherings near pools
If an apartment complex fails to repair a broken pool gate and a child is injured after gaining access, the complex may be held liable for negligence. And when negligence is involved, victims may be entitled to pursue compensation for their losses.
Common Injuries from Pool and Drowning Incidents
Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death for children, and the top cause for children ages 4 and under, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But even near-drowning events can leave survivors with lifelong medical challenges. Injuries may include:
- Brain damage from oxygen deprivation
- Spinal cord injuries from diving into shallow water
- Broken bones or cuts from pool equipment or unsafe decks
- Respiratory issues from inhaling water or chemicals
- Long-term psychological trauma, especially in children
Between 2020 and 2022, 63 children under 14 died from drowning in Louisiana, underscoring the need for proper safety staffing and supervision.
Lafayette’s Pools and Swimming Spots
Lafayette residents have access to a wide variety of places to swim. For example, Lafayette PARC Pool is a community pool managed by Lafayette Consolidated Government, offering recreational swimming and swim lessons. In addition to public facilities, private pools in apartment complexes, hotels, and backyards are common throughout Lafayette.
While these facilities are a source of fun and recreation, they can also be sites of serious accidents if safety rules aren’t followed. Many drowning and near-drowning incidents occur in residential settings where proper supervision or safety barriers are missing.
Liability in Swimming and Drowning Accidents
Determining liability depends on where and how the accident happened. Potentially responsible parties include:
- Pool owners for failing to maintain safe conditions or provide required barriers
- Schools or universities for inadequate supervision during practices or events
- Apartment complexes and hotels for unsafe or unsupervised pool areas
- Equipment manufacturers if defective drains, slides, or ladders contributed to the injury
- Event hosts for failing to monitor alcohol use or child supervision during private gatherings
Because each case is unique, it’s important to consult an attorney familiar with Louisiana premises liability and wrongful death laws. The team at Dudley DeBosier is experienced with these types of cases and understands state law inside and out. When you trust us with your case, we can help you navigate the legal process to secure maximum compensation.
What to Do After a Swimming or Drowning Accident
If a drowning or pool accident occurs, taking quick action with these steps can save lives and strengthen a future claim:
- Call 911 immediately and seek emergency medical care.
- Report the incident to the pool owner, facility staff, and Lafayette police.
- Gather witness names, photos, and details of the scene.
- Preserve medical records and documentation.
- Contact an attorney before speaking with insurers.
Insurance companies representing pool owners, apartment complexes, or recreation facilities are focused on minimizing payouts. By consulting with an attorney first, you’ll have someone on your side who understands Louisiana liability law and can handle communications for you. This helps protect your rights, ensures your injuries are properly documented, and gives you the best chance at recovering fair compensation.
Local Support Resources in Lafayette
Families impacted by swimming accidents may benefit from local healthcare and community support:
- Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center: Provides emergency and trauma care
- Families Helping Families of Acadiana: Offers support and advocacy for individuals with disabilities
- City of Lafayette Aquatics: Promotes water safety and education in the community
Dudley DeBosier can connect you with these and other helpful resources in and around Lafayette.
Call Dudley DeBosier in Lafayette for Help
Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers has experience handling complex injury cases across Lafayette, including those involving water-related accidents. Let us take the burden off your shoulders by investigating the cause of the incident, identifying negligent parties, and working with medical experts to evaluate your long-term needs. That includes pursing compensation for medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a Lafayette swimming or drowning accident, don’t face the aftermath alone. We know how difficult these cases are for families, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Our No Fee Guarantee® means you pay us nothing—no fees, costs, or expenses—unless we get you money. Contact us today for a free case review.
