Shreveport summers are hot, and families often head to pools, lakes, and waterparks to cool off. While these activities are fun, they also carry risk. Swimming and drowning accidents can cause devastating injuries or death, especially when safety rules aren’t followed.
At Dudley DeBosier, our Shreveport personal injury attorneys know how overwhelming these situations can be. We’re here to guide you through the legal process and fight for your right to compensation.
Common Causes of Swimming and Drowning Accidents
Swimming pool and water-related accidents are often the result of negligence. In legal terms, negligence means a person or entity failed to meet their duty of care, the responsibility to act reasonably to prevent harm. When that duty is broken and injuries result, the party may be held liable.
Examples of negligence in swimming accidents include:
- Inadequate supervision by lifeguards or staff
- Lack of fencing or gates around residential pools
- Slippery or broken pool decks
- Defective or missing safety equipment
- Improper chemical treatment of pool water
- Alcohol use or unsafe behavior at gatherings
For instance, if a hotel fails to provide lifeguards during peak hours and a guest drowns, the hotel may be found negligent for not upholding its duty of care.
Common Injuries From Swimming and Drowning Incidents
Drowning is one of the leading causes of unintentional death for children, and the top cause of death for children ages 4 and under, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, even non-fatal drowning incidents can have lifelong consequences:
- Brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen
- Spinal cord injuries from diving into shallow water
- Cuts, bruises, or broken bones from unsafe pools
- Respiratory problems from inhaling water or chemicals
- Emotional trauma, especially for young survivors
For more details about the potential consequences of non-fatal accidents, see our blog on the most common swimming pool injuries.
Shreveport’s Pools and Popular Swimming Spots
Residents and visitors in Shreveport have many places to swim, from public pools to natural waterways. Each one carries its own unique safety risks, and caution must always be taken.
- Shreveport City Pools: Operated by Shreveport Public Assembly and Recreation, these neighborhood pools serve families across the city.
- Southern Hills Park and Community Center Pool: A popular public pool that often draws large crowds in summer.
- Splash Kingdom Waterpark: A private waterpark offering slides and attractions, where lifeguard vigilance is essential.
- Cross Lake: A well-known local destination for boating, swimming, and fishing, but also the site of multiple water rescues over the years after swimmers encountered strong currents and unsafe boating practices.
Liability in Swimming and Drowning Accidents
Determining who is responsible can be complex. Liable parties may include:
- Private pool owners for unsafe conditions or missing barriers
- Hotels, apartments, or community associations for failing to provide adequate supervision or maintenance
- Cities or municipalities for negligent staffing at public pools
- Waterpark operators, if lifeguards or staff fail to monitor guests properly
- Manufacturers for defective drains, slides, or flotation devices
Because some claims may involve government entities, strict deadlines may apply for filing notice of a claim. Dudley DeBosier’s team has years of experience handling these types of cases and a deep understanding of the law. We can help you meet each deadline and file your claim on time with the correct documentation.
What to Do After a Swimming or Drowning Accident
For the strength of your claim, it’s important to take the following steps if you or a loved one is hurt in a water-related accident:
- Call 911 and seek immediate medical care.
- Report the incident to pool staff, property owners, or law enforcement.
- Gather names of witnesses and take photos of the scene, if possible.
- Keep medical bills and records.
- Contact an attorney before dealing with insurers.
Insurance companies will employ various tactics to pay out as little compensation as possible. Those tactics might include asking leading questions that can be used to downplay your injuries, pushing for a quick settlement before the full extent of your medical costs is known, requesting statements that may be taken out of context, or arguing the accident was your fault.
We’ve seen all these tactics and know how to counter them. That’s why it’s important to contact us before speaking with an insurance company so we can fight on your behalf.
Local Medical and Support Resources
If you’ve been impacted by a water-related accident in Shreveport, these resources may help:
- Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport: Provides emergency and trauma care
- Willis-Knighton Health System: Offers rehabilitation and long-term treatment
- Families Helping Families Region 7: Provides advocacy and support for people with disabilities
Our law firm can help connect you with these resources and other helpful services when you work with us.
How Dudley DeBosier Supports You
We know that swimming and drowning accidents change lives in an instant. We’re dedicated to helping families in Shreveport get the answers and support they need. Our team can:
- Investigate the cause of the accident
- Identify all negligent parties
- Work with medical experts to evaluate long-term care needs
- Pursue compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and emotional trauma
If you or a loved one has been injured in a swimming or drowning accident in Shreveport, don’t wait to get help. Our experienced attorneys can guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free case review.
