Bossier City Drowning Accident Lawyer

Compassionate Legal Help for Tragic Drowning Incidents in Bossier City, LA

When a drowning accident occurs, the emotional and physical toll on victims and their families can be devastating. Whether it results in a fatality or severe injury, the consequences are often life-changing. If your loved one has suffered or passed away due to a drowning caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation. At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, our experienced Bossier City drowning accident attorney is here to help you navigate this painful time and pursue justice on your behalf.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a drowning accident, contacting Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law can bring peace of mind. 

What is a Drowning Accident?

A drowning accident occurs when an individual is submerged in water and suffers injury or death due to being unable to breathe. These accidents can be fatal, or they can leave survivors with severe, long-term injuries such as brain damage, lung injuries, or permanent disability due to oxygen deprivation.

Drowning isn’t limited to swimming pools—it can happen in lakes, rivers, bathtubs, hot tubs, and even shallow water if circumstances permit. Children are especially vulnerable, but adults and elderly individuals can also fall victim to drowning due to unsafe environments or lack of supervision.

Under Louisiana law, if a drowning occurs due to another party’s negligence—such as a property owner, business, or caretaker—that party may be held financially and legally responsible.

Common Causes of Drowning Accidents

Drowning accidents often result from a combination of preventable factors. Some of the most common causes we see in Bossier City include:

• Lack of Supervision: Particularly with children, inadequate monitoring at pools, lakes, or public swim areas can lead to tragic accidents.
• Defective Pool Equipment: Malfunctioning drains, broken ladders, or faulty pool gates can create dangerous conditions.
• Inadequate Fencing or Barriers: Property owners are required to install proper safety barriers to prevent unauthorized access to pools.
• Overcrowded Swimming Areas: Without sufficient lifeguards or crowd control, accidents can go unnoticed until it’s too late.
• Alcohol or Drug Use: Impairment increases the risk of drowning, especially on boats or around open water.
• Boating Accidents: Unsafe boating practices, lack of life jackets, or operator inattention can result in drownings on lakes and rivers.
• Poor Maintenance of Public Pools or Facilities: Slippery surfaces, poor lighting, and unsafe pool design can contribute to injuries and drownings.

If any of these factors contributed to a drowning involving your loved one, our team at Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law can investigate the circumstances and help you file a legal claim.

Where Do Drowning Accidents Occur?

Bossier City is surrounded by bodies of water and recreational areas that attract families and individuals throughout the year. Unfortunately, some of these locations can become hazardous when not properly maintained or supervised. Common places where drowning accidents occur include:

• Residential Swimming Pools
• Apartment Complex Pools
• Hotels and Motels with Pools or Hot Tubs
• Public Pools and Water Parks
• Lakes and Rivers
• Private or Commercial Boating Excursions
• Daycare Centers and Schools with Aquatic Activities
• Bathtubs or Showers in Assisted Living Facilities

Each of these settings may involve different legal responsibilities, and determining liability requires a detailed legal assessment. At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, our Bossier City drowning accident lawyer can identify who may be responsible for the accident and hold them accountable.

Who is Liable for a Drowning Accident?

Liability in a drowning accident can fall on various parties, depending on where and how the incident occurred. In Louisiana, potential liable parties may include:

• Property Owners: Under premises liability law, property owners must ensure a safe environment for guests. Failure to secure a pool or provide proper signage may constitute negligence.
• Lifeguards or Supervisors: Lifeguards who fail to act appropriately, or staff at camps and schools who neglect their duty, may be liable.
• Pool Maintenance Companies: Companies responsible for maintaining safe water quality and equipment can be held accountable if their negligence contributed to the accident.
• Product Manufacturers: If defective flotation devices, drain covers, or pool barriers played a role, the manufacturer could be held responsible.
• Boat Operators or Rental Companies: When boating accidents lead to drowning, the operator or rental agency may bear liability if safety rules were ignored.

Every case is unique, and multiple parties can be liable in the same incident. We conduct thorough investigations, gather evidence, consult experts, and aggressively pursue compensation for your loss.

Drowning Accident Claim FAQs

Can I file a wrongful death lawsuit for a drowning?

Yes. If your family member died due to a drowning caused by someone else’s negligence, Louisiana law allows you to pursue a wrongful death claim. This can provide compensation for funeral costs, lost income, and emotional suffering.

What damages can I recover in a drowning accident claim?

Depending on the case, victims or their families may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Funeral expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages and future income
• Loss of companionship

What if the victim survived but suffered brain damage?

You can file a personal injury claim for ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, loss of earning potential, and pain and suffering. These claims can be complex, but we are prepared to help you build a strong case.

How long do I have to file a claim?

In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases is generally one year from the date of the incident. Acting quickly is crucial to preserve your legal rights.

Speak With a Bossier City Drowning Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been impacted by a drowning accident in Bossier City, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, we bring compassion, skill, and determination to every case we handle. Our legal team will investigate your claim, determine liability, and fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves.

For a caring and knowledgeable legal partner, call us at (318) 633-0186 today.