HOUSTON PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY

Have You Been Injured in a Drowning Accident?

Our Houston Personal Injury Attorneys Are Here to Help You

Drowning, the leading cause of unintentional death for children between the ages of one and four and
the second leading cause for children between the ages of one and 12, is far too common in the
Houston area. The city has dozens of drowning deaths each year and many more serious injuries that
often leave survivors with severe long-term disabilities due to hypoxic-anoxic brain injuries (HAI).

While most drownings in the city of Houston occur in swimming pools, the risk is also present for
maritime professionals who work in and around the Gulf Coast. Whether the victim is a child in a
swimming pool or a professional working in shipping, offshore oil rigs or ports, drowning accidents can
have far-reaching consequences for affected individuals and families.

At the Weycer Law Firm, we know the complexities and emotional toll of drowning cases, and we are
committed to providing expert legal support and aggressively pursuing the justice and compensation
you deserve.

Drowning in Maritime Work

Maritime workers face numerous hazards daily, and drowning is one of the most severe risks. Working
on vessels, offshore rigs and docks presents unique dangers. Even the most experienced maritime
workers are not immune to accidents. Some common scenarios leading to work-related drownings
include:

• Falls Overboard: Workers can fall overboard due to slippery decks, rough seas or lack of proper
  safety gear.
• Vessel Collisions: Collisions between vessels can result in capsizing or sinking, putting crew members at risk of drowning.
• Equipment Failure: Malfunctioning or poorly maintained equipment can lead to accidents where workers end up in the water.
• Lack of Safety Training: Insufficient safety training and protocols can exacerbate the risk of drowning.

In such cases, maritime workers have specific legal protections under federal laws like the Jones Act and
the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), which provide avenues for
compensation and justice. At the Weycer Law Firm, we have extensive experience handling maritime
drowning cases and are dedicated to helping secure the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Recreational Drowning Accidents

Recreational drowning accidents, particularly involving children, are a heartbreakingly regular
occurrence every summer in the Houston area. Pools, lakes and beaches can become dangerous
environments when proper safety measures are not in place. Some common causes of recreational
drowning include:

Legal Considerations for Recreational Drowning

When a drowning accident occurs due to negligence or unsafe conditions, victims and their families
have the right to seek compensation. Property owners, including those with private pools, have a legal
obligation to make sure pools on their property are safe for visitors and are inaccessible to unattended
children. This responsibility extends even to children who may trespass thanks to Texas’ attractive
nuisance doctrine.

Attractive Nuisance and Premises Liability in Texas

The attractive nuisance doctrine holds property owners liable for injuries to children who trespass onto
their property if the injury is caused by a hazardous object or condition that is likely to attract children
and unsecured. Pools are a prime example of an attractive nuisance, and property owners must take
reasonable steps to secure them and prevent unauthorized access. This includes:

• Fencing: Installing and maintaining proper fencing around the pool area to prevent children from entering unsupervised.
• Locked Gates: Ensuring that gates leading to the pool are securely locked when not in use.
• Safety Covers: Using pool covers when the pool is not in use to prevent accidental falls into the water.
• Warning Signs: Posting clear warning signs about the dangers of the pool and the requirement for adult supervision.

If a child trespasses onto a property and is injured or drowns in the pool, the property owner may still be
held liable if it can be shown that the trespassing was foreseeable, the pool was not adequately secured
and that the owner did not take reasonable precautions to prevent such an incident.

Why Choose the Weycer Law Firm for Your Drowning Injury or Wrongful Death Case?

Navigating the legality of drowning accidents can be complex and emotionally draining. At the Weycer
Law Firm, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive legal support. Our team
will:

• Conduct Thorough Investigations: We will investigate the circumstances surrounding the drowning accident, gather evidence and identify all liable parties.
• Build a Strong Case: Our attorneys will compile evidence, consult with experts and build a compelling case to support your claim for compensation.
• Negotiate Aggressively: We will negotiate with insurance companies and other parties to help you secure fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
• Provide Personalized Support: Every member of our team understands the profound impact of drowning accidents on surviving families, which is why we offer personalized, compassionate support throughout the legal process.

Our Houston Personal Injury Attorneys Are Here to Advocate for Your Family After a Drowning
Accident

If you or a loved one has been affected by a drowning accident, whether in a maritime context or a
recreational setting, the Weycer Law Firm will go above and beyond to maximize your chance of
securing just compensation.

Contact us today for a free consultation or give us a call at (713) 668-4545.