After a close call with a drowning accident, it is possible to develop serious complications due to water in the lungs. You or your loved one might feel fine, but a condition known as secondary drowning is a risk. If you or a loved one suffers from health complications after a partial drowning accident caused by another party’s negligence, you could file a premises liability claim to seek compensation for your injuries and other losses.
At Allen Law, our experienced personal injury lawyer in Charleston could provide the knowledgeable counsel you need in partial drowning accidents. Contact us at (843) 882-5005 to discuss the accident.
What Are the Causes of Partial Drowning?
Partial drowning is not the same as drowning. When a person drowns, they cannot breathe because due to being submerged in liquid. If it leads to death, it is a drowning. If a person survives, it is considered partial drowning. Some of the most common causes of partial drowning include:
- Swimming pool accidents
- Boating accidents
- Inability to swim
- Alcohol consumption
- Inadequate supervision
- The use of prescription medications
Supervision is especially important when it comes to children. Accidents can happen quickly, and children do not have the core strength to remain afloat. Whether they are in a swimming pool, bathtub, pond, or any other container with water, it is important to ensure they have adequate supervision.
Adults who would like to go for a swim should avoid consuming alcohol since this is a major contributing factor to cases of partial drowning. Consuming alcohol affects coordination, judgment, reaction time, and makes you less inhibited, which could lead to high-risk behavior.
What Are the Symptoms of Partial Drowning?
The symptoms of partial drowning do not always become immediately apparent. Although they begin developing a few hours after the accident, you may not feel anything for one to two days. Some of the most common symptoms of partial drowning include:
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain
- Changes in mood
- Coughing
- Fatigue
If you were in a near-drowning accident, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible, regardless of whether you are experiencing any symptoms. If left untreated, partial drowning could be fatal. In non-fatal cases, partial drowning could result in cognitive impairment, seizures, neurological damage, coma, or brain death.
Many forms of treatment may be necessary in cases of partial drowning, based on the healthcare provider’s assessment of the severity of the condition. The condition may be treated with antibiotics, oxygen, or diuretics. If the condition is very serious, the treatment may require breathing assistance.
How to Prevent Partial Drownings
There are many steps to take that could prevent partial drownings. If you own a pool, it is imperative to install proper fencing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that pool fencing be at least four feet high and fully enclose the pool. You should also remove toys from the area whenever the pool is not being used. Other steps you could take to prevent partial drownings include:
- You should always provide adequate supervision during water activities.
- Adults supervising children should not consume alcohol or drugs as it affects the ability to focus and react.
- Learning CPR could save a life, so consider taking a training course.
- If you are on medication, review their side effects. Anything that affects your judgment or coordination could put you at risk for a partial drowning accident.
Property owners should take all the proper precautions to prevent partial drownings. A partial drowning result in serious injuries or death, and property owners can be held liable in a premises liability case, due to negligent behavior.
Discuss Your Partial Drowning Case with a Premises Liability Lawyer in Charleston
If you were injured in a partial drowning, Allen Law could provide the skilled legal counsel you need to navigate your claim. Our Charleston drowning injury attorney has more than 10 years of legal and trial experience and is committed to representing the wrongfully injured. Call us today at (843) 882-5005 to schedule a free initial consultation.