Drowning & Pool Accidents Lawyer - Rafaeli Law PLLC

Swimming pools are meant for enjoyment and relaxation, but negligence around them can have devastating consequences. Every year, thousands suffer from drowning, near-drowning, or pool-related injuries due to improper supervision, lack of safety barriers, or defective equipment. At Rafaeli Law PLLC, our drowning and pool accidents lawyers stand up for victims and families affected by these preventable tragedies, helping them secure justice and rightful compensation.

Understanding Drowning and Pool Accident Cases

For more insight into pool-related safety and prevention, explore the CDC Water Safety Guidelines and the National Safety Council’s Drowning Prevention Resources. You can also learn about related legal support in our Premises & Property Injuries and Wrongful Death pages.

A drowning accident lawyer handles cases where individuals are injured or killed because a property owner, pool operator, or equipment manufacturer failed to ensure safety. These incidents often stem from negligence, which can include poor maintenance, broken fences, missing warning signs, or lack of trained lifeguards.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an average of 4,000 fatal drownings and 8,000 nonfatal drownings occur in the United States each year. Children under age 15 are particularly vulnerable, and most incidents happen in residential pools.

At Rafaeli Law PLLC, we take a comprehensive approach, investigating every contributing factor, from lifeguard negligence to defective pool drains or improper chemical levels to determine liability and pursue full recovery for our clients.

Common Causes of Drowning and Pool Accidents

If your case involves negligence or unsafe property conditions, visit our Slip & Fall and Personal Injury sections for more on property-related claims.

Many pool accidents can be traced to avoidable errors or violations of safety standards. Some of the most common causes include:

Lack of Supervision: Inadequate or inattentive lifeguards often contribute to fatal and near-fatal drowning incidents.
Unsafe Barriers or Fencing: Missing or defective pool gates allow unsupervised access, especially for children.
Slippery Pool Decks: Poor surface maintenance can lead to dangerous slip and fall accidents.
Defective Equipment: Faulty pool drains or pumps can create suction hazards, leading to entrapment injuries.
Improper Chemical Balance: Contaminated or over-chlorinated water can cause respiratory issues and chemical burns.
Lack of Warning Signs: Public and private pools must clearly display depth markers and safety instructions.

Every pool drowning lawyer at Rafaeli Law understands that even a few seconds of negligence can cause lifelong harm. Our team investigates thoroughly to ensure accountability for each responsible party.

The Consequences of Drowning and Near-Drowning Incidents

Rafaeli Law’s experienced Personal Injury Attorneys have helped numerous families recover damages from devastating aquatic injuries. Learn about our successful outcomes in Case Results.

The aftermath of a drowning or near-drowning accident can be devastating. Survivors may suffer from severe brain damage, lung injury, or long-term cognitive impairment due to oxygen deprivation. Families of victims endure emotional trauma, loss of companionship, and financial strain from medical costs or funeral expenses.

According to Florida Health Department data, drowning remains one of the leading causes of death among children aged 1–4 in the state, with more than 80% of incidents occurring in residential swimming pools (Florida Health Data).

In such tragic situations, victims and families may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical expenses and rehabilitation
Lost income or loss of earning potential
Emotional pain and suffering
Funeral and burial costs
Wrongful death damages

Proving Negligence in Pool Accident Cases

To build a strong case, your drowning accident attorney must establish that negligence occurred. This often involves proving:

Duty of Care: The pool owner, operator, or facility manager had a legal responsibility to maintain safety.
Breach of Duty: Safety protocols, like fencing, signage, or supervision, were ignored or poorly maintained.
Causation: The negligent act directly caused the injury or death.
Damages: The victim suffered measurable harm or loss.

We use expert witnesses, maintenance records, and surveillance footage to prove liability and support your claim. Our lawyers also handle wrongful death lawsuits when negligence leads to a fatal accident.

Types of Pool Accident Cases We Handle

Our attorneys represent clients in all forms of swimming pool injury and drowning claims, including:

Residential Pool Accidents
Hotel and Resort Pool Negligence
Water Park Accidents
Public Pool and Spa Injuries
Diving and Scuba Accidents
Hot Tub and Jacuzzi Incidents
Lifeguard Negligence and Inadequate Supervision

Each case is unique, and liability can extend to homeowners, property management companies, municipal entities, or pool maintenance contractors.

Areas We Serve

Weston

Miami

Atlanta

Comparative Overview of Drowning and Pool Accident Cases

Location Type	Common Hazards	Typical Injuries	Key Legal Issues
Residential Pools	Missing fences, no alarms, poor supervision	Drowning, brain injury, child fatalities	Negligent homeowners, failure to follow safety codes
Hotels & Resorts	Untrained lifeguards, overcrowded pools	Near-drowning, head trauma, spinal injuries	Premises liability, lack of supervision
Public Pools	Faulty equipment, contaminated water	Chemical burns, illness, entrapment	Government or contractor negligence
Water Parks	Broken rides, poor maintenance	Fractures, drowning, water inhalation	Inadequate safety inspections, gross negligence
Apartment Complexes	Unlocked gates, dim lighting	Slips, falls, drownings	Property management negligence
Hot Tubs & Spas	Electrical faults, poor chemical balance	Burns, electrocution, infections	Product liability, negligent upkeep

This table highlights the most frequent patterns and legal considerations in drowning and pool accident cases. Each environment presents unique risks that demand accountability and prevention measures.

The Importance of Prompt Legal Action

Explore more about our firm’s mission on the About Page and see why our Community & Media initiatives focus on safety awareness and prevention.

Time is crucial after a drowning or pool injury. Evidence such as surveillance footage, maintenance logs, and witness statements can disappear quickly. Most personal injury and wrongful death claims must be filed within two years from the date of the incident.

The experienced trial lawyers at Rafaeli Law PLLC take immediate action, preserving evidence, interviewing witnesses, and working with aquatic safety experts to strengthen your claim. Our goal is to alleviate your burden while aggressively pursuing justice.

Why Choose Rafaeli Law PLLC

For trusted insight from our clients, visit our Testimonials. To stay informed, explore the latest legal updates on our Blog.

Experience That Matters: Decades of combined experience in personal injury law and premises liability cases.
Comprehensive Legal Strategy: From investigation to litigation, every case receives personalized attention.
Proven Track Record: Our personal injury attorneys have recovered substantial verdicts and settlements for victims of negligence.
Client-First Approach: We listen, act, and fight relentlessly for your family’s justice.

What Compensation Can Victims Recover?

The compensation available in drowning accident lawsuits depends on the circumstances of the case. Common recoverable damages include:

Economic Damages: Medical bills, lost income, and funeral costs.
Non-Economic Damages: Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma.
Punitive Damages: Awarded in cases involving gross negligence, such as reckless disregard for pool safety laws.

Our drowning accident lawyers have extensive experience negotiating with insurers and litigating complex injury cases to ensure full financial recovery for victims and families.

How Rafaeli Law PLLC Builds a Strong Case

Our pool accident attorneys use a methodical process to maximize results:

Investigation: We gather photos, video evidence, and incident reports.
Expert Consultation: We collaborate with aquatic safety experts and medical specialists.
Documentation: We collect maintenance records, inspection reports, and safety certifications.
Negotiation or Litigation: We fight for a fair settlement or take your case to trial if necessary.

Every step is designed to prove negligence and hold all responsible parties accountable.

Prevention and Pool Safety Awareness

While legal action helps victims recover compensation, prevention saves lives. Rafaeli Law supports public awareness of pool safety measures, including:

Installing compliant fences and pool alarms
Ensuring proper lifeguard training and presence
Maintaining correct chemical balance and clear signage
Supervising children constantly when near water

Contact a Drowning & Pool Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has suffered from a drowning or swimming pool accident, you deserve a law firm that treats your case with urgency and compassion.

Call 954-365-5639 or visit our Contact Page to schedule your free consultation. Our drowning accident attorneys at Rafaeli Law PLLC are available 24/7 to help you recover compensation and achieve justice.

Testimonials

What Our Clients Are Saying

Hear from the clients who trusted us to fight for their justice—and found peace, resolution, and results.

Rafaeli Law is top-notch! From the very first call, their team was professional, responsive, and clearly knew what they were doing. They didn’t waste any time — they moved fast, kept me informed, and went after results with real determination. You can tell they’re go-getters who truly care about their clients. If you need a law firm that’s sharp, efficient, and fights for you, I highly recommend Rafaeli Law.

Maurice M.

Kerollos A.

Can't say enough good things about Rafaeli Law. Their team is incredibly professional, responsive, and genuinely committed to helping you through every step of the process. Their attention to detail and dedication to achieving the best possible outcome truly sets them apart. If you're looking for a trustworthy, knowledgeable, and results-driven legal team, Rafaeli Law is the place to go.

Heather H.

I had a great experience with Rafaeli Law after my car accident. They were professional, responsive and always made sure I understood each step of the process. A special thank you to Jindy - she was absolutely amazing. She was kind, patient and incredibly helpful every time I had questions or concerns. I highly recommend them to anyone who needs legal help after an accident.

Lorena Z.

Rafaeli Law, not only took the time to really listen to my situation but made me feel like they truly listened so they could understand and do the best they possibly could in asserting my case. In every step of the process they communicated with me. If I ever need a lawyer in the future I will be reaching out to them and will be recommending them to my friends and family.

Vanessa C.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do after a pool accident?

Seek medical attention immediately, document the scene, report the incident, and contact a drowning accident lawyer to preserve evidence.

2. Who can be held liable for a drowning or pool injury?

Liability may include homeowners, property managers, lifeguard companies, or pool maintenance contractors.

3. Can I file a lawsuit if the victim survived a near-drowning?

Yes. Nonfatal drownings often cause severe brain or lung injuries, and victims may seek compensation for medical and emotional damages.

4. How long do I have to file a drowning accident lawsuit?

Most cases must be filed within two years. Acting quickly protects your rights and strengthens your case.

5. How much does it cost to hire a drowning accident attorney?

Rafaeli Law PLLC works on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no fees unless we win your case.

6. What evidence is most useful in a drowning case?

Photos, witness statements, maintenance logs, and video footage are key in proving negligence and liability.

7. Can pool equipment manufacturers be held liable?

Yes. If a defective drain, pump, or filtration system contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may share responsibility.

8. How do hotel or resort drownings differ legally?

Commercial properties must follow stricter safety codes. Failure to provide trained lifeguards or warnings can result in substantial liability.

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If you are facing a personal injury or insurance dispute, Rafaeli Law PLLC is here to help. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you secure the compensation you deserve.

1500 Weston Rd Suite 200, Weston, FL 33326

info@rafaelilaw.com

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