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A day on the water should end with laughter, not tragedy. When a drowning accident strikes, families in New Orleans can feel lost and overwhelmed.
At Shlosman Law Firm, we step in to lift that burden, giving you space to grieve while we handle the legal fight. Our goal is simple: hold careless parties responsible and help you recover the money you need to move forward.
Legal Aspects of Drowning Accident Claims
Drowning cases rely on proving that another person or company failed to act with reasonable care. Four elements must be shown in court, and each one matters:
- Duty of care, the defendant had an obligation to keep swimmers or guests safe.
- Breach, that duty was broken through careless acts or unsafe conditions.
- Causation, the breach directly led to the drowning incident.
- The family suffered losses such as medical bills, lost income, and emotional harm.
Negligence often surfaces when pool gates remain unlocked, lifeguards look away, or safety rules are ignored. Louisiana premises liability law states that owners must fix hazards they know about or should have known about. When they do not, we use those rules to hold them to account.
How Shlosman Law Firm Can Help
Every drowning story is different, so we adapt our approach to match the facts at hand. Across the U.S., over 4,500 people died due to drowning each year from 2020–2022, which is 500 more per year compared to 2019
Below is a closer look at what we do for our clients.
Comprehensive Case Investigation
We start by gathering every available record. Police reports, 911 calls, pool maintenance logs, and camera footage all play a part. Talking with eyewitnesses quickly preserves memories that might fade with time.
Identifying Liable Parties
Our team looks past the obvious defendant. Homeowners, property managers, event organizers, and even equipment makers may share blame. Spotting every source of recovery helps raise the total award, which can be vital when medical care or funeral costs run high.
Seeking Fair Compensation
Money cannot replace a loved one, yet it can ease heavy expenses. We pursue payment for hospital bills, burial costs, lost income, and the deep pain that follows a sudden loss. For survivors of near-drowning events, we fight for future therapy and long-term care as well.
Litigation and Trial Representation
Many cases settle, but we prepare each file as if a jury will hear it. This mindset shows insurers we mean business. If talks stall, we are ready to present a clear story in court and ask jurors for a full verdict.
Locations Where Drowning Accidents Occur
Drownings can happen in almost any body of water, yet some spots pose higher danger. Common trouble areas include private backyard pools, hotel pools, water parks, and natural sites such as lakes or rivers along the Gulf Coast.
| Location | Frequent Risks | Possible Responsible Party |
| Residential Pools | Missing fences, broken latches, no alarms | Homeowner, landlord |
| Hotel or Resort Pools | Untrained lifeguards, overcrowding, slippery decks | Property owner, management company |
| Public Pools & Parks | Limited lifeguard coverage, faulty drains, and poor signage | City agency, maintenance contractor |
| Lakes & Rivers | Strong currents, lack of warning buoys, and no life-jacket rules | Government entity, event sponsor |
Whether the accident happened in a quiet backyard or a busy tourist spot, we examine the setting, safety features, and supervision to pinpoint where the breakdown occurred.
Louisiana Drowning Statistics
2020-2022: 63 children drowned in Louisiana (Louisiana Department of Health, Drowning Infographic 2024).
- 52% drowned without adult supervision.
- 37% occurred in swimming pools.
- 24% occurred in natural water.
- 24% occurred in areas without protective barriers.
According to the Louisiana Department of Health, the overwhelming majority of child drownings are linked to preventable factors. A lack of supervision is implicated in over half of these tragic incidents (52%), underscoring the critical need for constant adult vigilance around water.
Additionally, nearly half of child drownings (49%) involve an inability to swim, highlighting the importance of formal swim education. Finally, the absence of proper barriers, such as fences around pools, contributes significantly to these fatalities, being a factor in 38% of cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Families often reach out with pressing questions. Here are brief answers to the ones we hear most.
What factors determine the value of a drowning accident case?
The amount depends on the victim’s age, income potential, medical costs, funeral expenses, and the emotional loss felt by close relatives. We add these numbers, review future financial impact, and pursue a total that reflects the full harm.
How can I establish negligence in a drowning accident?
You must show duty, breach, causation, and damages. Evidence like safety code violations, eyewitness stories, and expert opinions on pool design often proves that point. We gather and organize this material so your claim is solid.
What is the time limit for filing a drowning accident claim in Louisiana?
Most wrongful death or injury claims carry a one-year prescriptive period in Louisiana. Waiting too long can block recovery. Contact us quickly so we can meet every filing deadline and preserve your rights.
Contact Shlosman Law Firm for Assistance
Healing after a drowning event can feel impossible. You do not have to carry that weight alone. Feel free to call us at 504-826-9427 or visit our contact page anytime to set up a free case consultation.
We listen first, then act, standing beside you from the first paperwork to the final resolution. Let us help you reclaim control and start rebuilding today.