The risk of drowning increases during the summer months. The common settings in which a drowning occur and widely believed misconceptions about drowning should be known by Georgia residents. They should also know that if a drowning results from the negligence of a property owner, he or she can be held liable for the accident.
Being a good swimmer does not eliminate someone from drowning. Anyone who is incapacitated due illness or alcohol consumption can become susceptible to drowning. Also, anyone who misjudges the strength of the water or miscalculates their own swimming ability is also at risk for drowning.
Another common misconception about drowning is that those who are drowning will be able to draw attention to themselves. In reality, victims of drowning, particularly children or older adults with medical conditions are quietly engulfed by the water before drowning.
Although children are more prone to drowning, adults drown consistently more than children each year. The scenarios in which an adult drowns commonly occur are those that involve alcohol. Instances of children drowning often occur in the presence of adults who are distracted by cell phones or reading materials.
Individuals can be held liable if a drowning occurs on their property. Owners of private or public property have a duty to ensure that their property is safe for visitors, whether the property is residential or commercial. If someone drowns in a swimming pool, the owner of that swimming pool can be sued for financial and non-financial losses sustained by the victim's family.
Property owners are responsible for keeping their properties reasonably safe for visitors. If a drowning occurs, a personal injury attorney may be able to advise a client of which legal remedies can be pursued.