A new report issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) indicates that 137 children under the age of 15 drowned in a swimming pool or spa this past summer, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The agency reports that an additional 168 children in that same age range required emergency response for near-fatal incidents involving a swimming pool or spa during that period. Fatal and near-fatal swimming pool accidents involving young children are far too common in Oklahoma and across the United States. In fact, drowning in the leading cause of unintentional death among children ages one to four. Swimming pools can be a source of recreation and fun, but they can also result in devastating or deadly accidents. If your child has suffered injuries or drowned in a swimming pool accident in Oklahoma, contact our qualified swimming pool accident attorneys at AMA Law today to explore your legal options.
PREVALENCE OF SWIMMING POOL ACCIDENTS AND DEATHS
Based on statistics from 2007-2009, an average of 390 swimming pool- or spa-related drownings occur each year for children under 15, accompanied by approximately 5,200 submersion injuries requiring treatment in an emergency department among children younger than 15. “These figures are a strong indication that child drownings are a serious public health problem,” said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum in response to the information compiled from 2012 media reports. “While summer is ending, our vigilance in ensuring that all children pool safely must not end.” One of the most concerning aspects of the drownings in summer 2012 is that 54 of the incidents occurred soon after the child left the side of an adult who was in the immediate vicinity, and 31 children drowned despite the presence of others at the pool. At least 100 of the 137 children who drowned were under the age of five.
OUR SWIMMING POOL ACCIDENT LAWYERS CAN HELP
According to CPSC data from 2007-2009, an annual average of 243 children drowned in swimming pools or spas during the summer months, which represents about 63% of the average annual drowning figures for this time period. Unfortunately, with indoor community pools, indoor waterparks, hotel pools and spas, and outdoor pools that remain open in warm-weather states, the danger of drowning for children remains a concern year-round in Oklahoma. If you lost your child in an Oklahoma swimming pool accident, our reputable swimming pool accident attorneys at AMA Law are here to help. With our knowledgeable swimming pool accident lawyers on your side, you can determine who is to be held liable in the death of your child, and you can pursue financial compensation for damages related to your loss, including funeral and burial costs. Don’t hesitate to fight for your rights; contact our skilled swimming pool accident attorneys at AMA Law today.