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Drowning Accidents

Buffalo Drowning Accident Lawyer

Why Choose Faraci Lange, LLP for Your Buffalo Drowning Accident Case?

At  Faraci Lange, LLP, we understand the impact that a drowning accident can have on victims and their families. With over 55 years of experience, our dedicated team of Buffalo personal injury lawyers is uniquely equipped to handle these sensitive cases. Our firm’s commitment to personalized service means we're always available to navigate clients through the legal process, offering compassionate and comprehensive support.

Our legal team is deeply familiar with how drowning incidents fit within broader premises liability cases in Buffalo. This local experience helps us anticipate and effectively counter the typical challenges that arise in drowning accident cases in this region. We take pride in maintaining open lines of communication, ensuring our clients are informed and involved at every stage. Our goal is to ease the legal journey so you can focus on recovery while we pursue the compensation you deserve.

Contact our Buffalo drowning accident attorney by calling (888) 997-4110 today!

Common Causes of Drowning Accidents

Recognizing the potential causes of drowning accidents can help in determining liability. Common factors include:

  • Lack of Supervision: Inadequate monitoring at public and private pools.
  • Poorly Maintained Facilities: Unsafe conditions and equipment failures.
  • Negligent Lifeguarding: Untrained or inattentive lifeguards.

Faraci Lange, LLP is committed to investigating these factors thoroughly to build a robust case that seeks the justice and compensation you deserve. We also explore less-obvious factors such as signage absence or inadequate pool fencing, which can significantly contribute to risks leading to accidents. By examining all angles, we ensure that no detail is overlooked in seeking accountability.

We also evaluate where the drowning occurred, whether at a private residence, an apartment complex pool, a hotel near the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, or a public facility overseen by a municipality. Different locations can involve different safety regulations, insurance coverage issues, and potentially liable parties, and understanding these distinctions is crucial in building a strong claim. Our drowning accident lawyer Buffalo team can help families make sense of these complexities so they do not have to confront property owners, insurers, or government entities on their own while they are still grieving or recovering.

Understanding Types of Drowning Accident Claims

Drowning incidents can lead to very different types of legal claims depending on the outcome of the event and the nature of the injuries involved. Some cases involve a tragic loss of life, while others concern non-fatal incidents that still cause serious harm such as brain injury, respiratory problems, or psychological trauma. Knowing which type of claim may apply to your situation can help you and your family understand what remedies might be available and what evidence is most important to preserve from the outset.

When a drowning results in death, the family may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim under New York law to seek damages related to funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. In non-fatal drowning cases, we often focus on proving the long-term effects of oxygen deprivation or other trauma, which might require input from neurologists, rehabilitation specialists, or mental health professionals. A drowning accident attorney will look closely at medical records, prognosis reports, and family testimony to explain to insurers or a jury how the incident has changed the course of the victim’s life.

There are also situations where multiple types of claims can arise from the same event, such as when a parent who was present suffers their own emotional injuries or when unsafe pool conditions violate building or safety codes. Cases involving public pools, school programs, or camps in and around Buffalo may trigger additional procedural requirements and insurance issues that need careful attention. By identifying all potential claims early, a drowning lawyer can create a strategy that takes into account every person affected and every form of harm, helping families pursue a more complete recovery rather than focusing on only one narrow aspect of the incident.

The Legal Process for Drowning Accidents in Buffalo

Handling a drowning accident case requires a comprehensive understanding of both the legal and emotional aspects involved. At Faraci Lange, LLP, we provide personalized guidance throughout the legal process, from initial consultation to trial or settlement negotiations. We prioritize keeping open lines of communication, ensuring our clients feel supported and informed every step of the way.

Our approach involves a detailed investigation phase, during which we gather evidence, consult with witnesses, and collaborate with experts such as medical professionals or safety inspectors. This thorough preparation allows us to craft a compelling narrative that highlights liability and underscores the needs of our clients. Furthermore, we're adept at navigating the Buffalo court system, using our local knowledge to advocate effectively on behalf of our clients.

As your case progresses, we handle communication with insurance companies, opposing counsel, and any third parties so you can focus on your family. We evaluate settlement offers against the full scope of your losses and provide candid advice about whether negotiation, mediation, or proceeding toward trial in Erie County Supreme Court or another Western New York venue may be in your best interest. Working with a drowning attorney allows you to rely on a structured process and clear strategy instead of trying to manage deadlines, paperwork, and legal arguments on your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do If a Drowning Accident Occurs?

If you are involved in or witness a drowning accident, immediately call emergency services. Once the situation is under control, gather information such as witness contact details and photographs of the scene. It’s crucial to contact a qualified drowning accident attorney in Buffalo as soon as possible to discuss your legal options and preserve evidence.

After emergency responders have taken over, try to note the conditions that may have contributed to the incident, such as broken gates, missing depth markers, or a lack of posted rules. You should also avoid giving detailed statements to insurance representatives for pool owners, hotels, or recreation centers until you have spoken with an attorney, because those statements can be used to limit or deny your claim. Seeking prompt medical evaluation for non-fatal drowning events is equally important, as complications may not appear immediately and accurate records help connect your injuries to the incident.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Drowning Accident?

Liability in drowning accidents can fall on various parties, including pool owners, lifeguards, or facility operators. These individuals or entities may be responsible if negligence or unsafe conditions contributed to the incident. Our attorneys at Faraci Lange, LLP are skilled at determining liability and advocating for rightful compensation.

In some situations, manufacturers of pool equipment, such as drains, ladders, or safety covers, may also share responsibility if a defect contributed to the drowning. Municipalities or school districts that operate public pools or aquatic programs can be potential defendants as well, although special rules can apply when government entities are involved. A drowning attorney Buffalo families trust will examine contracts, maintenance records, staffing policies, and safety inspection reports to identify every party that may be accountable and help ensure that no source of potential recovery is overlooked.

How Can a Drowning Lawyer in Buffalo Assist Me?

A drowning lawyer at Faraci Lange, LLP will provide legal counsel tailored to your unique circumstances. Our firm will handle the investigation, gather evidence, and represent you in all legal proceedings, ensuring you have the best chance for a favorable outcome. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case.

We also coordinate with medical providers, life-care planners, and when necessary, grief counselors or other professionals to understand how the incident has affected every aspect of your life. By building a clear picture of both current and future needs, we can present a more complete claim to the insurance company or to a jury in Buffalo. Working with a drowning attorney means you have guidance on critical choices such as whether to accept a settlement, pursue additional claims like wrongful death, or continue litigating if initial offers do not reflect the full harm your family has suffered.

What Compensation Can I Expect From a Drowning Accident Case?

Compensation from a drowning accident case can cover various damages, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and in the tragic event of a fatality, funeral costs. Faraci Lange, LLP strives to secure maximum compensation to support your recovery and financial stability.

Injury claims can also include compensation for emotional distress and any changes to your lifestyle resulting from the accident. We evaluate each client's comprehensive needs and pursue compensation that not only addresses immediate necessities but also plans for long-term impacts on your well-being and livelihood.

In cases involving children or severe brain injury from a near-drowning, we often work with economic and medical professionals to estimate the cost of future care, therapy, and support over a lifetime. Families may also be entitled to damages for loss of companionship and guidance, especially in wrongful death claims. A drowning lawyer Buffalo residents work with can help document these losses through medical records, expert reports, and family testimony so that insurers and, if necessary, juries understand the true extent of what has been taken from you.

Are There Time Limits for Filing a Drowning Accident Claim in Buffalo?

In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is typically three years from the date of the incident. However, specific circumstances, such as incidents involving governmental entities, might have different deadlines. We recommend contacting Faraci Lange, LLP promptly to ensure your rights are protected and your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe.

It's pertinent to seek legal counsel swiftly because gathering evidence and formulating a strong case takes time. The earlier our team at Faraci Lange, LLP can become involved, the better we can manage these timelines in pursuit of your justice.

When a city, school, or other public entity is involved, you may need to file a notice of claim within a much shorter period before you can even start a lawsuit. Evidence such as surveillance footage from a community pool or hotel, maintenance logs, and witness memories can also fade quickly if they are not preserved. By reaching out to a drowning accident attorney early, you give us the opportunity to send preservation letters, conduct timely investigations around Buffalo and the surrounding communities, and protect your ability to move your claim forward.

Take Action: Contact Faraci Lange, LLP Today

If you or a loved one have been affected by a drowning accident, it’s important to seek legal assistance as quickly as possible. At Faraci Lange, LLP, our compassionate and experienced team is ready to guide you through this challenging time. By choosing us, you'll receive dedicated support and a thorough approach to pursuing justice and compensation, all on a no-win, no-fee basis.

Speaking with a drowning accident lawyer does not obligate you to move forward with a claim, but it can provide clarity, direction, and peace of mind during an incredibly difficult time.

Don't hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation at (888) 997-4110. Let us help you secure the justice and peace of mind you deserve. 

Why Choose Faraci Lange, LLP?

  • Over 55 Years of Experience
  • 11 Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America®
  • 3 Attorneys Are Part of the American College of Trial Lawyers
  • Focusing Solely on Personal Injury Cases
  • Compassionately Helping Injured Victims in Western NY Since 1968
More Than A Case Our Clients Are Our Priority
"Very helpful, considerate, and compassionate!"

We would highly recommend Faraci Lange and Matthew and his staff. Everyone was very helpful, considerate, and compassionate! ...

- Carol