What types of drowning accidents can occur?
As summer approaches, water sports and activities are becoming more and more popular. Unfortunately, with water comes great risk. In many countries drowning is the leading cause of death among children under the age of 14.
A child can drown in just small amounts of water, so no type of water related activity can be assumed as safe. There are three possible types of drowning:
- Near Drowning - The survival of a drowning event but where the victim has become unconscious and/or inhaled water. Near drowning can lead to complications including death.
- Secondary Drowning - Death due to chemical or biological changes in the lungs due to a Near Drowning.
- Drowning - Death caused by liquid inhalation, leading to suffocation.
Some statistics for drowning accidents include:
- In 2006, the CDC reported that 26% of the deaths occurring in children between the ages of 1 and 4, were caused by a drowning accident.
- In 2004 there were approximately 9 fatal drowning incidents a day.
- In 2004 for every one child that died from drowning, 5 others were hospitalized for non-fatal drowning incidents.
- Drowning incidents do not need to be fatal to be life altering. Non-fatal drowning can cause severe brain damage, developmental or learning disabilities and memory problems. Non-fatal incidents can also cause a victim to suffer a permanent vegetative state.
If you or a loved one has suffered a near or fatal drowning, please call us toll-free 888-350-3931 for a free consultation or fill out our case evaluation form. We may be able to help you if the accident was due to someone else's negligence.
