Drowning Cases
Holding Negligent Parties Accountable in Drowning Tragedies
Drowning is a preventable tragedy and the leading cause of death for young children in Florida and across the nation. All too often, these devastating incidents are the direct result of a property owner’s negligence. Thousands of children have died or suffered catastrophic brain injuries because of defective or poorly maintained pool equipment, including broken gates, faulty fences, and dangerous drains and pumps.
The Haggard Law Firm is a national leader in representing victims of drowning and near-drowning incidents. We have a dedicated practice focused on holding negligent parties accountable and forcing them to implement safer standards to protect families.
Our Unmatched Record in Drowning Litigation
Our firm has secured historic, record-breaking results that have not only compensated families for their immense loss but have also driven significant safety changes nationwide. Our experience is unparalleled.
Landmark Drowning Case Verdicts:
- $104 Million Verdict for the family of a boy who was trapped underwater by the powerful suction of a defective and unsafe pool pump. This is one of the largest verdicts of its kind in Florida history.
- $100 Million Verdict for a toddler who suffered a non-fatal drowning with catastrophic brain injuries after she accessed her apartment complex pool through a broken gate.
These landmark cases highlight our relentless commitment to achieving justice for our clients and holding negligent property owners and equipment manufacturers accountable for their actions.
Advocates for Stronger Pool Safety Laws
Our work extends far beyond the courtroom. For years, The Haggard Law Firm has been at the forefront of the fight for stronger pool safety regulations in homes, apartment complexes, and hotels.
We were honored to work alongside members of Congress and the Senate, including bill sponsor Debbie Wasserman Schultz, to help pass the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act of 2007. This crucial federal law established new safety standards for pool drains and pumps to prevent the type of suction entrapment that leads to so many tragedies.
The law is named for the 7-year-old granddaughter of former Secretary of State James Baker III, who tragically drowned after being trapped by a hot tub drain. The Haggard Law Firm proudly represented the Baker family in their pursuit of justice.
Get Help From a Leading Drowning Accident Attorney
If your family has been impacted by a drowning or near-drowning incident, you deserve answers and accountability. Contact The Haggard Law Firm today for a free and confidential consultation to learn how we can help you.
Recent Case Results
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common causes of swimming pool drownings?
Most drowning incidents are preventable and are often caused by a property owner’s negligence. Common causes include broken or unlocked pool gates, defective fences that allow unsupervised access, powerful and unsafe drain suction that can trap a swimmer underwater, and a general lack of proper safety equipment or supervision, especially at public or commercial pools.
Who can be held legally responsible for a drowning accident?
Liability can fall on any party whose negligence contributed to the incident. This often includes the owner of the property where the pool is located (e.g., a homeowner, apartment complex, or hotel) for failing to maintain a safe environment. In some cases, the manufacturer of defective pool equipment, such as a faulty pump or drain cover, can also be held responsible.
What is the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act?
This is a federal law enacted in 2007 that sets national safety standards for public and semi-public swimming pools and spas. It specifically targets the prevention of suction entrapment, a dangerous hazard where a swimmer is trapped by the powerful suction from a drain. The law requires safety features like anti-entrapment drain covers and, in some cases, automatic pump shut-off systems. The Haggard Law Firm was instrumental in advocating for the passage of this life-saving legislation.
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*prospective clients may not obtain similar results. Amounts stated within this website are before deductions for fees, cost of attorneys and third party providers such as medical providers.
Copyright © 2025 Haggard Law Firm
*prospective clients may not obtain similar results. Amounts stated within this website are before deductions for fees, cost of attorneys and third party providers such as medical providers.
Copyright © 2025 Haggard Law Firm