Bozeman Drowning Accident Attorney
Drowning is one of the most devastating and unexpected types of accidents a family can experience. Whether it occurs in a swimming pool, natural waterway, or private property, drowning incidents often stem from negligence—such as poor supervision, unsafe conditions, or inadequate safety measures. If you or someone you love has been harmed because another party failed to keep a property or environment safe, you may be entitled to compensation.
At Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, we provide compassionate, experienced legal guidance for families pursuing drowning accident claims in Bozeman, MT, and surrounding Gallatin County communities. Our mission is to uncover what happened, determine who is responsible, and fight for the financial recovery you deserve.
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.
What is a Drowning?
A drowning occurs when a person experiences respiratory impairment due to submersion or immersion in liquid. Contrary to popular belief, drowning is often silent. It may take only seconds for someone—especially a child—to submerge without calling for help. Drowning can result in:
- Fatal drowning, leading to death
- Non-fatal drowning, which can cause severe medical complications such as brain damage, lung injury, cognitive impairment, or long-term disability
Because drowning happens quickly and quietly, prevention and proper safety measures are critical. When those measures are ignored or neglected, responsible parties may be held legally liable.
Common Causes of Drowning Accidents
Drowning accidents can happen for many reasons, but most involve preventable conduct or unsafe conditions. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Lack of Supervision: Children require constant, active supervision around any body of water—including pools, hot tubs, lakes, bathtubs, and rivers. When adults, lifeguards, property owners, or caretakers fail to properly supervise, drowning can occur in seconds.
- Negligent Pool Maintenance: Unmaintained pools can create hazards such as slippery surfaces, murky water, loose drains, broken ladders, or non-functional safety equipment.
- Inadequate Fencing or Barriers: Montana property owners with pools are expected to install protective barriers. When fencing is broken, missing, or improperly secured, children can access dangerous areas unsupervised.
Our Verdicts Speak Volumes
Life-Changing Results, Time and Time Again
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$27,000,000 Settlement
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$21,350,000 Jury Verdict
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$11,000,000 Settlement
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$9,790,000 Jury Verdict
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$7,008,000 Jury Verdict
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$6,500,000 Settlement
Where Do Drowning Accidents Happen?
In Bozeman and throughout Montana, drowning accidents occur in a range of locations. Some of the most common include:
- Residential Swimming Pools: Private backyard pools are one of the top settings for child drownings, often due to inadequate fencing or lack of supervision.
- Public Pools and Recreational Facilities: Gyms, hotels, schools, and community centers must maintain safe swimming facilities and ensure lifeguards are properly trained.
- Lakes and Rivers: South Cottonwood Creek, the Gallatin River, Hyalite Reservoir, and other natural water areas pose risks when warnings, signage, or safety precautions are inadequate.
- Vacation Rentals and Cabins: Short-term rentals must provide safe premises, including fenced pools, functioning locks, and maintained hot tubs.
- Hotels and Resorts: Hotels must follow strict safety protocols for pools, saunas, spas, and hot tubs.
- Boating and Water Recreation Areas: Drownings frequently occur during tubing, kayaking, rafting, paddleboarding, or boating excursions—especially when equipment is missing or safety guidelines are ignored.
No matter where the incident occurred, an experienced Bozeman drowning accident lawyer can investigate the evidence and determine who may be legally responsible.
Can I file a claim if the drowning happened at a public pool?
Yes. Public facilities have strict duties to protect swimmers. Claims may involve government entities, which have specific filing procedures.
Do non-fatal drowning injuries qualify for compensation?
Absolutely. Non-fatal drowning can lead to lifelong neurological damage, trauma, or disability—often resulting in substantial medical costs.
Contact Hoyt & Blewett PLLC Today
If you’ve suffered the unimaginable loss of a loved one—or if you or your child survived a drowning but sustained serious injuries—Hoyt & Blewett PLLC is here to help. Our Bozeman drowning accident lawyers are committed to pursuing justice, holding negligent parties accountable, and securing the compensation your family needs.
Call (406) 233-1302 to start the conversation and find out how we can help you move forward with confidence.
