Montana Drowning Accident Lawyers
Compassionate Representation for Victims of Swimming Pool Accidents Since 1985
Drowning accidents may not seem extraordinarily common, but they occur more often than you might think. According to the World Health Organization, drowning is the 3rd leading cause of accidental death worldwide, and the 5th within the United States. Although anyone could be a drowning victim, children are especially susceptible to water-related incidents. In fact, drowning is the 2nd leading cause of unintentional death in children between the ages of 1 and 14 in the United States.
Unfortunately, drowning accidents can occur anytime, anywhere, and they often take place within a matter of minutes. Although some accidents might simply be a matter of chance, some occur because of negligence or carelessness. If someone you love was harmed in a drowning accident, it’s extremely important to act fast in order to determine liability and take action.
Choose Hoyt & Blewett PLLC
At Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, our Montana drowning accident attorneys are well prepared to advocate on your behalf. Our nationally-recognized attorneys have obtained several notable verdicts and settlements, including 18 jury verdicts totaling more than $1 million. We are passionate about fighting for victim’s rights, and we can provide you and your family with the personalized legal representation you need and deserve.
Call (406) 233-1302 to schedule a free consultation with our Great Falls firm.
Swimming Pool Liability in Montana
Drowning incidents can occur anywhere, including public swimming pools, private pools, lakes, rivers, and in the ocean. However, swimming pool accidents are among the most common, and they can take place at community centers, recreational areas, private residences, and hotels, to name a few.
Depending on where the accident takes place, the owner of that property could be liable for the resulting damage. Property owners are responsible for maintaining safe pool areas, and if they fail to do so, their negligence could result in a damaging, if not deadly, accident.
Pool Owner Responsibility in MT
In 2007, Congress passed The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA), making it a requirement for all pool owners and property managers to keep their pools and the surrounding property safe and secure. If any pool owner fails to follow this act, they could be held liable for the resulting damage. Additionally, premises liability laws, such as attractive nuisance, encourage property owners to secure their pools in order to prevent young children from wandering in and hurting themselves.
For example, if a property owner does not fence in their pool, and a young child wanders onto their property and into the pool, the owner may be liable for that child’s injuries.
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
Liability in Water Recreation Accidents
Warming spring temperatures in Montana cause mountain snows to melt feeding the state’s rivers and streams. During this time, the size of Montana’s waterways can suddenly swell and the current can increase to dangerous levels, even for experienced swimmers. The Missouri River is Montana’s largest river and over the years it has tragically caused the deaths of numerous people.
Life jackets and adequate supervision are critical to helping prevent child drowning deaths on Montana’s waterways. Montana law requires all children under the age of 12 years old to wear life jackets so long as the boat is under 26 feet in length. Children are also required to wear life preservers if they are waterskiing or otherwise being towed.
In cases where a drowning accident occurred with a rented water craft, the rental company may be held liable for failing to provide safety equipment or proper training.
Let Our Montana Drowning Accident Attorneys Help You
Our team understands how difficult it is to deal with a serious injury or coping with the loss of a loved one or a young child If someone you love was harmed or killed in a swimming pool or drowning incident, our team is prepared to help you seek justice and compensation on their behalf. We know that taking legal action will not heal your loved one or make their passing any easier, but it can help prevent others from suffering the same fate. Plus, securing compensation could help you pay off medical bills, funeral expenses, and other outstanding expenditures associated with the incident, easing the burden of your current circumstances so that you can focus on grieving and healing.
If you think you have a case, our firm is prepared to help investigate the circumstances of the incident and prepare a case in your favor. We have ample experience fighting for the rights of the injured, and we have a national reputation for securing successful settlements and verdicts. Whatever your circumstances, we want to help you seek justice and compensation.
Contact Hoyt & Blewett PLLC today to discuss your potential case with our Montana drowning accident attorneys.
