Columbia Drowning Accident Attorney

Helping Drowning Accident Victims in Columbia, SC

Drowning accidents are among the most devastating and preventable tragedies a family can endure. Whether they occur at a public pool, a private residence, or a natural body of water, these incidents can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial scars. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a drowning accident in Columbia, SC, the compassionate legal team at Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC is here to help.

Our experienced drowning accident lawyer understands how complex these cases can be — from proving negligence to identifying all liable parties. We fight to ensure victims and families receive the justice and financial compensation they deserve.

Contact us at (803) 599-2207 to schedule a free consultation.

What Is a Drowning Accident?

A drowning accident occurs when a person is submerged in water or another liquid medium and experiences respiratory impairment due to water inhalation. Drowning can be fatal or non-fatal (sometimes referred to as “near-drowning”). Even if a person survives, they may suffer severe brain damage, neurological impairment, or long-term disabilities caused by oxygen deprivation.

These incidents often result from another person or entity’s negligence, such as a property owner failing to maintain safe conditions, a lack of lifeguard supervision, or defective pool equipment. When negligence plays a role, victims and families have the right to pursue a personal injury or wrongful death claim.

Common Causes of Drowning Accidents

Many drowning accidents are entirely preventable. Understanding what leads to these tragic events can help identify who may be at fault.

Common causes include:

• Lack of supervision: Children and inexperienced swimmers require close monitoring. Many drownings occur when lifeguards, babysitters, or adults fail to pay attention.
• Inadequate pool barriers: South Carolina law requires certain safety features like fencing or locking gates for residential pools. A missing or broken barrier can make a property owner liable.
• Negligent property maintenance: Slippery surfaces, broken ladders, defective pool drains, or unclear water can contribute to drowning hazards.
• Lack of warning signs: Failure to post “No Diving,” “Shallow Water,” or “No Lifeguard on Duty” signs can result in dangerous misunderstandings.
• Boating or recreational accidents: Operator inattention, alcohol use, and failure to provide life jackets frequently lead to drowning in lakes or rivers.
• Defective pool equipment: Malfunctioning filters, suction drains, or pool covers may trap swimmers or fail to keep the water safe.
• Alcohol or drug impairment: Intoxication often plays a role in both private and public swimming accidents.

At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, we thoroughly investigate every drowning case to identify what went wrong and hold negligent parties accountable.

Where Do Drowning Accidents Happen?

Drowning accidents can occur in almost any setting that involves water. Some of the most common locations in Columbia, SC include:

• Private residences: Backyard pools, hot tubs, and bathtubs are frequent sites of child drownings.
• Public swimming pools: Hotels, gyms, and community centers are responsible for ensuring proper safety measures and supervision.
• Lakes, rivers, and beaches: Open-water swimming can be dangerous without lifeguards, warning signs, or safe boating practices.
• Waterparks: Poorly trained staff or unsafe rides can contribute to drowning risks.
• Schools and camps: Institutions that offer aquatic activities must maintain lifeguards and adequate supervision at all times.
• Hotels and apartment complexes: Property managers must ensure pool areas comply with state and local safety codes.

Wherever the drowning occurs, determining who had a duty of care and whether that duty was breached is crucial to a successful claim.

Liability for a Drowning Accident

To recover compensation, our Columbia drowning accident attorney must establish liability — that another party’s negligence, recklessness, or misconduct caused or contributed to the incident.

Potentially liable parties include:

• Property owners or managers: Responsible for maintaining safe premises and complying with safety regulations.
• Lifeguards or pool operators: Can be liable for failing to properly monitor swimmers or respond quickly to distress.
• Schools or camp organizations: Must ensure children are adequately supervised and that safety measures are followed.
• Product manufacturers: If a pool product, toy, or flotation device is defective, the manufacturer may be held liable under product liability law.
• Boat operators or rental companies: May be responsible for unsafe boating practices or failure to provide life vests.

Our team can build strong cases using evidence such as surveillance footage, witness statements, maintenance records, and expert testimony to prove negligence and liability.

Compensation in a Drowning Accident Claim

If you or a loved one has been affected by a drowning accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (emergency care, rehabilitation, long-term treatment)
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Funeral and burial expenses (in fatal cases)
• Loss of companionship or parental guidance

Our firm is dedicated to helping victims and their families recover maximum compensation, enabling them to begin rebuilding their lives.

Drowning Accident Claim FAQs

How long do I have to file a drowning accident claim in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, the statute of limitations generally allows you three years from the date of the accident (or death) to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim. However, specific circumstances may shorten or extend this period, so it’s best to consult an attorney as soon as possible.

What if my child drowned while under someone else’s supervision?

If another adult, facility, or organization was responsible for supervising your child, they may be held legally liable for negligence. This could include babysitters, schools, daycares, or swim instructors.

What if the drowning occurred on public property?

Claims against government entities (such as public pools or parks) can be more complex and often have shorter filing deadlines under the South Carolina Tort Claims Act. Our team can handle all aspects of these cases to ensure compliance.

Do I need a lawyer for a drowning claim?

Yes. Drowning cases often involve multiple liable parties, insurance disputes, and complex legal issues. Our Columbia drowning accident lawyer can protect your rights and help maximize your compensation.

Contact a Columbia Drowning Accident Lawyer Today

No family should have to endure the pain of a drowning accident alone. The experienced attorneys at Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC have the compassion, resources, and legal skill to help you pursue justice. We offer free consultations and handle cases on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

If your family faces the aftermath of a drowning accident in Columbia or the surrounding Midlands, contact Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC to schedule a free consultation.