Hillstone Law, You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

• No upfront costs, we only get paid if you win
• Recover compensation for medical bills, emotional trauma, pain and suffering, or wrongful death
• Experienced attorneys handling swimming pool drownings, beach accidents, water park injuries, boating incidents, and more across California

At Hillstone Law, we stand beside victims and families affected by drowning or aquatic accidents. Whether involving a child left unsupervised at a hotel pool, a swimmer harmed at a public beach, or a fatal incident on a private property, we aggressively pursue justice for the lives impacted by negligence near or in the water.

The Tragic Reality of Drowning Accidents

Drowning is a silent, fast, and often preventable tragedy:

• It is one of the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the United States, particularly for children under 14
• California ranks among the highest in child drowning deaths, with dozens of cases each year involving private pools, public swimming facilities, lakes, and coastlines
• For every fatal drowning, several more suffer non-fatal injuries, often resulting in severe brain damage or long-term disabilities

These heartbreaking accidents demand accountability from negligent property owners, lifeguards, businesses, or product manufacturers.

Common Causes of Drowning and Aquatic Accidents

Drowning or near-drowning can result from a variety of hazardous conditions, including:

• Lack of supervision, especially involving children or inexperienced swimmers
• Untrained or absent lifeguards at hotels, resorts, pools, or public beaches
• Defective pool gates or lack of fencing, especially in residential neighborhoods
• Unsafe pool designs or depths, leading to head injuries or unexpected drop-offs
• Slippery pool decks, resulting in slips and falls into water
• Boating accidents, including those involving intoxicated or unlicensed operators
• Lack of warning signs for shallow areas, riptides, or sudden drop-offs
• Improperly maintained filters, suction systems, or drains, leading to entrapment

Every one of these risks can be eliminated or mitigated with proper care and safety measures.

Types of Aquatic Injuries and Fatalities

Aquatic and drowning accidents can result in:

• Fatal drowning due to complete submersion
• Near-drowning with brain damage due to oxygen deprivation
• Spinal cord or neck injuries from diving into shallow water
• Slips, trips, and falls on wet poolside areas
• Lacerations, fractures, or head trauma from pool equipment or water slides
• Chemical burns or respiratory issues from poorly maintained pools
• Electrocution caused by faulty pool lighting or wiring

In cases where a child survives a near-drowning, the medical care and support needed can be lifelong and devastatingly expensive.

Who Can Be Held Liable in Drowning Cases?

Liability in drowning or aquatic accidents depends on where and how the incident occurred. Parties that may be held accountable include:

• Property owners or homeowners who failed to secure a pool or spa
• Hotels, motels, and resorts for lack of lifeguards or poor maintenance
• Municipalities or public pool operators when safety codes are violated
• Schools or daycares for failing to supervise children on field trips or during swim lessons
• Water park owners or operators for malfunctioning rides or inadequate staffing
• Boat operators or rental companies if boating negligence caused injury or death
• Pool equipment or product manufacturers if a defect contributed to the incident

Hillstone Law investigates every angle to ensure all liable parties are identified.

Damages You May Be Entitled To

Our attorneys pursue maximum compensation, including:

• Medical expenses (including ICU, rehabilitation, or neurological treatment)
• Funeral and burial costs in fatal drowning cases
• Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
• Loss of companionship and support in wrongful death cases
• Lost wages and future earnings, if a parent or guardian missed work or if a wage-earner died
• Lifelong care costs for non-fatal drowning victims with permanent disabilities

How Hillstone Law Supports You

Free Case Evaluation

We offer a no-obligation consultation to explain your legal options clearly and compassionately.

Rapid Evidence Preservation

We collect pool maintenance records, safety inspection reports, witness statements, and medical records to build your case.

Expert Collaboration

Our team works with water safety professionals, medical specialists, and accident reconstruction experts.

Compassionate, Aggressive Representation

We fight hard for your family whether negotiating a fair settlement or pursuing litigation in court.

What to Do After a Drowning or Aquatic Accident

1. Seek emergency medical treatment immediately for any victims
2. Report the incident to police or facility staff and request a written report
3. Document the scene, including photos of the pool, signage, gates, and surroundings
4. Preserve any physical evidence, such as swimsuits, pool toys, or damaged equipment
5. Collect witness information, including names, phone numbers, and any security footage
6. Do not sign any waivers or statements before speaking to an attorney
7. Call Hillstone Law immediately, we’ll begin your case and help protect your rights

Legal Deadlines to Know in California

• Personal injury or wrongful death claims must typically be filed within two years
• If the incident involves a government-operated pool or facility, you must file a notice of claim within six months
• For children, the deadline may be extended but early action is always best to preserve evidence and testimony

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the victim was partially at fault?
California follows comparative negligence laws, meaning you can still recover damages even if partial fault exists.

Can I sue if my child drowned at a friend’s house?
Yes. Homeowners may be liable for failing to provide adequate pool security or supervision, especially if children were invited.

Do I have a case if the drowning occurred in a public place?
Possibly. Public pools, beaches, and water parks must meet safety standards. If they fail to do so, they may be held responsible.

What if my loved one suffered a near-drowning but survived?
You may still be entitled to compensation for medical bills, cognitive therapy, and emotional trauma.

Why Choose Hillstone Law

• Deep experience with water-related injury and wrongful death cases
• Proven track record of holding negligent parties accountable
• Personalized attention with compassion and discretion
• Contingency-based: No fees unless we win your case

Let Hillstone Law Help Your Family Heal

Drowning and aquatic accidents often involve young lives, immense grief, and overwhelming financial consequences. At Hillstone Law, we bring both strength and compassion to every case, fighting for justice while honoring your family’s pain.

Contact Hillstone Law today for a free and confidential consultation. You pay nothing upfront, and we charge no fees unless we win your case. Let us help you secure answers, accountability, and peace of mind.