Drowning Accidents

San Francisco Drowning Accident Attorney

Legal Help After A Drowning Or Near-Drowning

A drowning or near-drowning can change a family’s life in a matter of minutes. You may be sitting at a hospital in San Francisco, trying to understand what happened, or facing the loss of a loved one and wondering whether it could have been prevented. In this moment, you need clear information, steady guidance, and someone who can shoulder the legal burden.

At Peterson Injury Law, we focus our practice on serious medical malpractice and catastrophic injury cases where the stakes are high and the medical issues are complex. Families turn to us when a drowning leads to brain injury, profound disability, or wrongful death, and they need a drowning accident attorney who can navigate both the medical records and the legal system.

Over more than 30 years, our firm has recovered over $200 million for clients, including the largest medical malpractice recovery in California history. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so your family does not pay upfront to talk with us about what happened and what your options might be.

Contact our San Francisco drowning accident lawyer by calling (415) 630-2913 today!

Causes Of Drowning Incidents Here

Drownings are rarely the dramatic events seen in movies. They are often quiet, fast, and occur in everyday places. In the San Francisco area, we regularly see incidents connected to apartment and condominium pools, hotel and motel pools used by visitors, short-term rental properties, private homes, and childcare settings. In some cases, a near-drowning occurs after a person is supposed to be monitored in a medical or rehabilitation facility.

Many families initially believe a drowning was simply a tragic accident, only to later learn that safety rules were ignored or basic protections were missing. Common issues include gates that do not self-latch, broken or propped-open doors to pool areas, missing life rings or reaching poles, and failure to enforce supervision or lifeguard policies. In a childcare or school setting, inadequate staffing, poor training, and lack of clear procedures for pool time or water play can create unacceptable risks.

Conditions and failures that often contribute to drowning incidents include:

Unsecured or poorly secured access to pools or hot tubs in apartment complexes or hotels.
Lack of adult supervision in childcare settings or during gatherings at private homes.
Absence of lifeguards where they are reasonably expected or promised by the facility.
Missing or defective safety features such as gates, alarms, depth markers, or rescue equipment.
Inadequate response when a person is discovered submerged, including delayed CPR or calls for emergency help.

Not every drowning or near-drowning involves legal fault. However, when we review a case, we look carefully at the physical layout, safety policies, staff training, and emergency response to determine whether someone failed to take reasonable steps that could have prevented what happened. A drowning lawyer can then work with investigators and medical professionals to connect those failures to the injuries or loss.

What To Do After A Drowning

In the immediate aftermath of a drowning or near-drowning, your first priority is safety and medical care. Still, the steps you take in the days that follow can affect how well the facts are preserved and how clearly the incident can be reconstructed later. It can feel difficult to think about legal issues when you are focused on survival and stability, so our goal is to give you simple, practical guidance.

If your loved one is in intensive care, keep copies of discharge papers, test results, and any written information you receive from the hospital. If a child is transferred to a different facility, note the dates and the names of the hospitals or clinics involved. These records can later help show the course of the injury and the care provided. If a fatality occurred, medical records and death certificates may be important in a wrongful death claim.

When you are able, try to document details about where and how the drowning occurred. For example, if it happened at an apartment pool in San Francisco, note the address, the condition of gates or locks, and whether there were any lifeguards or warning signs. If it occurred at a hotel, childcare facility, or private home, similar details matter because they relate to the duties owed by the person or company responsible for the property.

Helpful steps families can take after a drowning or near-drowning include:

Keep copies of all medical records, discharge instructions, and bills you receive.
Write down names and contact information for any witnesses who were present.
Take photographs of the pool or water area, including gates, fences, and safety equipment, as soon as it is safe to do so.
Avoid signing releases or giving detailed statements to insurers or property owners before you understand your rights.
Contact a drowning accident lawyer in San Francisco promptly so evidence, such as surveillance footage or maintenance records, can be preserved.

Every situation is different, and not all of these steps will be possible in every case. When you call us, we talk through what has already happened and help you focus on the actions that will be most helpful in your specific circumstances.

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Erik and his team were incredibly helpful.
“Erik and his team were incredibly helpful. They consistently helped me through the unfamiliar and uncertain legal processes, which were all new to me. I trusted Erik always had my best interests in mind and was fighting on my behalf. I deeply appreciate all they did for me and my family.”

- Peter M.
I truly appreciate everything they did for us.
“Erik and his paralegal, Kate, were incredible throughout our case. Erik is an amazing attorney, he was open with us from the very beginning, attentive, and always made sure we understood every step of the process. His honesty and professionalism gave us so”

- Joyce D.
We cannot recommend Erik and his team highly enough.
“Working with Erik Peterson was an exceptional experience during one of the most difficult times in our lives. As we faced shock and a maze of medical decisions, Erik seamlessly took on our medical malpractice case with professionalism, compassion, and deep expertise. From our very first conversation, it was clear that Erik had both the knowledge and the sensitivity to guide us through the process with integrity. Erik ultimately secured a settlement that protected our financial future and gave us peace of mind to focus our energy on healing and recovery. We are profoundly grateful for his guidance and advocacy, and we cannot recommend Erik and his team highly enough.”

- Jennifer B.
I am so very grateful to my lawyer, Erik
“I am so very grateful to my lawyer, Erik and his team for his unwavering support, dedication and commitment. Thank you for all your hard work leading us to a victorious outcome in court!”

- Quia K.
He was always truthful and honest but also caring.
“My wife and I are forever grateful to Erik and his team for putting the effort and care for our son and his needs. We chose Erik over another lawyer because they took the time to FaceTime with us and speak to us on a personal level which made us feel safe and heard. Throughout the process Erik was very communicative and detailed in explaining how all the legal things worked and how long things took. He was always truthful and honest but also caring. At the end Erik and his team were able to help us and now our son will have his needs met and a more comfortable life. Thank you.”

- Adrian B.
Erik, I'm incredibly grateful that [husband stroke victim] continues to improve - long after it was thought to be possible.
“He couldn't have managed independence to this extent, his current level of physical activity, or the complexity of his recent social interactions 6 months ago. None of it would have happened without ongoing therapeutic support - which has only been possible with the financial settlement.”

- Former Client
Thank you Erik for winning our case!
“Thank you Erik for winning our case! Erik and his team are superb. If you are in need of his attorney services, it is likely, like myself, that you are experiencing one of the most traumatic and painful times of your life. Of course you want an excellent lawyer - and he is it. The bonus: he is also a genuinely real and kind human being. I am so grateful to him and his team.”

- Margaret C.
Erik Peterson handled my case with care and compassion.
“His knowledge and attention to detail was stellar, making me feel secure during a difficult case. Unlike most people in life, he was always upfront with me and kept me updated every step of the way, which is truly not what I was expecting from a lawyer. Although it was determined my case could take several years, especially during a pandemic, due to his dedication it was over in only 2yrs and made the process as easy for me as possible. I would absolutely recommend this firm and use him again if I ever need to, although I hope I don't.”

- Kristy N.
This whole experience can be overwhelming but Erik kept me in the loop on everything.
“My husband passed due to medical malpractice and I didn't know what to do or who to call. All I knew was I needed to get him justice. I researched and found Erik Peterson on google and reviewed various reviews on various sites. He was very patient and fought for me and my late husband. Erik told me what to expect ahead of time so I could prepare myself mentally. All in all, I HIGHLY recommend them to anyone who may need legal assistance in personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death. They are excellent and I can't say enough good things about them.”

- Kiki A.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my drowning case is valid?

The best way to know is to have the incident and medical outcome reviewed. We look at where the drowning happened, what safety measures were in place, who was responsible for supervision, and how injuries occurred. After that review, we can explain whether a claim may be appropriate.

How long do drowning cases usually take?

Timelines vary based on factors such as the complexity of the injuries, the number of defendants, and whether the case resolves through settlement or trial. Some matters resolve in months, while others take longer. We outline expected stages early and keep you updated as the case progresses.

Do you have experience with serious brain injuries?

Yes. Our practice has long focused on serious medical malpractice and catastrophic injury, including cases involving brain damage and lifelong care needs. We work with medical professionals to understand the full extent of injury and to pursue compensation that can support therapy, assistance, and quality-of-life improvements.

WE'RE HERE FOR YOU

How Our Team Handles Drowning Cases

Reaching out to a lawyer after a drowning can feel intimidating, particularly when you are already stretched thin emotionally and financially. We structure our process to reduce that strain, starting with a free consultation where you can talk with us about what happened and ask questions in plain language. From there, our team evaluates whether we can help and what the next steps should be.

To discuss a drowning case confidentially, contact Peterson Injury Law at (415) 630-2913 for a free consultation.

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