California Drowning Brain Damage Lawyers
Drowning Brain Damage
Swimming and water sports are a favorite pastime among young children and adults, but these summertime activities are not without risk. Every year, 8,000 people die on average in the United States alone as a result of drowning. However, that is not the entire story. Near-drownings can also have life-long consequences for those who survive. Perhaps the most serious after-effect of a near drowning is brain damage.
A near-drowning can occur in water or any other type of fluid. The individual may be 50 feet away from shore at a beach or sitting in a mere six inches of water in a bathtub. In every instance of drowning, the victim inhales water into his or her lungs, and this causes suffocation. Because the person cannot breathe, the brain does not receive the oxygen it needs. Within just four to six minutes, the lack of oxygen begins to affect the brain. Cells start to die. This cell death and the resulting brain damage are irreversible.
The type of brain damage associated with near-drowning is anoxic brain damage, which means that no oxygen is reaching the brain or other tissues. A near-drowning that results in brain damage can cause the following:
- Problems with short-term memory
- Difficulty vocalizing thoughts or understanding speech
- Loss of coordination
- Coma or a vegetative state
- Difficulty concentrating
- Depression
- Problems with sight and/or visual processing
There is no easy fix for the brain damage caused by a near-drowning. The person’s prognosis depends largely on the severity of the brain damage. Some victims will remain in a coma while others are able to make a full recovery by following a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.
As long as people continue to go into the water, drownings and near-drownings are bound to occur. However, there are some preventative measures. Parents should always supervise young children when they are around water. A young child can drown in just a few inches of liquid. Wearing life preservers while boating, swimming with others and staying out of the water after consuming alcohol are other measures that can lower a person’s risk of drowning. An individual’s life can change forever within a few minutes, so vigilance at all times is a must.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a drowning related brain injury in California, please contact The Brain Injury Legal Help Center for more information, or to discuss your situation with a skilled California brain damage lawyer. Call today at (800) 610-1892.