Honolulu Attorneys for Drowning Accidents in Hawaii

Experienced wrongful death representation for visitors and residents

Visitors who witness the beauty of Hawaii’s beaches often fail to appreciate the power of the ocean. But this power is evident in the frequent drowning incidents that claim tourists and residents alike. However, nature is not the sole culprit in most drowning and near-drowning incidents. Many injuries and fatalities result from negligence on the part of a person or entity who failed to properly supervise an area or an activity. If you lost a loved one or were injured in an ocean or pool accident, Cronin, Fried, Sekiya, Kekina & Fairbanks, Attorneys at Law may be able to help. Since 1973, our firm has provided highly professional representation in personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Hawaii. We have a strong record of success, including million-dollar recoveries for our clients in scuba-diving accidents.

Drownings in Hawaii present a visitor safety issue

Authorities in Hawaii are well aware that the state has a problem with drownings and near-drowning incidents. According to state Department of Health (DOH) statistics, there were 538 drownings in Hawaiian waters, claiming the lives of 282 visitors and 256 residents. Death by drowning is the number-one cause of death for visitors to Hawaii and the fifth most common cause of death for residents. On average, 83 percent of drownings occur in the ocean.

The DOH also reports that from 2009 through 2013, 79 tourists died while snorkeling, compared to 32 who perished while swimming, eight while scuba diving, three while surfing, and one free-diving. Snorkeling was the leading cause of accidental death tracked by the DOH over the five-year period. What makes those deaths so tragic is that most snorkeling deaths occur in three feet or less of water, where the victims could easily have stood up.

Unintentional immersions accounted for eight percent of all drownings during this time period. This includes boating accidents that caused passengers to go overboard and individuals swept into the ocean by rogue waves.

In the years 2008 to 2012, near-drowning was the third-leading cause of hospitalization for nonfatal injuries among nonresidents of Hawaii. Being “struck by/against” an object was the second leading cause, encompassing many incidents that were water related. In fact, half the objects that “struck by/against” a victim were ocean waves. Finally, ocean activities were the leading cause of spinal cord injuries in Hawaii from 2009 to 2012.

Filing negligence claims in drowning incidents

Our firm thoroughly investigates drownings and near-drowning incidents to determine if negligence was the cause and which parties should be held accountable. Hawaii has a two-year statute of limitations, but action against the state for negligence. like failing to warn of dangerous conditions or failing to station lifeguards, must be brought within six months. Claims for drowning in the ocean may fall under federal maritime law, which generally has a three-year statute of limitations. Injured seamen may file a federal lawsuit under the Jones Act when negligence or the unseaworthiness of a vessel causes harm.

Contact a proven law firm for personal injury and wrongful death in Hawaii

Cronin, Fried, Sekiya, Kekina & Fairbanks, Attorneys at Law handles personal injury and wrongful death claims involving Hawaiian residents and vacationers. To schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable and concerned lawyer, call at 808.524.1433 or contact us online. We accept cases on a contingency fee basis, so there are no attorney fees until we recover compensation. We are available evening and weekends as necessary, and our staff speaks Japanese, Korean and Tagalog.