Aquatic Injuries

Seattle Aquatic Injury Attorneys

Representation for Drowning & Swimming Pool Accident Claims in WA

From boating to kayaking, Seattle is a popular destination for water activities. With four million people living along its shores, the Puget Sound Region is home to a whopping two-thirds of the state population. However, negligence on the water can lead to serious accidents, making it crucial to know your rights after a wrongful injury.

Since 1994, our aquatic injury lawyers at Bishop Legal have pursued justice and compensation for clients after water-related injuries. We care deeply about our clients’ well-being and go the extra mile to aid them in their recovery. Our goal is to hold negligent parties accountable and recover the maximum settlement you need to focus on your health.

Don’t leave your financial future to chance—choose a firm that has secured multi-million-dollar verdicts for clients like you. With over $30 million recovered in settlements, you can trust us to give your case the time and personalized attention it deserves. We prepare every case for trial and are a proud member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an honor held by fewer than 1% of lawyers nationwide.

If you suffered an aquatic injury in Seattle, we can fight for the fair settlement you deserve. Contact us online to discuss your case. Pay nothing until we win.

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What Is an Aquatic Injury?

An aquatic injury occurs in or around a water-related facility, such as a swimming pool, hot tub, water park, lakefront, or public aquatic center, due to unsafe conditions. These injuries can lead to severe health complications, from head trauma to drowning fatalities.

When an aquatic injury results from negligence, victims may be entitled to compensation in an aquatic injury lawsuit. This is a type of premises liability claim that holds the negligent owner or operator of a water-related facility responsible for injuries that occur on their property.

Common Types of Aquatic Injuries

Water-related accidents can result in a variety of aquatic injuries, such as:

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
Broken bones and fractures
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Paralysis and disfigurement
Near-drownings and drowning fatalities

I Suffered an Aquatic Injury at Lake Union. How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

Located near the heart of Seattle, Lake Union is a popular area for kayaking, boating, and other water activities. However, its frequent water traffic makes it a hotspot for accidents. In Washington State, the statute of limitations for aquatic injury claims is generally three years from the date of the accident, making it imperative to consult a skilled aquatic injury attorney as soon as possible after an injury on the water. At Bishop Legal, we can help you complete the necessary forms and file a claim within the appropriate deadline.

What Causes Aquatic Injuries?

Aquatic injuries can occur for a wide variety of reasons, such as defective water equipment, lack of maintenance, and lack of supervision. Common causes include poorly designed or installed diving boards, defective railings or pool ladders, inadequate lifeguard staff or supervision, incorrect depth markings, and unmarked slippery surfaces. Negligence on the water can also result from overloaded boats or rafts, the absence of “no diving” signs, and operating a boat or watercraft while inebriated.

Who Is Liable for an Aquatic Injury?

Various parties may be responsible for damages in an aquatic injury claim. Some potentially liable parties include:

The pool owner. Pool owners may be liable for damages if they failed to address known hazards, such as inadequate lighting or lack of proper fencing.
Pool supervisors or managers. The pool supervisor may be liable if they neglected their duty to enforce safety protocols, oversee staff, or respond promptly to reported issues.
Lifeguards. Lifeguards may be responsible if their negligence or lack of attentiveness contributed to the injury, such as failing to monitor swimmers.
Maintenance companies. If a maintenance company fails to address issues like broken equipment, poor water quality, or hazardous surfaces, they may be liable.

Proving Fault in an Aquatic Injury Lawsuit

To recover compensation in an aquatic injury claim, the plaintiff must first prove liability under Washington’s premises liability laws. This requires you to establish four key elements:

Duty of care. The defendant owed a duty to maintain reasonably safe premises.
Breach of duty. The defendant was aware or should have been aware of the hazardous condition.
Causation. The defendant’s breach is the proximate cause of your injuries.
Damages. You suffered compensatory harm as a result of the breach.

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I Was Injured While Kayaking Near Elliot Bay. Can I Recover Compensation if I Wasn’t Wearing a Life Vest?

The City of Seattle requires all vessels, including kayaks of any size, to have at least one U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, or III life jacket for each person on board. Children 12 and under are required to wear a life jacket at all times when in a vessel less than 19 feet in length unless they are in a fully enclosed area.

If you suffered an aquatic injury while kayaking without a life vest near Elliot Bay, you may still have a valid claim under Washington’s pure comparative negligence rule. This system allows plaintiffs to recover compensation even if they are partially liable for their injuries. This applies as long as your share of the fault is 99% or less.

However, any compensation awarded will be reduced accordingly. For example, if you are 20% at fault for an accident totaling $10,000 in damages, you may only be entitled to recover $8,000. Additionally, insurers often place undue blame on victims in hopes of avoiding a fair payout, making it critical to have confidence in your legal representation.

If you were injured on the water in Seattle, don’t wait to seek justice. Call (206) 260-3316 to schedule a free consultation with our award-winning attorneys.

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