Drownings in Man-Made Lakes in Florida

Florida is known for its many man-made lakes, including Lake Osceola, Laguna Solé, and Rodman Reservoir. Unfortunately, these artificial bodies of water, created for various purposes such as residential developments, recreational activities, and water management, can pose significant dangers to individuals who use or live near them. If you’ve lost a loved one to a lake drowning in Florida, you may be eligible to bring a wrongful death suit against the responsible parties. At Hickey Law Firm, we can help.

Understanding man-made lakes

Man-made lakes, also known as artificial lakes or reservoirs, are typically constructed by damming rivers, excavating large areas, or creating depressions that can be filled with water. In Florida, these lakes serve multiple functions, including:

• Residential and commercial development: Many housing communities and commercial properties feature man-made lakes as aesthetic enhancements or as part of their stormwater management systems.
• Recreation: These lakes often serve as venues for boating, fishing, swimming, and other water-related activities.
• Environmental management: Man-made lakes can help control flooding, provide water storage, and support irrigation systems.

While these purposes can benefit communities, they also introduce hazards that can lead to drowning incidents.

Common causes of drowning in man-made lakes

Drowning in man-made lakes can occur due to various factors, often related to the design, maintenance, and usage of these bodies of water. Some common causes include:

• Lack of supervision: Many man-made lakes lack lifeguards or proper supervision, increasing the risk of drowning, especially for children and inexperienced swimmers.
• Inadequate safety measures: The absence of safety features such as warning signs, barriers, and life-saving equipment can contribute to drowning incidents.
• Hazardous conditions: Man-made lakes may have steep drop-offs, underwater debris, or strong currents that are not always visible or well-marked.
• Alcohol consumption: Recreational activities often involve alcohol, which can impair judgment and increase the likelihood of drowning.
• Weather conditions: Sudden changes in weather, such as thunderstorms or high winds, can create dangerous conditions for swimmers and boaters.

Determining liability in drowning cases involving man-made lakes requires a thorough understanding of premises liability law. In Florida, property owners and operators have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition and to warn of any known dangers. Failure to meet these obligations can result in liability for any harm that occurs.

• Duty of care: Property owners, including homeowners’ associations, commercial entities, and government bodies, must ensure that their man-made lakes are safe for intended use. This duty includes proper maintenance, installation of safety features, and providing adequate warnings of potential hazards.
• Breach of duty: If a property owner fails to meet the duty of care, they may be considered negligent. For example, if a lake is not properly maintained, leading to dangerous conditions such as slippery banks or submerged hazards, the owner may be liable for resulting injuries.
• Causation: To establish liability, injury victims must show that the property owner’s breach of duty directly caused the drowning incident. This can involve demonstrating that the lack of safety measures or warnings contributed to the accident.
• Damages: Victims or their families can seek compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Preventing man-made lake drownings

To mitigate the risk of drowning in man-made lakes, property owners and operators should implement comprehensive safety measures and policies. Some recommended practices include:

• Regular inspections and maintenance: Conduct routine inspections to identify and address potential hazards, such as submerged debris, erosion, or malfunctioning safety equipment.
• Clear signage and barriers: Install clear warning signs and physical barriers to prevent unauthorized access to dangerous areas. Signs should indicate water depth, potential hazards, and swimming restrictions.
• Life-saving equipment: Provide readily accessible life-saving equipment, such as life rings, ropes, and flotation devices, around the lake perimeter.
• Supervision and monitoring: Where feasible, employ lifeguards or implement monitoring systems to ensure the safety of swimmers and other lake users.
• Public education: Educate the community about water safety practices, the risks associated with man-made lakes, and the importance of supervision, especially for children.

Types of claims

Victims of drowning incidents in man-made lakes, or their surviving family members, have several legal avenues for seeking compensation and justice. As Miami personal injury attorneys, we provide compassionate and effective representation to help clients navigate the legal process.

• Wrongful death claims: Families of drowning victims can file wrongful death claims to seek compensation for their loss. These claims can cover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.
• Personal injury claims: Survivors of near-drowning incidents may pursue personal injury claims to recover damages for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Premises liability claims: Holding property owners accountable through premises liability claims can lead to compensation for victims and encourage better safety practices.
• Product liability claims: If defective equipment, such as faulty life-saving devices or inadequate warning systems, contributed to the drowning, victims might pursue product liability claims against manufacturers or distributors.

If you have suffered injury or a loved one died in a man-made lake in Florida, the attorneys at Hickey Law Firm can help.

Hickey Law Firm specializes in “life changing injuries”®. Call today. Call now.

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John H. (Jack) Hickey is recognized by The Best Lawyers in America in three areas: Admiralty and Maritime Law, Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, and Medical Malpractice – Plaintiffs. Hickey is Board Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in Civil Trial law, and is double Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Civil Trial and Admiralty and Maritime Law.

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