Sophia Pham-Chang, 2, of Diamond Bar was killed in an Orange County swimming pool accident after she was found unresponsive in the bottom of the pool. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the swimming pool accident occurred on South Heath Terrace in Anaheim, the evening of June 26, 2011. Adults and children were all around the pool area but no one saw the toddler fall into the pool. The family administered CPR and emergency crews brought her to a nearby hospital but she succumbed to her injuries that night. Officials say the pool floor was colored black, which may have prevented the adults from spotting the child in the water sooner. An investigation is ongoing.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family members of Sophia Pham-Chang following this tragic swimming pool accident. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

Drowning Statistics

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the year 2007, there were 3,443 fatal unintentional fatal drowning incidents throughout the country. That means that about 10 people died every day as a result of drowning. More than one in five drowning victims are children under the age of 15. Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional deaths for children. Near-drowning incidents are also extremely dangerous because they have the potential to cause traumatic brain injuries.

Swimming Pool Safety Tips

With the July 4 holiday weekend just around the corner, it is important to remember the importance of constant and vigilant supervision in and around the swimming pool. Whether you are hosting a party or going to one, remember to be watchful all the time. If you are the host, consider hiring a lifeguard for the duration of the pool party. A moment of inattention is sufficient for a child to drown.

Liability Issues

It is the responsibility of homeowners to keep the swimming pool area safe. Our Orange County personal injury lawyers have handled several cases involving swimming pool accidents, where a negligent home owner or caregiver is involved. If a swimming pool accident occurs on your property or on your watch, you could be held liable for the injuries or wrongful death. Please make sure you have ample safeguards in place as well as locked pool gates. Have a fun, safe Fourth of July!

Lost a family member in an Orange County swimming pool accident? Want to know your rights? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation? Want justice? Want to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen to another family?

Call your best friends in the legal industry after a fatal Anaheim swimming pool accident. Call 800-561-4887. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE Orange County wrongful death lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your rights by attorneys who have been representing families of deceased accident victims since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a compassionate and understanding law firm in a comfortable environment.

Child Killed in Orange County Swimming Pool Accident is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

A 3-year-old boy suffered injuries in swimming pool accident the afternoon of March 23, 2011. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the near-drowning incident occurred in a backyard pool in the 48800 block of Legacy Drive in La Quinta. The child was breathing and conscious when taken to the hospital. Officials are looking into what caused this near-drowning incident.

It is indeed fortunate that this did not turn into a fatal incident. My thoughts and prayers are with this little boy. I sincerely hope he makes a quick and complete recovery.

Swimming Pool Accident Statistics

According to a 2007 report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 3,443 fatal unintentional drowning incidents in the United States. The report also states that fatal drowning is the "second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1 to 14 years." Nonfatal drowning incidents or near-drowning can cause brain injuries and brain damage that may result in long-term disabilities including memory problems, learning disabilities, and permanent loss of basic functioning.

Preventing Drowning and Near-Drowning Incidents

According to CDC, the main cause of these tragic swimming pool accidents is the lack of barriers and supervision. Among children between the ages of 1 and 4, most drowning incidents occur in residential swimming pools. Most young children who drowned in pools were last seen in the home, had been out of sight for less than five minutes and were in the care of both parents at the time. Barriers such as pool fencing and gates with working locks can help prevent children from gaining access to the pool area. Supervision is extremely important as well. Drowning incidents have occurred in cases where the caregiver had taken his or her eye off the child for a barely a minute or two. Drowning can happen quickly and silently within a matter of seconds.

Liability Issues

Remember, if a swimming pool accident occurs on your watch and on your property, you could be held liable for the injuries and damages. If you own a swimming pool property, it would be in your best interests to install safety barriers before the spring and summer months. If you or a loved one has been injured in a swimming pool accident, please contact an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights. With spring just around the corner, this incident is another reminder for all of us to be extremely vigilant when it comes to swimming pools and our little ones.

Seriously injured in a Riverside County accident? Want to know if you have a case? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation for your injuries? Want justice? Want to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to someone else?

Call your best friends in the legal industry after a Riverside swimming pool accident. Call 800-561-4887. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE Riverside personal injury lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your case by attorneys who have represented over 6,000 clients since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a friendly law firm in a comfortable environment.

Toddler Injured in Riverside County Swimming Pool Accident is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Paul Sniffen, a 6-year-old boy, died in a swimming pool accident during a daycare outing. According to a Bay City News report, the drowning occurred the afternoon of July 26, 2010 at 3979 Mabel Avenue in Castro Valley. Lifeguards tried resuscitating Paul, but were unsuccessful. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Investigators say Paul was at the pool for the day under the care of a daycare program and that his parents were not there at the time. Paul apparently went from the shallow end to the deep end of the swimming pool. It is now known who allowed the boy to go to the deep end or if he went there on his own. Alameda County Sheriff's investigators are interviewing several people who witnessed the incident. Anyone who has information is asked to call authorities at 510-667-3921.

I offer my deepest condolences to Paul Sniffen's family members for their devastating and untimely loss. They will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.

Swimming Pool Accident Statistics

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an estimated 350 children under 5 years of age drown each year in swimming pools, many in residential pools. The Commission estimates that another 2,600 children under age 5 are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year following submersion incidents. Some of these submersions or near-drowning incidents result in severe brain injuries and permanent brain damage.

Liability Issues

In this particular case, it is not clear why Paul was not supervised in the pool. There are several unanswered questions here. How did Paul get from the shallow to deep end of the pool? Who was watching him? How many children were there in the pool at the time? Were there any lifeguards watching the children?

If this tragic accident occurred as a result of the daycare supervisors' negligence, then the daycare center that organized this trip to the swimming pool could be held liable. In this case, the aquatics center could also be held liable if the accident was caused as the result of the lifeguards not paying attention to what was happening in the pool. In such cases, victims' families would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and make sure that the negligent parties are held liable.

What are some tips you would offer to parents who are looking for a good summer daycare program for their children? What should parents watch out for?

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

Boy Dies in Daycare Swimming Pool Accident is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

The California personal injury law firm of BISNAR | CHASE was featured in Newsweek Magazine's special "Interview Issue" under "The Best of Los Angeles Law" section. The Newsweek article clearly captures what this law firm stands for, the high standards we aspire to achieve each and every day our attorneys and staff members show up to work. The article talks about our most significant case, our greatest legal achievement and the innovative things we are doing to help consumers and personal injury victims.

Holding Wrongdoers Accountable

Our Newport Beach personal injury lawyers exclusively represent seriously injured victims, those who have suffered catastrophic injuries or families who have lost loved ones as a result of a car accident, product defect or someone's negligence. John Bisnar and Brian Chase have earned a reputation among clients as "guardian angels" and as "arch-nemeses" among negligent insurance companies, large corporations, auto makers and governmental agencies.

Damages for Brain-Injured Victim

The Newsweek interview discusses our firm's most significant case, which was the one where we represented teenager Christopher Chan, who suffered catastrophic brain injuries. Christopher was hit by a vehicle while crossing a dangerous roadway. The intersection where the boy was struck and seriously injured had no light, stop sign, crossing guard or crosswalk when, clearly, there was a need for one. BISNAR | CHASE sued the city of Hanford, which refused to take responsibility for the accident. We recovered enough to cover Christopher's lifelong care, pain and suffering and all his litigation expenses and attorneys' fees.

Passionately Representing Personal Injury Victims

Our firm also provides a number of informational consumer publications, brochures, books and materials that offer free, useful information to benefit our clients and their families. John Bisnar is the author of the book "The Seven Fatal Mistakes That Can Wreck Your California Personal Injury Claim," which spells out the pitfalls personal injury victims should avoid while pursuing their rights. Brian Chase is the author of "Still Unsafe at Any Speed: Auto Defects That Cause Wrongful Deaths and Catastrophic Injuries," the most comprehensive book about vehicle defects since Ralph Nader's book "Unsafe at Any Speed," which was published in 1965. In addition, John Bisnar has launched an ambitious national campaign to "wipe out hit-and-run accidents."

The Newsweek article captures very well what our firm stands for and believes in. We hope to continue our fight for consumer rights and our battle against large corporations and negligent insurance companies.

BISNAR | CHASE Featured in Newsweek's Special Section is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

A 4-year-old boy was hospitalized the evening of June 17, 2009 after a swimming pool accident at a Palm Springs resort and spa, The Desert Sun reports. Joe Cahalan, a hotel guest from Orange County, apparently saved the child's life and carried him from the swimming pool at the Spa Resort Casino, after he spotted the boy underneath the water. Cahalan told the paper that the boy was at least a foot underwater and that he may have been there for 30 or 60 seconds. The child was conscious when firefighters arrived and he was taken to an area hospital for treatment.

It's not known where the child's parents were. Apparently, the boy was with two other children, including a teenager. This is the second time in a month that a child has nearly drowned in a local hotel. On May 15, 2009, a girl was resuscitated after nearly drowning at Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa in Rancho Mirage.

This is a swimming pool accident that could have ended tragically for the little boy and his family. I commend Joe Cahalan for saving this boy's life. He is truly a hero. I hope and pray that the boy is recovering from injuries suffered in this Riverside County swimming pool accident. I wish him the very best for a quick and complete recovery. Please keep him in your prayers.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in 2005, 3,582 unintentional fatal drownings occurred in the United States. About 25 percent of these deaths involved children 14 or younger. Four times as many children receive emergency department care for nonfatal injuries for every child that dies. In 2005, of all children aged 1 to 4 who died in the United States, 30 percent died from drowning. The National Center for Injury Prevention, in 2006, noted drowning to be second only to car accidents as the most common cause of death in children aged 1 to 14.

Near drowning swimming pool accidents should not be taken lightly. Young children can be left with catastrophic brain injuries after a near-drowning because very often this cuts oxygen supply to the brain. The cost of treating these brain injuries can be extremely high and could run into millions of dollars.

As far as this Riverside County swimming pool accident is concerned, it is important to look into the circumstances under which it occurred. Who was responsible for the child at the time? Was there any negligence on the part of the hotel or its employees? If the child's parents believe that their child's swimming pool accident injuries were caused by someone's negligence, they would be well-advised to consult with experienced California personal injury attorneys, who will give them more information about their legal rights and options.

Riverside County Swimming Pool Accident Nearly Drowns Toddler is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Bisnar | Chase recently filed a lawsuit on behalf of Julie Farris, a 21-year-old graphic designer, who suffered severe brain injuries after she was hit by a trolley car on Foothill Boulevard on February 19, 2008, while riding her bicycle to Azusa Pacific University. This personal injury accident may not have occurred if an area of Foothill Boulevard near Azusa Pacific University's campus were better constructed. Farris underwent two brain surgeries, a seven-month hospital stay and a two-month coma. She also suffered damage to her nervous system and what most certainly is permanent brain damage. Our lawsuit names both the city of Azusa and the university in the lawsuit. We believe that both these parties are liable for Farris' trolley-bicycle accident and resulting personal injuries.

But Azusa city officials blame our client for the bicycle accident. They told the San Gabriel Valley Tribune that they believe the conditions on the street were safe and adequate. They call the accident "tragic and unfortunate," but state that it happened because Farris was "operating her bicycle unsafely." Farris was riding on the opposite side of the street toward oncoming traffic. But as our Senior Partner Brian Chase points out, Farris was forced to do that because of overcrowded pedestrian traffic and lack of sidewalk. By poorly designing that roadway, the city created a dangerous condition there.

Farris was caught between the cars and an Azusa Pacific University trolley and suffered massive personal injuries. We also believe that the university trolley driver was inattentive and Azusa Pacific owed a special duty to its students to provide them with a reasonably safe method to travel between the east and west campuses. In just a year and three months, our client is looking at more than $1 million in medical bills. We are also seeking future potential wages and compensation for emotional damage on Farris' behalf.

California’s Government Code section 835 provides that a public entity or governmental agency is liable for damages to an injured person because of a condition of public property when the injured person proves that:

The city and the university should have had better safety measures in place for pedestrians and bicyclists in that area. The street and campus design lacks crosswalks, bike paths, traffic signals and parking, causing a dangerous roadway condition. This was an unfortunate bicycle accident waiting to happen. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if the issue of this dangerous roadway has come before the city and university officials in earlier incidents.

Brain-Injured Woman: Bisnar | Chase Files Lawsuit On Behalf Of Bicycle Accident Victim is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

A 2-year-old girl has been hospitalized in critical condition after she was personally injured in a Riverside swimming pool accident, CBS News reports. The toddler had nearly drowned in a backyard pool in the 11500 block of Valle Lindo the afternoon of May 3, 2009. Riverside County firefighters responded to the incident and took the girl by ambulance to an area hospital. The young victim's name was not released and there are no updates on her condition.

It is extremely fortunate that this little girl has survived this swimming pool accident at least as far as we know. Young children in near-drowning incidents can be left with catastrophic brain injuries because very often, in these cases, oxygen supply to the brain can get cut off. The cost of treating these brain injuries can be extremely high and could run into millions of dollars. I hope and pray that this little girl has a speedy and complete recovery.

Southern California has the highest number of swimming pool accidents in California. Los Angeles County has more than 200 near-drowning incidents on an average each year. Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties alone account for nearly half of all near-drowning incidents in California. Summer is almost here and almost every summer, the Bisnar | Chase law firm represents a family whose loved one drowned or almost drowned because of a homeowner's negligence. Southern California swimming pool accidents and near-drowning incidents can happen at any time. Almost always it happens quietly without warning and without any one noticing, during pool parties or family get-togethers.

In this particular incident, it's not really clear where the near-drowning occurred. Was the toddler in her own backyard? Was she placed under someone's care? Was she being supervised? If a child is placed in the care of a friend, an acquaintance, a babysitter or a neighbor and is involved in a swimming pool accident on their watch, then that person could be held liable for the personal injuries caused. If you believe your child was injured in a California swimming pool accident, please contact reputed California swimming pool accident attorneys, who can give you advice and information about how to pursue your legal rights.

Also, please be safe around the water as we are nearing the summer season. If you own a backyard pool, please be sure to install a gate around the pool and make sure it is locked at all times. Have a safe and enjoyable summer!

Riverside County Swimming Pool Accident Critically Injures Girl is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers