A drowning accident in Long Island nearly claimed the life of a 6-year-old boy earlier this week. Joey George was with relatives at reception at a private home following a funeral when he somehow ended up in a manmade pond in the backyard. The adults at the gathering let the little boy slip from their watch for just a few moments but that was all it took for the curious young child to fall into the icy waters.
When his younger brother came into the house crying and wet, relatives rushed to the backyard to see young Joey floating face-down in a fish pond.
16-year Keyara Zamor, the boy’s cousin, launched into action, jumping into the water himself and pulling the boy’s lifeless form out. Keyara began performing CPR, a skill he had just learned, an as he pumped away, young Joey came back to life. By the time rescue crews arrived the victim was conscious. They rushed him to a nearby hospital where he was treated and held for observation.
While the outcome of this particular near drowning accident in Long Island was a happy one, the property owner could still be held liable. Under New York premises law, pools or ponds must be kept reasonably safe from known hazards. If a property owner knows or have known of a hazardous or dangerous condition, the property owner can be held liable for any injuries suffered by a child or an adult. Owners must have deterrents such as fencing, alarms, and warning signs posted around such known hazards.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pond or pool whether private or public, contact a New York City accidental drowning lawyer immediately. The experts at tthe Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel may be able to get you the compensation you deserve.