Drowning is death secondary to filling of the lungs by a liquid (usually water) resulting in death due to asphyxia. A near drowning means initial survival of a drowning event. Survival after downing can cause complications including severe brain damage and subsequent death.
Role of Supervision in Drowning
Children require supervision when around water – even an inch of water can lead to drowning. Our forensic pediatrician expert evaluates the role of parental/guardian supervision in drowning incidents, as well as the effective use of products intended for water safety.
Example Pediatric Drowning Cases
Infant child dies after being left momentarily unattended in a bath seat:
- Was the product labeled properly for parental understanding?
- Did the lack of supervision, however brief, constitute neglect?
- How did the child drown? How long did it take?
- Did the parental response to the incident have a role in the subsequent outcome?