Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Bucket Drowning: Child Accidents (Part A)
Did you know that in the U.S. about 25 children drown every year in buckets, and many more are hospitalized? The danger of bucket drowning is very real and parents should protect their little ones from the risk of injury and drowning in this type of water-related accidents.
What We Know About Bucket Drowning
Common traits in bucket drowning accidents:
- 5-gallons containing liquids are usually to blame
- They are typically used for mopping or other household chores
- Many buckets were not even half way full
“The 5-gallon bucket is particularly dangerous because its heavier weight makes it more stable than a smaller bucket, and it’s unlikely to tip over when a child uses it to pull up,” according to the Drowning Prevention Web site.
Recent Bucket Drowning Accidents
James Farrior, just shy of his first birthday, drowned in a bucket while in the care of his babysitter on June 16, 2009. The seven-gallon bucket was three quarters full.
While the babysitter may be charged, it doesn’t help ease the grief the baby’s mother feels over losing her baby to a senseless accident.
The horror of having a child drown in a bucket of water is incomprehensible. If you are in this situation, you should contact an experienced Boston personal injury attorney who specializes in child injury cases right away to ensure your rights are protected.
It is important that the lawyer you choose has successfully handled child drowning cases and understands the intricacies of child injury cases.
Tips for Parents
Here are some Boston child drowning accident prevention tips for parents:
- NEVER leave a bucket of water unattended around children
- Realize that even a partially filled bucket can be a drowning hazard
- Empty buckets right after completing household chores or find a safe place to store them out of reach of children
- ALWAYS watch children when they are around water
The CPSC warns parents that children can drown in a bucket in less time than it takes to answer the telephone.
Continue to Bucket Drowning: Child Accidents (Part B) >>
