Orange County Drowning and Near Drowning Attorney
[Updated November 26, 2025]
Survivors may suffer brain damage, lung injuries, or other complications due to oxygen deprivation.
Derek Pakiz at the Reeves Law Group is a premier Orange County-based drowning and near-drowning accident attorney.
As devastating as a drowning is, Derek is presumptively the nation’s foremost attorney authority in drowning and near-drowning cases, owing to his decades of supervisory and hands-on lifeguarding experience in addition to his successful legal career.
Derek, a distinguished attorney at the Reeves Law Group, has carved out a unique niche for himself in the realm of drowning cases. His distinct approach to every case not only brings a fresh perspective, but also yields a notable track record of successful outcomes across a diverse range of drowning incidents. His strategic and sensitive methods in handling heartbreaking personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits has been instrumental in his success.
If you or a family victim has been the victim of a drowning or near drowning accident, contact us today.
Call (714) 550-6000
For a Free Consultation
It’s a difficult decision to make the first call, but if you or your loved one has sustained a drowning or near drowning, Call (714) 550-6000 or contact us for a free consultation. We can give you formal legal advice about your drowning accident and potential premises liability claim.
How can we help in a drowning accident?
An Orange County drowning attorney like us can provide expert legal guidance and representation to victims and their families who have suffered injuries or deaths due to drowning incidents.
They can help investigate the circumstances of the incident, identify liable parties, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue fair compensation through litigation if necessary. It is important to seek the assistance of a qualified attorney as soon as possible after such an incident occurs, as time may be limited for filing a claim.
Unfortunately drowning can quickly lead to serious brain injury due to the lack of oxygen, or cerebral hypoxia. This can result in substantial economic and non-economic damages, as victims may require lifelong medical care.
About Drowning Accidents in Orange County
Orange County is known for its affluence and numerous beaches and private swimming pools (we have one of the highest number of swimming pools per population in North Orange County). Despite stringent safety laws and the presence of lifeguards, these tragic incidents continue to occur.
For example, a recent drowning incident in Orange County involved a four-year-old girl at a community pool in Irvine. Despite the presence of adults, the child slipped into the water unnoticed and tragically drowned. In another case, a middle-aged man drowned while swimming off the coast of Huntington Beach, where he was caught in a strong rip current.
Tragedy also struck a family in Newport Beach during a private pool gathering. Despite having a lifeguard on duty, a young teenager drowned when the hired lifeguard was momentarily distracted, leading to a devastating outcome.
In most cases, it’s not only the victims that suffer the consequences of these types of accidents — their families are also affected and left dealing with immense pain, long-term medical expenses or even funeral costs.
Losing someone due to a drowning accident is something no one should experience whether it’s an adult or a child victim.
As the above examples showcase, every time someone ventures out to swim, there’s always the risk of a tragedy occurring. It’s essential people know what steps to take if they or their loved ones fall victim to drowning accidents.
Where do drownings commonly occur?
Swimming Pools: Both public and private swimming pools are common places for drownings, especially for children. Inadequate fencing or lack of supervision can increase the risk.
Bathtubs: This is especially a risk for infants and very young children, but also for the elderly or those with mobility issues.
Beaches: Natural bodies of water like oceans and seas present a higher risk due to currents, tides, and sometimes unpredictable conditions. Lack of lifeguard supervision can also be a factor.
Lakes and Rivers: These can also be dangerous due to undercurrents, sudden changes in depth, and the potential for fatigue or cramping while swimming far from shore.
Spas and Hot Tubs: The warm water can lead to drowsiness and accidental drowning, and the powerful jets can sometimes trap swimmers.
Boating Accidents: Drownings can occur following boating accidents in open water, as well as from water sports such as water skiing, tubing, wakeboarding and more. Scuba diving and free diving is another sport that sees drownings on a more frequent basis than we’d like to see.
Floods: Natural disasters like floods can lead to accidental drownings, often due to the swift currents and debris in the water.
Irrigation Channels or Ditches: These can be dangerous due to their unexpected depths and sometimes steep, slippery sides.
Drowning accidents can result from various negligent actions
Preventable drowning accidents are a common and devastating occurrence that can result from a wide variety of negligent actions. Negligent actions can include actions taken by the responsible party, as well as inaction or lack of reasonable care in providing adequate supervision or taking necessary precautions to protect against risks and hazardous situations.
In specific cases, the negligence of the responsible party is often easily identifiable. In other cases, it requires a detailed investigation to determine exactly what went wrong and who could be to blame.
Examples of negligent behavior that may cause preventable drowning accidents include failing to provide or maintain proper safety equipment for their pool or spa or other bodies of water, improperly maintaining fences, barriers, locks or alarm systems around such areas, failing to ensure adequate supervision for those persons near dangerous areas and not warning swimmers of potential risks.
Negligent parties can also be held liable if they fail to take steps to address a known hazard or failure to make needed repairs on swim areas and other associated facilities in a timely manner. Further, businesses or schools that host large numbers of people at pools, lakes, rivers or oceans may be liable if they fail to provide warnings about risks associated with swimming in such areas and do not take appropriate action when necessary.
On one hand, various types of reckless behavior can certainly lead to preventable drowning accidents. On the other hand, sometimes an accident is unavoidable due to the presence of multiple variables combined with natural forces out of anyone’s control. It is up to experienced legal professionals to examine all aspects of the situation and determine where the liability lies so that victims and their families can seek justice for their losses.
When searching for a drowning accident attorney in Orange County, it’s essential to find an experienced legal partner who has a top-tier law degree and credentials like board certifications, strong dedication towards their profession, and proven expertise in litigating drowning accidents or personal injury cases.
It’s vital to consider the attorney’s personality, work style, communication skills, and track record of previous achievements to establish a strong client-attorney relationship based on mutual respect and trust. Carefully evaluating these aspects while analyzing various legal partners will help clients find an ideal attorney who can represent them most effectively and achieve better outcomes.
Role of a Specialized Attorney
An experienced attorney specializes in handling drowning accident claims and helps clients navigate through difficult times while providing legal guidance throughout the healing process. Specialized attorneys will fight for fair compensation against negligent parties such as property owners, aquatic facilities or manufacturers of faulty swimming equipment. They represent individuals and families who have been victims of wrongful deaths and catastrophic injuries due to drowning.
Pursuant to state and federal statutory frameworks, swimming pool safety protocols are predominantly governed at the state jurisdiction, yet overarching federal mandates exist, notably the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act (P&SS Act).
The federal entity, Pool Safely, executes and enforces the stipulations of the P&SS Act, imposing specific standards for public pool and spa establishments. In the state of California, pool safety regulations are codified under the Swimming Pool Safety Act, with detailed provisions for public pools delineated in the 2019 California Building Code (CBC) Chapter 31B. For entities operating within Orange County, the design and construction of private swimming pools, spas, must comply with the 2022 California Residential Code, Appendix AX, Swimming Pool, Spa, Hot tub Safety as adopted and amended by local ordinances.
For public pools in California and in Orange County, Chapter 31B of the California Building Code provides the regulations. This chapter applies to various public facilities such as clubs, community buildings, schools, health clubs, water parks, swim schools, medical facilities, and municipal pools
Navigating such regulatory landscapes can be intricate; thus, for legal inquiries or potential issues, consultation with the legal professionals at the Reeves Law Group, specialists in drowning accident cases, is recommended.
Our lawyers and experts combine their professional knowledge with personal experience to help clients through complicated legal proceedings. They investigate every angle of the accident to build a strong case for their client’s benefit while providing emotional support and guidance to help families through difficult times.
At times, attorneys will go that extra mile when arguing their client’s case, demonstrating how the responsibility of the accident lies on the other party. For instance, in a recent case where a five-year-old boy died in a pool accident, the mother demanded compensation from the apartment complex, accusing them of ignoring recognized safety parameters related to swimming pools. The attorney took the assistance of expert witnesses and built a case that considered every detail related to the property pool, further proving that the management was indeed responsible for ignoring security measures such as failing to install a proper fence or lockable gate.
It can be argued that some people might not require an attorney’s help when they file claims against negligent parties or insurance companies. They could file an insurance claim themselves and get replacement costs paid relatively quickly; however, this system can be complicated and challenging to navigate without proper legal training. Missteps can severely affect one’s chances of securing full compensation for medical bills as well as pain and suffering related expenses.
While filing an insurance claim without legal guidance is like driving down a freeway without knowing any traffic rules, it’s essential to have someone who understands the complexities of drowning accidents laws — especially if you want fast results and fair compensation.
Legal representation in such cases is pivotal since many liability factors come into play. For example, California law requires those found guilty of negligence at swimming pools to pay reasonable settlements due to wrongful death suits filed by surviving family members.
Client Representation
One of the main reasons why people seek the help of an attorney is to represent them in their lawsuit. In cases of drowning accidents, a lawyer with experience and expertise in this area can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your rights and getting the compensation you deserve.
Imagine if you lost a loved one due to a swimming pool accident at a public facility. The trauma and emotional stress would be overwhelming, and it would be difficult to navigate the legal complexities on your own while taking on the city and their lawyers. By working with a drowning accident attorney, you can have peace of mind knowing that they will represent your best interests in court.
A specialized drowning accident attorney will have extensive knowledge of the laws and regulations pertaining to swimming pools, beaches, and other aquatic environments in Orange County and the local suburbs. They will also have experience dealing with insurance companies, local authorities, and other key players involved in these types of cases.
Some may argue that they can handle their own case without legal representation, but this can often lead to unfavorable outcomes. Without a lawyer on your side, you may not be aware of all your legal options or know how to negotiate effectively. Plus, dealing with legal matters while grieving can be incredibly stressful and time-consuming.
So if you want someone who can represent you effectively in court while providing compassionate guidance every step of the way, turn to a specialized drowning accident attorney.
Why Personal Experience and Expertise is Key
In the complex terrain of drowning and near-drowning cases, the benefits of working with an attorney possessing both personal experience and professional expertise cannot be overstated.
Derek Pakiz is the embodiment of this ideal blend. He lives in the heart of North Orange County (the hills of Santa Ana, Ca), and as the nation’s presumptive foremost authority in drowning and near-drowning cases, Mr. Pakiz’s decades of supervisory and hands-on lifeguarding experience as well as a decades-long boat owner make him uniquely equipped to empathetically navigate the intricacies of these cases, providing clients with much-needed support.
Imagine, for instance, the aftermath of a near-drowning incident at a hotel pool during a vacation. The physical injuries, the financial burdens, and the legal complexities can be overwhelming. Mr. Pakiz, however, understands these scenarios from a personal and professional standpoint. His lifeguarding background combined with his legal acumen allows him to provide a comprehensive understanding of your unique situation.
Mr. Pakiz’s personal experience with drowning incidents enhances his ability to anticipate potential challenges and provide invaluable insights. His experience and consulting isn’t theoretical – it’s practical, tested, and proven. Navigating unfamiliar legal territory can be daunting, but with Mr. Pakiz, it’s akin to having a seasoned guide who has walked the same path, helping you avoid pitfalls and stay on course, all while providing emotional support.
While some might argue that personal experience is not essential for an attorney, as long as they have expertise in drowning cases, there is no denying that the combination of personal experience and professional expertise brings a depth of understanding and representation that is unmatched.
Derek Pakiz isn’t just a legal expert in drowning accidents; he’s lived the reality of these situations and has rescued swimmers and waders countless times from SoCal’s beaches.
This combination of experience and expertise makes him a truly exceptional advocate in these cases. Choose Derek and the Reeves Law Group, an Orange County based drowning accident attorney, for the rare blend of personal and professional expertise that can help turn the tide in your favor.
Working with a Local Orange County-based Drowning Lawyer
When pursuing a drowning accident case, there are real advantages to hiring an attorney who practices locally in Orange County.
A local lawyer knows the specific laws and regulations here. They’ve likely handled similar cases and understand how to navigate the local court system—experience that matters when fighting for compensation.
Local attorneys also have connections within the community: medical professionals, investigators, and expert witnesses who can strengthen your case. Many have established relationships with local judges and opposing counsel, which can help move things along more smoothly.
Accessibility is another benefit. No time zone issues, no long travel for meetings. You can communicate more easily, and that matters. The American Bar Association found that communication breakdowns account for about 60% of grievances filed against lawyers. Working with someone nearby helps avoid those problems.
Some might argue that a more experienced out-of-town attorney would be better. But experience with local laws and procedures counts for a lot, and coordinating across distances adds unnecessary stress during an already difficult time.
Think of it like choosing between a neighborhood doctor and a remote specialist. Both may be qualified, but the local professional offers something extra: accessibility, community ties, and familiarity with how things work where you live.
- In 2020, there were over over 2,250 active attorneys practicing personal injury law in Orange County. A very small subset of these lawyers specialize in drowning and swimming pool accident cases.
- According to Orange County Fire Authority, in 2019 Orange County had a total of 114 drowning incidents, highlighting the potential need for specialized drowning attorneys in the region.
Handling the Legal Side, From Derek:
Drowning accident cases involve complicated procedures that can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re recovering physically or emotionally. A drowning accident lawyer handles these details for you and guides you through each step.
One major challenge is figuring out what your case is actually worth. An experienced attorney understands all the damages involved—medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and reduced quality of life. Studies show that victims who work with attorneys typically receive 3.5 times more in settlements than those who go it alone.
Another hurdle is dealing with insurance companies. Adjusters often try to reduce payouts by shifting blame onto victims or raising arguments to devalue claims. A local drowning accident attorney knows these tactics and can push back effectively.
I saw this firsthand with a client after a church camp drowning in Orange County. They were drowning in medical bills while an insurance adjuster tried to blame them for negligence and limit their payout. By handling communications directly with the insurer, I secured enough compensation to cover all treatment costs and eliminate their financial burden.
Some people think skipping the attorney saves money. But without legal knowledge, you risk settling for far less—or losing your case entirely. It’s like trying to treat a serious medical condition yourself. One wrong move can cost you significantly.
Why Hire The Reeves Law Group for Your Accident Claim?
- Over $250,000,000 Recovered for Our Clients
- Newsweek’s 10 Best Personal Injury Attorneys
- No Fee Guarantee – No Fees Unless We Win
Contact Our Drowning and near drowning Accident LAW FIRM
Attorney Derek Pakiz has won thousands of cases, including numerous swimming pool and other drowning cases, and have earned a reputation for professionalism and competence. We have the experience, skill, and resources to ensure that our clients will obtain optimum representation in their wrongful death or accident claim.
Call our drowning accident attorney at (714) 550-6000 or contact us for a free consultation. For your convenience, we make home and hospital visits throughout the Orange County area.
[Written by Derek Pakiz. Article updated on 11/26/2025]
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