When Your Child Drowns at a Hotel or Motel

 Posted on July 10, 2025 in Uncategorized

Hotels and motels in Florida often advertise their pools as places for relaxation and family fun. But when property owners fail to prioritize safety, these spaces can quickly turn dangerous. Drowning accidents involving children are tragically common in Florida, and hotel and motel operators may be held accountable if negligence played a role.

As a parent, the devastation of losing a child in such a preventable way is unimaginable. Understanding your rights under Florida law is an important step in seeking justice and holding negligent parties responsible. Our Winter Park, FL personal injury attorneys are here to help.

How Are Hotels and Motels Liable for Drowning Accidents?

Under Florida law, hotel and motel owners have a duty to maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition for guests. This includes ensuring that pools are properly fenced, gates are self-latching, lifesaving equipment is accessible, and warning signs are posted where required.

If a hotel fails to comply with these standards and a child drowns as a result, the property owner may be legally responsible for the loss. Common examples of negligence in hotel drowning cases include:

• Broken or inadequate pool barriers.

• Missing warning signs about pool depth or the absence of lifeguards.

• Failure to repair dangerous pool equipment or slippery surfaces.

What Happens After a Child Drowns in a Hotel Pool?

In the aftermath of a drowning, families are often overwhelmed with grief and questions about what to do next. While nothing can undo a tragedy like this, taking quick action may help hold negligent hotel or motel operators accountable and prevent future harm to others.

The process usually begins with an investigation. Law enforcement and local health departments will examine the scene to see whether safety violations contributed to the drowning. Families may also choose to hire an attorney to do an independent investigation. This step is critical because hotel management and their insurance companies may quickly attempt to limit liability or shift blame.

Evidence in these cases often includes:

• Pool maintenance records to show whether the hotel kept safety measures in place.

• Surveillance footage from cameras near the pool area.

• Witness statements from guests, staff, or bystanders who saw the incident.

• Photographs of the pool and surrounding area, documenting barriers, warning signs, or lack thereof.

• Expert testimony from pool safety professionals or drowning prevention specialists.

Families pursuing a wrongful death claim must prove that the hotel failed in its duty to maintain a reasonably safe environment. In Florida, this duty is governed in part by premises liability law and statutes such as Florida Statutes Section 768.0755, which outlines a property owner’s responsibility for hazards in places of business.

By gathering strong evidence early, it is sometimes possible to build a compelling case for compensation that covers funeral costs, emotional suffering, and other damages.

Why Choose an Attorney With Drowning Investigation Experience?

Before establishing The Doan Law Firm, Jimmy Doan spent over a decade serving as a drowning investigator for the Galveston Sheriff’s Department. For 10 years, he examined the causes and consequences of drowning accidents and developed a deep understanding of how these tragedies occur.

Today, Jimmy applies that knowledge to help families hold hotels and motels accountable for negligent actions. As a member of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, he stays at the forefront of drowning prevention efforts and legal developments in this area, making it easier for bereaved parents to rely on him for the help they need.

Contact an Orlando, FL Personal Injury Lawyer

If your child drowned at a hotel or motel, contact a Winter Park, FL personal injury lawyer at The Doan Law Firm. Our team has recovered billions for clients and handles complex, high-stakes cases with compassion and skill. We take calls 24/7/365, offer free consultations, and provide exceptional service for every family we represent. Se habla español. Call 407-289-0000 today.