- Feb 4, 2025 - Uncategorized - Written by Cloward Trial Lawyers, reviewed by Ben Cloward
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call or text us 702-605-5000Bathtub deaths are among the most underrated household hazards that bring widespread and disastrous consequences. At Cloward Trial Lawyers, we value the gravity of such incidents on the families of Las Vegas, Nevada. Now, let’s discuss the risks, causes, and precautions of such tragedies and how we can help.
Bathtubs are those places that seem so harmless yet pose the highest risk for serious injury or fatality. It can happen in a split second, especially when precautions are not taken.
The study, A Systematic Program to Reduce the Incidence and Severity of Bathtub and Shower Area Injuries, systematically analyzes patterns and scenarios associated with accidents in such areas. Therefore, it offers targeted interventions for the hazards caused by bathtubs and showers, meaning consumers and manufacturers alike can effectively intervene on these issues.
One of the most salient findings within the report is that although children under five years of age comprise only 8.5% of the total population within the United States, they represent nearly 30% of the annual 110,000 bathtub and shower-related accidents. Children under the age of five account for over 75% of bathtub and shower-related fatalities, while 90% of injuries and deaths to children under five years of age are the result of the failure of a responsible adult to supervise them.
The most common accidents reported are slips and falls in bathtubs and showers. Less frequent but usually more serious are burns from scalding water; these burns kill over 70 people each year. More than 100 people drown in bathtubs every year.
Many bathtub deaths result from drowning. The victim may be a small child or one with limited mobility.
Submersion asphyxia, or the inability to breathe after inhaling water, can even happen in shallow depths. It is a silent danger, as it usually goes unnoticed until it’s too late.
Bathroom surfaces are slippery by nature. A possible fall in the tub can lead to head injuries leading to unconsciousness, further increasing the chances of drowning.
Exposure to excessively hot water can cause heat shock leading to unconsciousness, which is very dangerous, particularly for patients with preexisting heart disease.
Electrical appliances, such as hair dryers near bathtubs, can cause fatal electrocution. Keeping electronic devices away from water will help avoid such disasters.
Small children are particularly vulnerable because of their size and inability to handle themselves during emergencies.
Elderly individuals lack good mobility and balance, so they are prone to slipping down, falling, and having other accidents in the bathtub.
People who have a disability or medical condition, such as seizures or heart conditions, can be in more danger in the bath due to their inability to react during an emergency.
In 2023, the world lost actor Matthew Perry to his bathtub. While his cause of death was very complex, it shows just how dangerous bathrooms can be without one even realizing it.
The tragic death of the iconic singer Whitney Houston by accidental drowning in a hotel bathtub in 2012 sent shockwaves around the world. Her case pointed out the danger of bathing with drug use.
The mysterious death of the legendary musician Jim Morrison in a Paris bathtub in 1971 has continued to be a subject of speculation; some suggest his death was related either to heart failure or to drug use.
Avoiding bathtub-related hazards begins with prevention. Here are some actions you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones:
Losing a loved one due to some tragedy in the bathtub is heartbreaking. You may have legal options available if negligence or hazardous conditions contributed to the incident. Documentation and expert legal advice are essential steps toward the search for justice.
Was your loved one a victim of a bathtub death, or do you seek help to pursue a claim? The lawyers at Cloward Trial Lawyers are there to provide families with compassionate and expert service in Las Vegas. Give us a call today at 702-605-5000 for a free consultation.
In 2016, at the age of 37, Benjamin P. Cloward became the youngest lawyer in the history of the State of Nevada to be awarded the prestigious “Trial Lawyer of the Year” by the Nevada Justice Association. That same year, he became the youngest member of the Nevada, Las Vegas Chapter of ABOTA (American Board of Trial Advocates), and at the time was also the youngest person in the State of Nevada to be Board Certified as a Personal Injury Specialist.
Practice areas: personal injury, car accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, Greyhound bus accidents, and walk-in tub accidents.
Location: Las Vegas, NV
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Start your Free Case Evaluation by using the form below. You’ll get a fast response from one of our team members or call our office 702-605-5000.