Swimming pool accidents can cause serious injuries with long-term consequences, such as spinal cord injuries, neck and head injuries, and in some cases drowning. Our law firm works with experienced swimming pool injury lawyers, who handle swimming pool injury lawsuits, and there are no legal fees until you receive a settlement or award. Call us toll-free at 1-800-992-6878 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Have You Suffered a Swimming Pool Injury?
Call d’Oliveira & Associates for a Free Case Evaluation!
There are millions of private and public swimming pools across the country that provide popular recreational activities including swimming lessons, water sports, birthday parties, and swimming just for fun. These attractions provide a great place to relax and get exercise, but they can also present many dangers if they are not properly maintained and supervised. It is important to be aware of these dangers prior to getting in the water in order to avoid swimming pool accidents and injuries.
How Much is My Swimming Pool Injury Case Worth?
If you are injured at a swimming pool, you may be able to recover for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, among other losses. The amount you will be able to recover will depend on the facts of your case. It is important to consult with an experienced swimming pool accident lawyer who can evaluate your situation and get you all of the compensation you deserve. Read More.
Where Can Swimming Pool Accidents Occur?
Swimming pool accidents can occur in pools on private or public property. For example, homeowners may maintain above-ground or in-ground swimming pools on their property. Swimming areas are also commonly found at privately owned amusement parks, waterparks, apartment complexes, hotels, motels, gyms, and condominium developments. Many states and towns also maintain public swimming pools at parks, schools, and summer camps. Swimming pool accidents can occur at any of these locations and lead to serious injuries. Many swimming pool injuries occur because of slippery or unsafe conditions.
Who Can be Held Responsible for Swimming Pool Injuries?
The owners of properties that have swimming pools are required by law to keep their swimming pools safe for those invited onto the property to use them. This is true for both private and public property. This duty requires that owners perform the required maintenance of the swimming pool and of fixtures surrounding it, such as walkways, ladders, and handrails. Swimming pool owners may also be required to post certain warnings to swimmers or provide life guards or other pool attendants to maintain safety. If the required safety protocol is not followed and injury results, the owner can be held responsible for those injuries.
Common Types of Swimming Pool Dangers
As stated above, property owners have a duty to properly maintain and supervise their swimming areas. There may also be a duty to warn of certain dangers associated with the swimming pool. Failure to maintain safe conditions may mean that they can be held responsible for injuries that occur as a result. The following sections provide examples of each of these duties and dangers associated with swimming pools.
Failure to Maintain: Swimming pool owners should inspect their property on a regular basis, maintain their pool, and address any dangerous conditions. One aspect of maintenance is keeping the water sanitary. They should clean the filter and treat the water with chemicals to ensure that swimmers will not become sick from recreational water illnesses. Pool chemicals should be stored out of the reach of children. Maintenance also includes recognizing and fixing dangerous conditions such as broken handrails, cluttered walkways, uneven stairs, tangled ropes or broken pool accessories.
Swimming pool drains can also be a serious danger if the drain cover is broken or if the drain is defective. The drain can cause serious injuries and even death if the suction created by the drain traps someone under the water. Property owners also need to be aware of the dangers of electricity and water. This means addressing the dangers of overhead and underground wires. Electrical equipment should be kept away from the water.
The duty to maintain may also include the duty to provide swimming pool safety equipment. Check to make sure there is a life ring and shepherd’s hook easily accessible. Also, check to see if a First Aid Kit is close at hand and local emergency numbers are posted in case an accident occurs.
Failure to Warn: Swimming pools by their very nature are dangerous, and therefore adequate warnings are necessary. Typically, there should be warnings about the danger of running, number of people allowed in the water, slippery surfaces, and instructions that supervision of children is required. The depths of the water should be clearly and accurately marked, and “no diving” warnings should be posted appropriately.
Failure to Supervise: Lifeguards may be required at certain places like amusement parks, beaches, public pools, water parks, and gym pools. When a lifeguard is required, they must be properly trained and act reasonably while on duty. This means they must enforce the pool rules, look for swimmers in danger, and make reasonable efforts to rescue anyone in danger. Property owners may be at fault for swimming injuries if their pools are overcrowded or if they did not provide the appropriate number of lifeguards.
Common Swimming Pool Injuries:
- Recreational water illness
- Infections
- Water intoxication (water poisoning)
- Electric shock and electrocution
- Slip and fall injuries
- Broken bones
- Cuts and scrapes
- Fractured bones
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Neck and head injuries
- Brain damage
- Drowning and wrongful death
Contact an Experienced Massachusetts Swimming Pool Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one has suffered injury after a swimming pool accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. We work with experienced swimming pool lawyers who may be able to file a swimming pool accident lawsuit on your behalf. There are no legal fees unless you receive an award or settlement. Contact us toll free anytime at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online for a free (no-obligation) case evaluation.
Source:
- http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/
- http://www.poolsafely.gov
- http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Water-Safety/waterinjuries-factsheet.html