Swimming Pool Accidents and the Law

Most people believe that a backyard swimming pool is one of the safest places to enjoy the water and that drowning is a rare occurrence in today’s culture.  Moreover, while statistics show that the drowning rate is decreasing, it is still the second highest cause of death for children between the ages of 1 and 14.  The truth is, it takes very little water, and very little time, to drown.  That is why it is so important for pool owners to provide adequate protections for those in their own family as well as those who may visit or wander in.

In addition, there are other accidents that can occur around a pool, as people run, play, and jump into the water.  It is common to suffer an unintentional injury at poolside.  A pool owner is ultimately liable for any drowning or near-drowning accidents on their property, and is generally liable for other injuries that may occur as well.  Anyone who is a victim of such injuries, or the families of drowning victims, have the right to explore whether or not they are eligible to file a claim for compensation.

Pool Related Accidents and Injuries

The truth is, someone doesn’t have to be on vacation or enjoying a relaxing day at the pool to suffer a drowning, or near drowning, accident.  Swimming pool accidents and other drowning injuries can occur for many reasons:

• Improper supervision
• Lack of any lifeguard supervision
• Failure to maintain poolside areas
• Failure of flotation equipment
• Lack of barriers
• Alcohol use
• Illness, such as a heart attack or seizure, when in the water

Drowning Injuries

Drowning occurs when liquid enters a victim’s lungs and prevents them from absorbing the necessary oxygen.  The result is suffocation.  Even when a victim is resuscitated and survives swimming pool accidents, there can be serious complications, even death, later on.  Some of the consequences of oxygen deprivation include:

• Unconsciousness
• Brain damage
• Pulmonary edema, in which the lungs lose their ability to exchange air
• Cardiac arrest
• Brain death

The first few moments after a swimming pool accident are critical.  Immediate resuscitation may be able to prevent oxygen deprivation, brain damage, or death.

Legal Help Filing a Lawsuit

Many of these types of accidents are due to the negligence of a pool owner or manager.  In those cases, the victim or their family should consult an accident attorney to determine if they have the right to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.  In other cases, even carelessness by employees of public pools, hotels, and resort areas can result in swimming pool accidents or other kinds of injuries.  Those victims should also contact a lawyer to learn their rights and obtain all the worker’s compensation they deserve.  Product liability lawsuits may also be an option if faulty equipment is the cause of such accidents.  An accident attorney can help victims and their family’s determine the best court to take and can guide them through the difficult legal process.