Premises Liability and Home Swimming Pools

Normal.dotm 0 0 1 271 1546 12 3 1898 12.0 0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false false false There are few things as popular during the summer months as a swimming pool.  Swimming pools beckon to family and friends and can be a great source of enjoyment.  However in the event something goes awry, it is the homeowner that will face the legal consequences.  Homeowners should be aware of the liability they face as a result of having a swimming pool on the premises and take the precautionary steps to avoid it.

Types of Swimming Pool Accidents

Most injuries can be avoided by taking proper precautions when young children or non-swimmers are on your property and by methodically taking steps to properly maintain your pool and its surrounding areas. 

There are a number of ways an individual can sustain injury around or in a pool, including:

•  Drowning

• Brain Injury

• Diving board accidents

• Electrocution

• Slip and Falls

• Head Injury

Premises Liability of the Homeowner

Homeowners are under a duty to maintain their swimming pool area in a way that is safe for anyone that visits.   This includes correcting any dangerous conditions and ensuring that pool equipment is working properly, that depth changes are clearly marked, that broken tiles and concrete are immediately repaired, that the pool has proper levels of chemicals.

Failing to keep the swimming pool area safe will be deemed a breach in the duty that homeowners owe to people that come on to their property.   This means that the homeowner would be responsible for any damages that result from the individual’s injuries.

Seeking Legal Help

Immediately seek the advice of an attorney if someone visiting your home is injured at your pool. Premises liability can have severe financial consequences, due to the fact that swimming pool injuries tend to be severe.  Make sure to contact an attorney that is licensed to practice law in your state and that has experience with premise liability cases.