Top 5 Swimming Pool Hazards
Owning and operating a swimming pool comes with great responsibility. If a resident gets hurt in a swimming pool accident because the operator failed to follow proper standards for the pool’s construction, maintenance and supervision, the injured person may have grounds for filing a California premises liability lawsuit.
Top 5 pool safety hazards
Despite taking every precaution, there are still many common swimming pool hazards.
The following are the top five swimming pool dangers:
- Drowning and near-drowning
- Slip and fall accidents, such as sliding on wet pool decks
- Diving board accidents
- Pool chemicals
- Uncovered pool drains
A closer look at swimming pool accidents
The possibility of a drowning or near-drowning is one of the biggest concerns of swimming pools. Any person who is unable to swim, especially children who are unfamiliar with the dangers associated with pools, are at risk of injuries if they are not properly supervised by the pool’s managers or owners. Every year, three children die as a result of drowning, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And, those who manage to survive a pool accident may experience oxygen loss, leading to brain damage.
Uncovered swimming pool drains also can be very dangerous. Drains that are not covered properly can lead to swimmers getting trapped under the water and drowning. In 2007, the suction from an uncovered pool drain disemboweled a 6-year-old girl. She underwent many surgeries and died nearly a year later.
Other common swimming pool accidents are slip and fall injuries, which can occur when people walk on slick pool decks, ledges or diving boards, resulting in serious injuries, such as neck, brain and spinal cord damage. Pool chemicals that are not used or stored properly can make swimmers very ill.
California law and premises liability claims
State law requires property owners to take reasonable care toward any person entering their properties. California premises liability lawsuits typically stem from a property owner who failed to ensure guest safety, such as failing to install fencing or post warning signs around the pool. Property owners also must ensure pools are properly supervised and receive routine, required maintenance.
Los Angeles swimming pool accidents and legal recourse for victims
Injured parties can take legal action against pool owners or operators who fail to maintain their pools or take any of the other above-mentioned steps to keeps swimmers safe.
However, premises liability cases related to swimming pools accidents often are complex; successful outcomes depend on proving specific facts.
A qualified attorney will need to fully investigate the case and then show that pool managers or owners knew there were dangerous conditions, yet failed to rectify the hazards or warn visitors appropriately.
Filing a California premises liability lawsuit
Ellis Law firm can help you seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering if you or a loved one was injured in a swimming pool accident in Los Angeles due to hazardous conditions or the negligence of another. Our personal injury lawyers will evaluate your case thoroughly to determine your eligibility for recovering fair compensation. For a free consultation, call us at 310-641-3335.