Swimming Pool Accident Lawyers in Tallahassee
Swimming pools have the potential to cause serious injuries and can even be deadly. That is why following pool safety practices are so important. When you get into a pool accident, you deal with damages that could affect your life for weeks, months, or years.
If you were not at fault for a pool accident, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. With the help of a knowledgeable pool accident attorney, you can get the guidance you need. Contact our law firm to learn how much you are entitled to for swimming pool accident damages. Reach out to Fasig | Brooks now for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Swimming Pool Accidents
While swimming pools are a great way to escape the heat, they also come with many hazards for swimmers. Below are common causes of swimming pool injuries.
Drowning
Drowning is one of the top ten causes of death for children and minors. You can suffer from cardiac arrest, hypoxia, respiratory arrest, hypothermia, hypoventilation, and brain damage when you drown. You are at risk of drowning if you are unable to swim, have taken heavy prescription medicine before swimming, or do not wear life-saving devices.
Children can drown because of poor supervision or the lack of appropriate barriers around the pool. Florida has the highest drowning death rate for children under 5. Children are more at risk of a fatal injury at a residential swimming pool, where over 60% of drowning deaths occur.
Drowning does not always result in death. If you become submerged and partially drown, you can suffer mild injuries. Drowning is a process that causes respiratory distress from being submerged in water for a prolonged time. Being deprived of oxygen from drowning for a short time can lead to brain damage.
Pool Entrapment
Young children are especially vulnerable to pool entrapment. However, pool entrapment can also happen to adults. Entrapment occurs when your limbs, hair, or clothing can get stuck in a drainpipe or caught in the grate of the drain cover. When caught in the pool’s suction, you may be unable to swim to the surface, which could lead to drowning.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Because of the wet and slippery surfaces around swimming pools, slip and fall accidents are common. Rules are in place to prevent this, but people often do not follow instructions or warning signs. Traumatic brain injuries can happen at public pools when a swimmer slips on a wet surface, on the diving board, or at the bottom of the pool. A fall can knock you out, cause cuts and bleeding, or make you suffer other serious injuries.
Electrocution
Dysfunctional electrical equipment and non-waterproof technology that get into a pool can electrocute swimmers. If an appliance is in contact with water, this electrifies the pool and can shock anyone who touches the water.
Pool Toy Entrapment
When there is poor supervision, children may go into a swimming pool if they see a toy floating in the water. Because most younger children are unable to swim in deep water, they may drown without anyone nearby to help them. Barriers, proper supervision, and removal of pool toys can prevent this from happening.
Malfunctioning Diving Boards
If a diving board breaks as a swimmer jumps on it, this can cause the swimmer to enter the pool at a dangerous angle. If the diving board malfunctions, you can injure yourself by hitting the bottom or sides of the pool.
Types of Public Swimming Pool Injuries
A swimming pool personal injury claim can include any of the following injuries:
- Abrasions and lacerations
- Concussions and other head injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Dislocated joints
- Sprains and strains
- Brain damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Cardiac arrest
- Neurological disorders
Steps to Take After a Swimming Pool Accident
Swimming pools require strict safety measures to prevent accidents. When you suffer from a personal injury, you should immediately follow these steps:
Seek Medical Help
After you get into a pool accident, seek the help of a doctor immediately. Have an ambulance transport you to a hospital if you are unable to drive. The emergency department can treat your injuries and prevent them from worsening. A medical examination is imperative, especially in the case of drowning accidents. These injuries can result in permanent brain damage, hypoxia, and cardiac arrest.
Inform Local Authorities
You may want to inform the police of what happened so they can file a police report. Notify the authorities if there were serious injuries or if someone deliberately caused your injuries.
Take Pictures
You should document the scene of the accident after your injury. This provides proof to show the dangerous conditions on the property owners’ premises that put your well-being at risk. Take photos of your injuries as well.
Do Not Discuss Your Personal Injury
You should not mention the accident or discuss it with anyone. This could cause you to unintentionally admit fault. Consider allowing a pool accident lawyer to represent you and speak on your behalf. This prevents another party from using what you say against you. Do not post about your personal injury on social media or agree to any recorded statements.
Speak to Swimming Pool Accident Personal Injury Attorneys
Your attorney can investigate how your swimming pool accident happened using their knowledge of personal injury and experience. They can uncover if you are at fault and identify necessary proof to show the property owner is liable. Attorneys are powerful negotiators. They can contact the other party on your behalf and work towards a settlement for your damages.
Recoverable Damages in a Swimming Pool Accident
After you experience an accident at a pool, you can recover compensation. The negligent party must provide this compensation due to premises liability. Here are the damages your attorney could include in your settlement when they file your claim.
Medical Bills
Your settlement will include the cost of any injuries caused by your pool accident that required medical treatment. Ongoing treatments can include medication, surgery, and physical therapy.
Lost Wages
Your settlement will also include any income you missed when you were unable to work. Your attorney can also calculate past and future lost wages.
Pain and Suffering
Your emotional turmoil is important, and your settlement can include compensation for pain and suffering. Your attorney uses a multiplier to estimate your pain and suffering, which covers depression, anxiety, grief, and other negative emotions.
Wrongful Death
If you are a surviving family member or an eligible loved one, you can claim a wrongful death settlement on behalf of the victim. Damages can include the following in addition to previously mentioned damages:
- Loss of mentorship
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of guardianship
- Loss of valuable services
- Loss of benefits
- Loss of earning capacity
- Burial costs
- Funeral bills
Speak to Personal Injury Attorneys About Your Recent Injuries
Residential swimming pool accidents are among the highest mortality rates for small children. Property owners of residential swimming pools can be held liable due to their inability to create a safe space for swimmers. Your personal injury lawyer can help you seek financial recovery with their experience in premises liability. If you experience a dangerous condition that requires medical care, it is only fair that you can seek compensation.
Swimming pool accident injuries can be dangerous and sometimes have lifelong consequences due to their severity. If you need help recovering damages, it might be time to speak to a dedicated legal professional. Many attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. That means that you only pay after you receive compensation. For a free consultation, call Fasig | Brooks now.
