With Los Angeles’ moderate year-round climate, it’s no surprise that many homeowners choose to have a pool.
Even if you don’t have one at home, you will likely visit one somewhere else, whether it’s a friend’s house, a public pool, or even one at a local hotel.
However, swimming pools can be dangerous, and numerous safety hazards exist.
Pool owners must maintain a safe environment.
If you or someone you love sustained injuries in a pool accident, contact a Los Angeles swimming pool accident lawyer at Weinberg Law Offices.
Potential Dangers of Swimming Pools
Pool owners and visitors must familiarize themselves with potential hazards and dangerous conditions. Some risks, such as lack of supervision or fencing, are more obvious.
However, other hazards may not immediately come to mind. Speak with a swimming pool accident lawyer in Los Angeles to discuss whether you have a claim against a pool owner.
Other potential dangers of swimming pools could include the following.
Electrical Equipment
Cleaning tools and pool equipment are typically electric, which could introduce errant electric currents in the water.
Visitors must follow all posted regulations and heed instructions from lifeguards, pool managers, etc.
Harmful Chemicals
Chemicals used to clean pools can pose some health risks. Everyone wants a clean pool environment, but some substances can be dangerous.
When you notice a strong chlorine odor, the pool is likely overchlorinated. Pool owners should store chemicals out of the reach of children.
Poor Lighting
It’s imperative to have good lighting, even at a home pool.
Owners must ensure the pool and surrounding areas are well-lit to avoid tripping hazards and slipping in water puddles.
Diving Boards
Jumping off a diving board could result in severe injuries, especially if you don’t realize how shallow the pool is. Inexperienced divers should never dive head first off a diving board, especially in an unfamiliar pool.
Drains
Drains in pools and hot tubs can be dangerous, especially if not covered. Someone’s bathing suit or hair could become caught, leading to serious injuries or drowning.
Pool Drownings in California
California is ranked as the second state in the country for the most pool fatalities in recent years.
Between 2018 and 2020, 136 children died in pools across the state. Non-fatal drownings are also a significant concern.
During this same period, there were 18,600 non-fatal drowning injuries across the United States, 75% involving a child under five years old.
One of the best things you can do following a drowning accident is to contact experienced swimming pool drowning lawyers in Los Angeles.
Pursuing compensation for a drowning-related accident is complicated. It would be best if you did not try to handle it alone.
Document the series of events and the injuries.
You’ll want to preserve all evidence—get the police report, write down what happened, and keep notes of any conversations you have with doctors, witnesses, police, etc.
Take photographs of the pool and accident scene from multiple angles if possible. If the pool accident involved equipment, be sure to photograph it too.
Determining Liability in a Pool Accident
Before successfully collecting compensation for a drowning or other swimming pool-related accident, you must prove liability against the defendants.
Your case could involve several legal theories depending on the circumstances.
Premises Liability
Property owners are liable for any injuries caused by a hazardous condition they knew about or should’ve known about.
Private pool owners must take the appropriate steps to keep people from being hurt by their pool, including trespassers.
Precautions such as fencing and alarms are also necessary under California premises liability laws and the California Swimming Pool Safety Act.
Negligence
Negligence can play a role in drowning claims.
For example, a company may have improperly installed pool equipment that resulted in injuries. The company could be liable for its negligence.
Defective Products
The third legal theory that might apply in swimming pool accidents involves defective products. If pool equipment was faulty and led to injuries, several parties might be named defendants.
For example, the equipment manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer store, or installer could share responsibility.
Contact a Los Angeles Swimming Pool Accident Lawyer
Determining who is liable for a swimming pool accident is rarely straightforward.
A skilled swimming pool accident lawyer at Weinberg Law Offices can help you decide on the best course of legal action.
We have the experience and resources to help you pursue the maximum compensation possible.
Let us help you fight to hold all responsible parties accountable for a swimming pool accident that injured you or someone you love.
Contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation.
Disclaimer: This content should not be construed as legal advice.