Pools are commonly used in Texas to help beat the summer heat and enjoy the water. It is important to remember that swimming pools pose a number of potential risks and hazards no matter if you and your family choose to cool off at residential pool at a home you own or rent, a friend’s pool, a private or community pool, or even a local water park. These hazards caused numerous injuries and deaths each year as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report. Especially in the case of children, who should always be supervised, if you or your loved ones plan to enjoy some time in the pool in the coming months, our legal team at Lastimado Texas wants to remind you to make safety a priority. Today, we would like to list the common swimming pool accidents in an effort to help you avoid them.
Drowning in Swimming Pools
There are nearly 300 drowning deaths and more than 2,700 ER visits for submersion injuries involving pools and spas each year in the U.S. according to the CDC. Young children face the greatest risks of drowning, near drowning, and submersion especially. A lack of warnings and safety equipment, inadequate supervision, or even overcrowded pools only makes the risks more severe. In the event of a potential emergency, you need to know how to respond, ensuring children are supervised, and never swim alone by protecting yourself and your family.
Diving Related Injury
When people jump headfirst into pools, diving accidents commonly occur. These significant injuries can include traumatic brain injuries. It is critical that they seek a medical evaluation, as TBI can quickly become a serious and even life-threatening concern if someone you love hits their head in a diving accident or hits their head in any other way in a pool. It’s a good idea to post proper warnings like signs that show the depth of a pool, as well as constant supervision for younger swimmers.
Slipping on Pool Deck
Anywhere where there are wet conditions or tripping hazards, slip and fall accidents can happen. On wet surfaces, or even tripping on pool equipment that has not been properly stored, pools and spas pose significant risks of swimmers slipping and falling. By keeping areas properly lit at night, warning visitors and guests about running or roughhousing, and taking other reasonable measures to prevent tripping hazards, pool owners can reduce the risks of slip, trip, and fall accidents.
Injuries Stemming from Unsafe Pool Products
Serious harm to swimmers can result from defectively designed and manufactured products. Especially if entrapment or submersion occurs, the inflatable pool toys, pool cleaning equipment, and other products that may constrict a swimmer. Injuries can also result in unsafe drains or jets. When their defective products cause harm manufacturers can be held liable since they have a legal obligation to ensure their products are safe for their intended use, and to adequately warn consumers about potential risks.
Personal Injury Attorneys in Dallas, TX (Just Minutes from Carrollton, Richardson, Farmers Branch, Garland, Irving, Mesquite, Grand Prairie, Duncanville, Hutchins & DeSoto, Texas
Victims may have the right to hold the at-fault party accountable for their damages, including their medical bills, lost wages from missing work, and pain and suffering, among others when swimming pool or spa injuries could and should have been prevented. To reduce risks of preventable harm and keep visitors and guests safe, property owners are responsible for taking reasonable measures since these cases often involve premises liability. Victims and their families can pursue financial compensation by taking legal action when they fail to uphold this legal duty. If you are involved in a pool or swimming accident, call Lastimado Texas today for your consultation and we will discuss premises liability claims.
