Summer is here! Many children and adults are beating the heat by cooling off in private and Phoenix public swimming pools. It should be a great time for all. Unfortunately, pools present some considerable risks, and increased pool activity often leads to more slip-and-fall cases as well as drownings.
What Causes Swimming Pool Accidents?
A pool area will be wet when there’s activity, but it doesn’t have to be slippery. Slippery surfaces around pools are among if not the leading cause of pool-related injuries. Avoiding this risk generally requires a slip-resistant surface. Builders have a responsibility to implement slip-resistant surfaces, and owners and operators have a responsibility to maintain those surfaces. Failure to do so can lead to slip-and-falls and many other types of personal injuries, and the results can be:
• Death
• Fractures
• Back injuries
• Joint injuries
• Head injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Swimming Pool Accident?
In the event of a swimming pool-related accident, determining liability can be difficult and often requires involving an attorney who appreciates the nuances of the law. These accidents can involve neighbors, property owners, maintenance staff and so forth.
Some personal injuries involving a pool will fall under premise liability. This means that the property owner failed to maintain the area, secure it properly or post adequate warnings. Proving premise liability often requires demonstrating that the owner failed to meet their responsibilities.
Many other cases do not fall under premise liability. If you hire a person to supervise your child, for instance, and your child slips and falls, that person may be responsible. You may be able to sue them directly.
Swimming Pool Safety Tips to Consider
If you own a pool, take the time each season to inspect and maintain it. Even small steps can make a big safety difference. If you’re visiting a public or private bool, even if you’re familiar with it, avoid presuming or assuming. Conduct an examination of the area. Note the surfaces and potential risks.
Supervise all children. Teach kids basic safety tips and what to do in the event of an emergency. CPR training can be invaluable in these situations. Keep your smartphone in a waterproof container and near your person at all times so that you can contact 911 as soon as an emergency occurs.
Final Thoughts
Take action to protect your rights. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pool accident, contact our Phoenix Swimming Pool Injury attorney today.