During the summer months, one of the most common ways of beating the heat is to go for a swim. Unfortunately, while swimming pools can be a great source of fun and relaxation, they can also present a number of inherent risks, especially for younger children. Injuries and fatalities are extremely common.
If you or someone you love has been injured because of someone else’s negligence or wrong doing regarding monitoring a swimming pool or keeping the area safe, then you may have a right to file a lawsuit and receive compensation. It is best to hire a Kansas City personal injury attorney to determine if this is the case.
Dangers In and Around Swimming Pools
While there are more than a few types of swimming pool accidents and injuries that can occur, here is a list of the most commonly seen:
- Drowning: This is the most well-known accident that occurs.
- Brain damage/TBI: These can occur after a slip and fall near a pool, because of a near drowning or a fall from a defective diving board.
- Spinal cord injuries: Similar to the TBI, these typically result in permanent disabilities.
- Electrocutions: Caused by negligently maintained or defective electrical wires for lights in or around the pool.
- Facial lacerations: Includes severe bruises and cuts.
- Fractured or broken bones: Typically occur after a slip and fall accident.
- Soft tissue injuries: Include things such as bruises, minor cuts, separated shoulders and whiplash.
Do You Have the Right to File a Lawsuit?
It is the responsibility of the swimming pool owner to keep it safe and hazard free. This is true for private pools at a home, hotel, apartment complex or resort, as well as public swimming pools. If the owner of the pool does not create and maintain a safe environment for residents and guests, then according to premises liability laws in Missouri, they can be held legally responsible for any injuries or fatalities that take place in or near the pool.
In situations where a swimming pool accident occurred in your own home, you also may have the ability to pursue compensation from the manufacturer. However, in some cases, the owner may also be held responsible if proper warnings about water depth or pump shut-off switches were not provided.
Hire an Attorney for Help
Anytime you or someone you love is injured while in or around a swimming pool, you may have the right to file a lawsuit to receive compensation for the injuries you suffered. In these situations, it is a good idea to hire a personal injury attorney. The fact is, the laws can be quite complex related to these situations and having someone who understands them on your side can be quite beneficial. Make sure to keep this in mind if you are facing this type of injury situation or are confused about how to get started.