Suing For Summer Pool Injuries
It’s heating up outside which means more pools are opening and more injuries are occurring. Pools are often as much fun as they are meccas for injuries, ranging from mild slip-and-falls to paralysis and drowning. It’s easy to understand how so many injuries can occur when you consider that pools are often surrounded by slippery concrete. This creates the perfect circumstances for slipping and falling, and can result in serious injuries to the head, spine, neck, shoulder, hips, wrists, and more. Statistics show that those most likely to suffer a pool-related injury are young children and elderly adults.
Most Common Pool Injuries in Florida
In Florida, the most common pool injuries include slip-and-fall accidents and drowning. Slipping and falling on a slippery concrete surface can cause extensive physical trauma which can vary depending on how the individual falls. For instance, someone who hits their head when falling may suffer a traumatic brain injury, such as a concussion. This can lead to more serious injuries or even drowning if the unconscious person falls into the pool, particularly if it is unsupervised.
Diving board injuries are also common, and can range from sprained ankles to broken necks. This can be caused by pairing an incorrectly sized diving board with a pool that is not deep enough, failing to accurately label the depth of the pool or missing safety marks to distinguish the shallow end from the deep end, failing to warn of the dangers associated with diving, or neglecting to properly maintain the diving board and pool equipment, as well as other possible causes.
Improperly balanced or maintained pool chemicals can result in infections, chemical burns, serious skin rashes and irritations, and even blindness. Additionally, broken pool lighting or defective pool equipment can even result in electrocution.
Suing for a Pool-Related Injury
If you have been injured as a result of a pool injury that was caused, in whole or in part, by another’s negligence, you are likely able to sue to recover for damages. Negligence occurs when an individual or business breaches their duty of care to you and, as a result, injury and damages occur. The level of care owed to you depends in part on your relationship to the pool owner. For instance, if it is a public pool there is likely a duty to have lifeguards on-duty and supervising the pool. However, if a friend invited you over to use their pool, there is not the same expectation that they have a lifeguard on duty or constant supervision. However, they still have a duty to warn you of known dangers or make an effort to mitigate risks.
A successful lawsuit for a pol-related injury will allow you to recover all costs associated with the injury, as well as for lost wages, reduced earning potential, and for the pain and suffering associated with the injury.
Talk to a Kissimmee Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been injured in a preventable pool-related injury that was not your fault, the experienced Kissimmee personal injury attorneys at Draper law Office are ready to advocate on your behalf and ensure that you get the compensation that you deserve. Call today to schedule a consultation.
Resource:
cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/water-safety/waterinjuries-factsheet.html
