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.
What to Do After a Swimming Pool Accident in Los Angeles
If you or a loved one has been involved in a swimming pool accident, taking the right steps immediately can help protect your health, rights, and potential legal claim. Here’s what to do following a pool-related injury:
Seek Medical Attention
Even if injuries appear minor, it’s essential to get medical attention right away. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal trauma, may not be immediately apparent. Prompt medical treatment also creates documentation of your injuries, which is crucial for any future claims.
Report the Incident
If the accident occurred at a public pool, hotel, or another establishment, notify the pool staff or management immediately. Ask for an incident report to be completed and request a copy for your records. In cases of severe injury, it may also be necessary to contact the police to document the incident officially.
Gather Evidence
Collect as much information as possible from the accident scene. Take photos or videos of the pool area, any hazards, and your injuries. Note details such as broken equipment, lack of safety signs, or missing drain covers. If there were witnesses, get their names and contact information, as their statements may be valuable.
Document Your Experience
Write down everything you remember about the accident, including the events leading up to it, how it happened, and any pain or symptoms you experience. Keep records of your medical visits, prescriptions, and any communications with the pool’s management or staff. This documentation can serve as vital evidence if you decide to pursue a legal claim.
Avoid Discussing Liability
Refrain from making statements about fault or liability at the scene. Comments made in the heat of the moment could be used against you later. Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters or signing any documents until you consult with a lawyer to fully understand your rights and options.
Contact a Swimming Pool Accident Lawyer
A swimming pool accident lawyer in Los Angeles can help you assess your situation and determine if you have a claim for compensation. An experienced attorney can guide you through the legal process, from identifying responsible parties to negotiating with insurance companies and pursuing a lawsuit if necessary.
By taking these steps after a swimming pool accident, you can protect your health, document the incident, and preserve your right to seek compensation for your injuries. For assistance with your case, contact Weinberg Law Offices to schedule a free consultation.
For a free legal consultation with top-rated swimming pool accident lawyers, fill out the contact form below or call (818) 697-1079
Common Injuries That Can Occur in a Pool
Drowning and Near-Drowning Incidents
Drowning is one of the most severe risks associated with swimming pools. Even if a drowning is non-fatal, oxygen deprivation can lead to long-term brain damage. Children and inexperienced swimmers are at heightened risk, especially in unmonitored pools or pools without proper safety barriers.
Slip and Fall Injuries
Pool decks are often wet and can become slippery, leading to slip and fall accidents. Common injuries from these accidents include fractures, sprains, and head injuries. Slip and fall injuries around a pool can be particularly dangerous if they lead to head trauma or if the person falls into the water while unconscious.
Head and Spinal Injuries from Diving
Diving into shallow areas of a pool or from diving boards can lead to head, neck, and spinal injuries. These types of injuries can result in paralysis or other permanent disabilities, particularly when diving is performed in areas not designated for it or when depths are unclear.
Lacerations and Cuts
Broken pool tiles, sharp edges, and pool cleaning equipment can cause cuts and lacerations. If these injuries are deep, they may require medical attention and stitches. Additionally, open wounds in a pool environment pose a risk of infection, especially if water cleanliness is not well-maintained.
Entrapment Injuries
Pool drains and suction outlets can create strong currents that may trap swimmers, particularly younger children. When hair, jewelry, or clothing gets caught, it can lead to severe injuries, including broken bones, bruising, or even drowning. Modern safety regulations require protective drain covers to reduce these risks, but older pools may still pose this danger.
Chemical Exposure Injuries
Pools use chemicals to maintain water quality, but overexposure to these substances can cause skin irritation, chemical burns, and respiratory issues. If pool chemicals are not properly balanced, swimmers may experience eye irritation, rashes, or difficulty breathing. High levels of chlorine or other chemicals can also worsen asthma or cause allergic reactions.
These injuries highlight the importance of maintaining a safe pool environment and practicing good safety habits. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury at a pool, a Los Angeles swimming pool accident lawyer at Weinberg Law Offices can help you explore your legal options.
Swimming Pool Accident Compensation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a swimming pool accident, you may be entitled to compensation to help cover the financial and emotional toll the incident has caused. The amount and type of compensation available will depend on the specifics of the accident, the injuries sustained, and who is found to be liable. Below are some of the main forms of compensation that could be available in swimming pool accident claims:
Medical Expenses
Swimming pool accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, some requiring extensive medical treatment. Compensation may cover emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and any future medical costs needed for recovery.
Lost Wages
If the injury results in missed work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. If the injury leads to long-term or permanent disabilities that affect your ability to work, compensation may also address the loss of future earning potential.
Pain and Suffering
In addition to covering medical expenses and lost wages, compensation can account for the physical pain, emotional distress, and overall reduction in quality of life that can result from serious injuries caused by a swimming pool accident.
Rehabilitation and Therapy Costs
If the accident leads to long-term physical or emotional effects, compensation may help cover the cost of rehabilitation services. This could include physical therapy, counseling, or any necessary home modifications or medical equipment to aid in recovery.
Wrongful Death Damages
In tragic cases where a swimming pool accident results in death, surviving family members may be eligible for compensation in a wrongful death claim. This can include funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support.
Property Damage
If your personal belongings, such as medical devices or other property, were damaged in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation to cover those costs as well.
Punitive Damages
In certain cases, where the responsible party acted recklessly or intentionally, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
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.
Click to contact our Los Angeles swimming pool accident lawyers
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.
Swimming Pool Accident FAQs
What Should I Do If a Loved One Experiences a Non-Fatal Drowning Accident?
After a non-fatal drowning incident, call emergency services immediately. Even if the individual seems fine after being resuscitated, non-fatal drownings can lead to serious complications, such as respiratory issues or brain damage from oxygen deprivation. Seeking medical evaluation is essential, followed by documenting the incident and contacting a lawyer to discuss your legal rights.
Who Is Liable for Pool Accidents at Private Residences?
In many cases, the homeowner may be liable if they failed to maintain safe pool conditions or did not provide adequate warnings about hazards. However, specific liability depends on factors such as whether the injured person was an invited guest, whether proper fencing and safety features were in place, and whether negligence contributed to the accident.
Can I File a Slip and Fall Claim for an Accident Around a Pool?
Yes, if your fall was due to negligence—such as slippery surfaces, lack of safety signage, or poor pool maintenance—you may be able to pursue compensation. A lawyer can assess whether the pool owner or management could be held accountable for creating an unsafe environment.
What If My Child Is Injured in a Friend’s Pool?
When a child is injured in a private pool, the homeowner’s insurance policy may provide coverage for medical expenses or damages. Liability often depends on whether the homeowner took appropriate safety precautions, such as having barriers and adult supervision in place. Consulting an attorney can help determine if you have grounds for a claim.
Are Hotels Responsible for Pool-Related Injuries?
Hotels are generally responsible for keeping their pools safe for guests. This includes proper maintenance, signage, supervision, and compliance with safety standards. If you were injured at a hotel pool due to inadequate safety measures, you may have grounds for a premises liability claim against the hotel.
Contact a Los Angeles Swimming Pool Accident Lawyer for a 100% Free Consultation
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 a free consultation.
Call (818) 697-1079 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Disclaimer: This content should not be construed as legal advice.