Swimming Pool Accidents

Swimming pools are a place for families to take a break from the warm summer days and enjoy the cool water. They often are a place of play, exercise and relaxation. However, there are several hazards that can exist at both public and private swimming pools, potentially causing accidents ranging from minor to life threatening.

Swimming pool injuries can occur at a variety of places throughout Philadelphia, including at hotels, public parks, water parks and even at private homes. In these instances, a person or a company could be held liable for the accident. A victim or his or her family could seek damages for the injuries suffered. A Philadelphia personal injury attorney can help you determine if you have a case.

Philadelphia Swimming Pool Accident Defense Lawyer

If you or your family member has been injured in a swimming pool accident, the responsible party could be held liable. You may be able to seek compensation for your medical bills and personal hardship. Contact a Philadelphia swimming pool accident attorney at Alva Foster & Moscow, LLC to discuss your case.

Our aggressive attorneys can help you negotiate the best possible settlement for your case. You should not have to suffer because of the negligence of another. We can help you fight for what you deserve, no matter the opponent.

Call (215) 665-1695 to schedule a free consultation. We proudly represent clients throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding areas, including those in Chester County, Bucks County, Montgomery County and Delaware County. We also represent the injured across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Information About Swimming Pool Injuries

Common Causes of Swimming Pool Injuries

When people think of swimming pool accidents, they often think of drowning. Although it is the most severe, there are less serious scenarios that also can happen. For example, slip and fall accidents can happen near slippery pool areas or swimmers can be injured on diving boards. Additionally, there could be unsafe pool parts that could lead to injuries.

Drowning is one of the biggest concerns for pool accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were approximately 10 deaths per day from 2005 to 2009 caused by unintentional drowning. Additionally, children ages 1 to 4 have the highest risk of drowning, and nearly 80 percent of all drowning victims are male.

These accidents can be caused by a variety of factors. According to the CDC, the main factors that affect drowning risk are:

Lack of swimming ability
Lack of barriers to prevent unsupervised water access
Lack of close supervision while swimming
Location
Failure to wear life jackets
Alcohol use
Seizure disorders

Although some of these factors cannot be prevented, such as medical disorders, business and property owners are expected to take some level of responsibility in ensuring their pool and equipment are safe for swimmers. Failing to do so could lead to a premises liability claim.

Laws Regulating Swimming Pools and Equipment

Because swimming pools can pose a great danger, several states and municipalities have laws in place to help regulate how they are constructed and maintained. For example, Pennsylvania Code § 18.41 states the construction, equipment, operation and maintenance shall reduce the danger of injury to a person from drowning, falls, collisions, fires, nuisances or hazard of any kind.

Additionally, a recreational swimming establishment must have on duty an adequate number of certified lifeguards to protect the safety of users, according to Pennsylvania Code § 18.42. To ensure an adequate number of certified lifeguards, the operator must have at least one certified lifeguard for every 4,000 square feet of water surface area.

The public swimming pool also must have a certain number of life-saving devices, according to Pennsylvania Code § 18.43. One or more reaching devices must be available, according to the law. This could include poles and ropes. Flotation devices, such as buoys and life jackets, also must be available, in addition to a standard 24-unit first aid kit.

Various codes also require the plumbing and electrical be installed to code and maintained throughout the life of the equipment. This is done so to ensure those who use the facility are protected. Failing to comply with these laws could be considered negligence.

Even homeowners with private pools have regulations that must be followed. According to the state's building code Section 421.10, all outdoor private swimming pools, including an in-ground, aboveground or on-ground pool, hot tub or spa, must have barrier fencing at finished ground level. The barrier fencing shall be located a minimum of six feet from the edge of the pool structure.

Proving Negligence in Swimming Pool Accidents

Proving negligence in swimming pool accident cases can be difficult. A person must prove his or her injury or the death of a loved one was the result of another person's negligence. This means it is important to know the details of the situation, including the level of security at the time of the accident.

For example, did the home owner or pool operator comply with the general safety requirements? Proving the owner did not meet all the necessary criteria could be one way to prove he or she acted with negligence.

It is important to document evidence when you are injured. For instance, taking photographs of faulty equipment or having witnesses to prove there was an inefficient amount of lifeguards on duty could be beneficial in proving negligence.

Finding the Best Philadelphia Pool Accident Attorney

If you have been injured at a pool as a result of negligence, contact a Philadelphia swimming pool accident lawyer at Alva Foster & Moscow, LLC. Our attorneys understand the sensitivity of your situation, and they can work to help you get the compensation you deserve. You should not have to suffer because of another person's negligence.