As summer beings, people often open their swimming pools and invite guests to jump in and cool off from the heat. Although swimming is a fun activity, it can be hazardous if property owners do not maintain their pools. Many people wonder whether they can pursue legal action against a property owner for a swimming pool accident. Keep reading to learn who can be liable for a swimming pool accident. If you have been injured due to a negligent property owner who has not taken the necessary precautions to keep their swimming pool safe, contact our trusted Westchester County Personal Injury Attorneys, who can help you understand your legal options. 

How do swimming pool accidents occur in New York?

There are several reasons why swimming pool accidents occur. However, they are most commonly the result of negligence. When property owners fail to maintain their pools, serious accidents, injuries, and deaths occur. Unfortunately, regardless of a swimmer’s age, they are susceptible to the following swimming accidents:

• Drowning. This probably does not surprise many, but one of the most common swimming pool accidents is drowning. Drowning can happen for several reasons, including parents not keeping an eye on their children, drain entrapment, inadequate swimming skills, exhaustion, and cramping. When a swimmer is submerged underwater for an extended period and suffocates, it is considered a drowning death.
• Near-drowning. When a swimmer is submerged underwater for an extended period yet survives, it is considered a near-drowning accident.
• Entrapment. Swimming pools use filters and drains to keep the water clean. These filters and drains have strong suctions that can entrap swimmers’ bathing suits or hair. Swimmers can also be entangled from being stuck on objects like ladders or lane ropes. When a swimmer is trapped, they are unable to reach the surface. This can cause severe injuries and even result in drowning.
• Pool chemicals. Pools also use chemicals to keep the water clean. Pool chemicals are toxic, and if swimmers breathe in these positions, it can result in serious injuries. If they swim with chemicals, it could result in skin irritation and even chemical burns.
• Electrical. Unfortunately, when property owners do not install or maintain their electrical systems, it can cause electrical currents to be transferred into their pools. This can result in an electric shock. Electric shock is extremely dangerous as it usually results in death.
• Diving board. Many people enjoy diving into pools. However, they must only dive into the deep end and avoid shallow areas to prevent head injuries. If the pool does not have a deep end, property owners should display “no diving” signs to deter swimmers from diving and suffering broken bones or even paralysis.
• Slip and fall. The pool’s exterior and nearby walkways are usually wet from swimmers jumping in and out of the pool. When walking near a pool, it is imperative to be mindful of wet surfaces as they can result in devastating slip-and-fall accidents.

If you have been injured in a swimming pool accident due to negligence, contact the legal team at Hausman & Pendzick today. Our firm is committed to helping our clients seek reasonable compensation for their damages.