
An apartment complex can be legally responsible for a drowning injury in specific cases.
Officers and Paramedics Save Man from Near-Drowning in Apartment Complex Pool
According to a KSAT News report, a man was rescued from a near-drowning incident at the Sundance Apartment Homes on Gardendale Road in San Antonio.
The incident occurred on the Northwest Side when the man was reportedly submerged in the apartment complex’s pool for nearly 10 minutes. Three responding officers performed CPR and used an AED until San Antonio Fire Department paramedics arrived. The man was taken to the hospital, and emergency responders were able to restore his pulse mid-transport.
The event was reported as an accidental drowning, and no additional details about the cause have been released. The officers involved have been nominated for a lifesaving award.
Did You Know?
Drowning incidents surge during the summer, particularly in July. For every person who dies from drowning, two more survive with severe injuries—many of them life-altering.
What If You’re Injured at an Apartment Complex Pool?
While some accidents are unavoidable, many non-fatal drownings are preventable—and when they occur due to negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.
Examples of negligence in swimming pool accidents include:
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Broken or missing pool gates
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Lack of lifeguards or supervision
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Inadequate signage
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Slippery or damaged pool decks
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Poor lighting
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Failure to enforce pool rules
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Delayed emergency response
Under Texas premises liability law, property owners—including apartment complexes—are required to keep their premises reasonably safe for residents and guests. If they fail to take proper safety measures, they could be held legally responsible for any injuries that occur on their property.
Injuries from Non-Fatal Drownings
Even if a victim survives a drowning incident, the damage can be catastrophic. Common injuries include:
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Anoxic or Hypoxic Brain Injuries
Caused by oxygen deprivation, these injuries can result in memory loss, reduced motor skills, or permanent disability. -
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
A life-threatening condition triggered by water entering the lungs, which can also cause “secondary drowning” hours after the event. -
Cardiac Arrest
A sudden loss of heart function due to prolonged submersion or lack of oxygen. -
Hypothermia
Especially in colder water or long submersion, this can lead to organ damage and failure.
These injuries often require emergency intervention, followed by long-term care, therapy, or rehabilitation—leading to a significant financial and emotional toll.
Who May Be Liable?
In cases like this, multiple parties could be held responsible, depending on the circumstances:
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Apartment Complex or Property Owner – For unsafe pool conditions or lack of supervision.
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Pool Management Company – If hired to maintain and supervise the pool.
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Product Manufacturer – If a faulty gate, pool light, or filtration system contributed to the incident.
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Event Host or Lifeguard Company – If the pool was part of a private or public event and improperly supervised.
What Should You Do If You’re Injured at a Pool or Public Event?
If you or a loved one suffered a near-drowning or serious injury at an apartment complex, hotel, or public event, take the following steps:
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Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Even if symptoms seem mild at first.
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Document the Scene – Take photos of the area, including any hazards or safety violations.
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Get Witness Information – Names and phone numbers can be crucial for your claim.
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Request Incident Reports – From the police, fire department, or property management.
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Contact a Personal Injury Attorney – Especially one experienced in premises liability or drowning injuries.
Near-Drowning in Texas? Call Shaw.
If you or a loved one was injured due to a near-drowning accident on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation for:
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Emergency Medical Bills
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Hospital Transport
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Ongoing Care and Rehabilitation
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Pain and Suffering
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Missed Work
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Loss of Earning Capacity
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PTSD and Emotional Trauma
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And More
We’ll help you determine your legal options—for free.
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 or use our live chat to schedule a no-obligation case evaluation with a drowning accident lawyer in Texas. We’ve proudly served clients across the state for more than 32 years.
We look forward to serving you.
²American Red Cross on Drowning
Texas Accident & Injury News

