Swimming Pool Accidents and Injuries | Houston Attorneys

Swimming pools are a prevalent source of fun and leisure for Americans, with 10.4 million residential pools throughout the country. For citizens of Houston, pools are a great way for families to beat the Texas heat. However, swimming pool accidents and drownings are one of the leading causes of death for young children.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a swimming pool accident, you should talk to a Houston swimming pool accident attorney. They can help you get compensation after swimming pool accidents and injuries.

A Houston swimming pool can pose a number of threats to swimmers of all ages. Below are some of the most common types of swimming pool accidents:

• Drain entrapment - One of the most dangerous parts of a pool is actually the drain. Swimmers’ hair, jewelry, bathing suit, and limbs can get caught in the powerful suction of a drain. For lightweight swimmers, this suction can hold them underwater, causing drowning. To learn more, talk to a Houston personal injury lawyer.
• Toy entrapment - Pool toys are fun, but they can also be dangerous. Swimmers can become entangled in certain inflatable toys, which can pose a serious threat to inexperienced swimmers.
• Slips and falls - The area around a pool can cause serious injuries. A slippery or uneven surface can lead to slips and falls. Those around the pool should always walk to decrease the likelihood of a slip and fall accident.
• Electrocution - Many pools have lighting systems so pool owners can use them at night. When these electrical systems malfunction, it can have deadly consequences. Talk to a lawyer to learn more.
• Diving board injuries - A thrilling addition to any pool is a diving board, but they can cause severe injury if not used properly. If a diving board malfunctions, or a swimmer dives in too shallow of water, it can lead to neck injuries, back injuries, and possibly paralysis.

With the right precautions, many swimming pool accidents could be prevented. Unfortunately, they’re not always taken. Below are some of the most common reasons swimming pool accidents occur:

1. Poor supervision - Young swimmers need to be supervised. In public pools, a lifeguard should be on duty to make sure no one gets injured. If a lifeguard isn’t on duty, a warning sign should be visibly placed. Private pool owners should supervise swimmers in their pool at all times.
2. Insufficient barriers - When pool owners have young children, it’s important that the pool have a fence or other kind of barrier to protect inexperienced swimmers from falling in or drowning. Failure to put up such barriers can have disastrous consequences. If you have questions, talk to a Houston swimming pool accident attorney.
3. No anti-entrapment devices - One way to prevent entrapment is to install anti-entrapment devices. When these aren’t used, however, drain entrapment can occur.
4. Slippery or dangerous surfaces - Slip and falls can occur when the area around a pool is slippery. It’s important that pool owners use safe, non-slick material around the pool that helps to prevent slip and fall accidents.

Pool accidents can lead to a number of injuries ranging from mild to severe. Below are some examples of the types of injuries people sustain in swimming pool accidents:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Broken bones
• Amputations
• Drowning or near drowning
• Broken bones
• Lacerations
• Burns from electrocution
• Disembowelment

After a swimming pool accident, you need someone to fight for you. A Houston personal injury lawyer will know how to get you justice. If someone else caused your accident, you’re entitled to win damages to pay for your medical bills and more. You should not have to pay for someone else’s negligence.

If you need an attorney, call us today for a free consultation at 1-800-862-1260.