West Palm Beach Swimming Pool Accident Lawyer
If there is one recreational activity most associated with Florida, it is probably swimming. Whether in the Atlantic Ocean, a public pool, or at a private residence, swimming is a fun and healthy way to get exercise and enjoy the Sunshine State. But as we all know, swimming pools can also carry certain safety risks if they are not properly supervised and maintained.
Indeed, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention there are an average of 11 fatal and 22 non-fatal drowning accidents in the United States every day. Many of these injuries can be attributed to negligent pool operators. If you or your child are one of these victims, a skilled West Palm Beach swimming pool accident lawyer may be able to help you receive compensation for your injuries. Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather is a team of dedicated Florida personal injury lawyers who represent swimming pool accident victims throughout Palm Beach County. We can look into all of the potential causes of your accident and guide you in holding the responsible parties legally accountable.
What Are the Most Common Swimming Pool Injuries in Florida?
Swimming pools are more complex than many people realize. In fact, drowning is just one potential risk when dealing with pools. Some of the more common swimming pool injuries and illnesses that we see with our clientele include:
- Brain damage. Drowning means that water has entered a person’s lungs, which in turn deprives the brain of oxygen. Even in non-fatal drownings the victim may therefore suffer permanent brain damage if they are not pulled out of the water within a few minutes.
- Hypothermia. When a person is left in the water too long they can suffer a rapid loss of body heat (or hypothermia). This can occur even when the air and water temperatures themselves are relatively warm.
- Illnesses. If the pool operator does not keep their facility properly cleaned and maintained, dangerous bacteria or chemicals can build up in the water, leading swimmers to contract potentially life-threatening illnesses.
- Drain accidents. If a pool drain is not properly covered, the suction can trap a swimmer and lead to drowning or other serious injury.
- Slip and falls. The deck surrounding a pool must be properly maintained to minimize the risk of a slip and fall accident that can lead to catastrophic injury.
Swimming pool accidents typically fall under Florida premises liability laws. This means the victim needs to prove that the pool owner was somehow negligent in maintaining their premises in reasonably safe condition for invited guests and members of the public allowed to be on the property. In some cases, a pool operator can also be held responsible if children are able to gain access to an improperly secured pool without authorization and subsequently suffer some harm.
Contact Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather Today
Swimming pool accidents often leave victims with substantial medical bills and lost income. These and other damages may be the responsibility of a negligent swimming pool operator. So if you need to speak with a knowledgeable West Palm Beach swimming pool accident lawyer, contact Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather today to schedule a case evaluation.
