Ohio Swimming Pool Accident Lawyers

Ohio Swimming Pool Accidents

Tragic swimming pool accidents occur when we least expect them and leave families to deal with devastating injuries. If you or someone you love is dealing with a traumatic injury related to a swimming pool accident, you may have the right to compensation.

At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, our experienced Ohio swimming pool accident lawyers are here to help. Contact our office for a free consultation today and learn more about what’s next for your swimming pool accident claim in Ohio. We will advise you, guide your next steps, and pursue the maximum amount possible.

Call KNR at 1-800-HURT-NOW to set up a free consultation.

How Ohio Swimming Pool Accidents Happen

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are nearly 4,000 fatal unintentional drownings annually in the United States. This amounts to approximately 11 drowning deaths every day. There are also nearly 8,100 nonfatal drownings that occur each year.

Sadly, drowning is also the most common cause of child deaths other than birth defects. Drowning is the second cause of unintentional death after car and motor vehicle accidents in children aged 1 to 14.

Types of Swimming Pool Accidents

Swimming pool accidents can take many forms. Some of the more common swimming pool accidents we see in Ohio include:

• Entrapment
• Drowning
• Unsupervised pool accidents
• Negligent safety features
• Slip and fall accidents
• Diving board accidents
• Slight accidents
• Near drownings
• Drain and pumped effects
• Pool filter defects
• Pool ladder defects
• Inadequate pool lighting
• Mercury pool water
• Poorly marked pools
• Diving injuries
• Overcrowding

Common Swimming-Related Injuries

Some of the more common injuries associated with swimming pool accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken and fractured bones
• Drowning, including nonfatal drowning and fatal drowning
• Internal injuries
• Concussion
• Spinal cord injuries
• Death

Ohio Swimming Pool Liability

Establishing liability for your swimming pool accident is essential. State and federal regulations in place determine public and private pool owner obligations and responsibilities.

For example, the Virginia Graeme Baker Act requires all public swimming pools to be equipped with necessary safety devices, functional equipment, and sets drain requirements.

Private & Public Pool Accidents: Who is Responsible?

Generally, the owner of the public or private pool will be held accountable for any injuries or deaths, notably when they have failed to uphold their duty of care to invited guests and patrons.

Swimming pool accidents are a type of premises liability claim that occurs when property owners fail to keep their invitees safe. They must take all necessary precautions to maintain their premises or be found in breach of their duty of care.

The owners of swimming pools have specific responsibilities:

• Posting signs to warn swimmers when pool equipment is defective or malfunctioning
• Posting signs to warn swimmers when there is not a lifeguard on duty
• Remove non-obvious hazards
• Posting signs prohibiting jumping or diving
• Keeping the swimming pool free of hazards for anticipated use

Swimming Pool Insurance Policies & Claims

Property owners and pool owners are often required to carry specific types of insurance to protect them in the event of a pool injury or death. Owners of private pools may have purchased homeowner’s insurance coverage which should protect them under the personal liability section of their insurance policy.

However, insurance companies may have stipulations requiring policyholders to meet strict safety requirements, including using specific building materials, maintaining a specific height of fencing, and other details.  For this reason, you may find yourself with additional damages after your insurance settlement that can only be recovered through the pursuit of a swimming pool accident lawsuit.

Proving Negligence & Liability for a Pool Accident

To prove liability and negligence in the swimming pool accident claim, your attorney must prove liability based on a preponderance of the evidence.

Evidence presented must be compelling and leave a little doubt in the mind of the judge and jury that the defendant is at fault for your injuries. The elements of negligence that must be met include:

• Duty of care
• Breach of duty
• Causation
• Damages

Swimming Pool Injuries: Damages & Recoverable Compensation

Swimming pool accident victims have the right to be compensated for every loss. This does not only include economic or financial losses but also non-economic damages. Economic damages will cover your monetary losses, while non-economic damages will ensure you are compensated for how your life has been impacted by the swimming pool accident and your subsequent injuries.

Examples of what you can recover after a swimming pool accident include compensation for your:

• Pain and suffering
• Diminished quality of life
• Reduced earning potential
• Lost wages
• Medical expenses and healthcare costs
• Future medical care
• Property damages, where applicable
• Reputational damages
• Loss of consortium

Through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, KNR will fight hard for you to recover the maximum amount possible after a near drowning, TBI, or tragic incident at a pool. Since insurance companies tend to settle these claims quickly for less than their worth, aggressively negotiating for everything you’ll need to get proper care or move forward with life.