Atlanta Swimming Pool Accident Lawyers

Representing the Injured in Georgia & Beyond

Swimming pools are a common feature in many homes, hotels, and recreational facilities. While they can be a great source of fun and relaxation, they can also be extremely dangerous. Swimming pool accidents are a leading cause of accidental death in the United States, particularly for children.

At Cunningham Bounds, we represent the victims of swimming pool accidents and their families. With billions of dollars recovered on behalf of our clients, our firm has a proven track record of success in even the most complex and high-stakes cases. If you or someone you love was injured in a swimming pool accident in Atlanta, we can help you fight for the fair recovery you are owed.

Call (404) 609-1081 or contact us online to request a free, confidential consultation with one of our Atlanta swimming pool accident attorneys.

Types of Swimming Pool Accidents

A swimming pool accident refers to any unexpected or unintended incident that occurs in or around a pool area, resulting in injury, harm, or sometimes even death. These accidents can happen due to various reasons, such as negligence, lack of proper safety measures, lack of supervision, or environmental factors.

Some common types of swimming pool accidents include:

• Drowning: This is the most serious and tragic type of swimming pool accident. It occurs when a person suffocates in water due to the inability to breathe. Drowning can happen in a matter of minutes and often occurs silently without much splashing or noise.
• Slips and Falls: Pool decks can become slippery due to water splashing or inadequate flooring. Slipping and falling around the pool can lead to injuries ranging from minor bruises to serious head trauma or fractures.
• Diving Accidents: Improper diving techniques or diving into shallow water can result in head, neck, or spinal cord injuries. This often happens when swimmers dive into pools that are not deep enough or when the water isn't clear for a safe dive.
• Entrapment: Sometimes, swimmers can get trapped by the powerful suction from pool drains or other openings, leading to injuries or drowning if not rescued promptly.
• Chemical Exposure: Improper handling or exposure to pool chemicals can cause skin irritations, respiratory issues, or other health problems.
• Electrocution: Faulty wiring or improper installation of electrical equipment near pools can lead to electric shocks or electrocution.

Common Causes of Swimming Pool Accidents

Several factors contribute to swimming pool accidents. Understanding these causes is crucial in preventing incidents and ensuring pool safety.

Some common causes include:

• Lack of Supervision: Inadequate supervision, especially for young children or inexperienced swimmers, is a leading cause of accidents. Without proper oversight, drowning or other accidents can occur swiftly and silently.
• Inadequate Barriers or Fencing: Pools without proper barriers, gates, or fencing pose a risk, especially for children or pets who might wander into the pool area unsupervised.
• Poor Maintenance: Neglected pool maintenance can lead to slippery surfaces, equipment malfunctions, or water contamination, increasing the risk of accidents such as slips, falls, or chemical-related injuries.
• Unsafe Behavior: Reckless or unsafe behavior around the pool, such as running, pushing others, or diving into shallow water, significantly increases the risk of accidents.
• Inadequate Swimming Skills: Swimmers who lack sufficient swimming skills might find themselves in dangerous situations, leading to panic and potential drowning incidents.
• Lack of Safety Equipment: Not having readily available safety equipment, such as lifebuoys, reaching poles, or first aid kits, can delay rescue efforts during emergencies.
• Improper Use of Pool Accessories: Incorrect use of pool accessories like slides, diving boards, or floats can lead to accidents if used inappropriately or without following safety guidelines.
• Inadequate Warning Signs or Instructions: Missing or unclear warning signs and safety instructions can lead to confusion and accidents, especially for visitors unfamiliar with the pool's rules.
• Alcohol or Substance Use: Consumption of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment and coordination, significantly increasing the risk of accidents and drowning incidents.
• Electrical Hazards: Poorly maintained or improperly installed electrical equipment near the pool area can lead to electrical shocks or electrocution.

Who is Liable for a Swimming Pool Accident?

Determining liability in a swimming pool accident depends on various factors and circumstances surrounding the incident. Several parties could potentially be held liable:

• Property Owners: The owners of the property where the pool is located are often considered responsible for maintaining a safe environment. They might be held liable if the accident occurred due to inadequate barriers, lack of maintenance, or failure to follow safety regulations.
• Pool Operators or Managers: In cases where the pool is part of a business, such as a hotel, club, or community pool, the operators or managers may be held accountable if negligence or improper maintenance contributed to the accident.
• Manufacturers or Installers: If the accident resulted from a defective pool component, such as a faulty drain cover, diving board, or ladder, the manufacturers or installers of these components could be held liable for the injuries or accidents caused by the defect.
• Supervisors or Lifeguards: When an accident occurs due to lack of supervision or negligence on the part of lifeguards or supervisors responsible for ensuring safety in the pool area, they might be held accountable.
• Contractors or Maintenance Personnel: If the accident occurred due to improper maintenance, repairs, or negligent work by contractors or maintenance personnel hired to manage the pool, they could be held liable.
• Individuals Responsible for Pool Access: If someone allowed unauthorized access to the pool, resulting in an accident, that individual could share liability for not ensuring proper safety measures or supervision.
• Parents or Guardians: In cases involving minors, parents or guardians might be held partially responsible if the child's actions or lack of supervision contributed to the accident.

Determining liability often involves investigating the circumstances leading to the accident, assessing whether negligence, inadequate safety measures, or a breach of duty contributed to the incident. Liability might be shared among multiple parties based on their level of responsibility and involvement in the events leading to the accident.

Why Choose Us?

Swimming pool accident cases can be complex, and they often involve multiple liable parties. At Cunningham Bounds, we have the resources to handle even the most complex swimming pool accident cases. Our team of experienced attorneys can investigate your accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. We have a proven track record of success in even the most complex and high-stakes cases, and we are prepared to fight for you.

Our Atlanta swimming pool accident lawyers can help you seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disfigurement
• Disability
• Reduced quality of life
• And other damages

Contact us today at (404) 609-1081 to let us maximize your entitled compensation.