At Patterson Law Group, we understand how a fun day at the pool can turn into a life-altering event. Swimming pool accidents often result in serious injuries or even fatalities.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a swimming pool accident, you need a Fort Worth swimming pool accident lawyer who can guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
We are experienced personal injury attorneys based in Fort Worth, Texas, committed to helping victims of swimming pool accidents.
Understanding Swimming Pool Accidents
Swimming pools are popular recreational facilities in Texas, especially during the hot summer. However, these areas can also be dangerous if not properly maintained or supervised.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 3,960 fatal unintentional drownings occur in the U.S. each year, including boating-related drownings. Additionally, non-fatal drowning injuries can lead to serious consequences such as brain damage and long-term disabilities.
Our team of Fort Worth swimming pool accident attorneys is dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and ensuring that our clients receive the support they need.
Common Causes of Swimming Pool Accidents
Swimming pool accidents can occur for various reasons, many of which involve negligence on the part of the property owner or those responsible for pool safety.
Common causes include:
- Lack of proper supervision: Whether at a public or private pool, the absence of a lifeguard or adult supervision can lead to serious accidents.
- Defective pool equipment: Malfunctioning pool equipment, such as faulty drains, pool covers, or ladders, can cause injury or death.
- Slip and falls: Wet surfaces around the pool area are often slippery and can result in serious falls and injuries.
- Inadequate fencing or barriers: Texas law requires that residential swimming pools be surrounded by a fence or barrier to prevent unauthorized access, especially by children. Failure to comply with this requirement can lead to tragic accidents.
- Chemical exposure: Improper use or handling of pool chemicals can lead to burns injuries, respiratory issues, or other injuries.
Texas Premises Liability and Swimming Pool Accidents
In Texas, property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe for visitors. This includes taking reasonable steps to ensure the safety of those who use their swimming pools. Under Texas premises liability law, property owners can be held responsible for injuries due to their failure to maintain safe conditions.
As premises liability lawyers in Fort Worth, we work to establish that a property owner’s negligence led to your injury. For example, if a pool owner fails to fix a broken pool gate, allowing a child to access the pool and suffer harm, they may be liable under Texas law.
Duty of Care for Property Owners
In Texas, the level of responsibility a property owner owes to someone on their property depends on the visitor’s classification:
- Invitees: People invited to the property for mutual benefit, such as guests at a public swimming pool, are owed the highest duty of care. Pool owners must inspect the premises for hazards and either fix them or warn guests of any dangers.
- Licensees: Social guests, such as friends visiting a private pool, are owed a moderate duty of care. Pool owners must warn licensees of known hazards that may not be obvious.
- Trespassers: Property owners generally do not owe a duty of care to trespassers, with one major exception—children. Texas law recognizes the concept of an “attractive nuisance,” which means that property owners must take reasonable steps to prevent children from accessing potentially dangerous areas like swimming pools.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to a property owner’s negligence, you need an experienced Texas personal injury attorney to navigate the complex premises liability laws and fight for your right to compensation.
Types of Injuries in Swimming Pool Accidents
Swimming pool accidents can lead to a variety of injuries, some of which are life-threatening or life-altering. Common injuries include:
- Drowning or near-drowning injuries: Drowning is the leading cause of death in swimming pool accidents. Survivors of near-drowning incidents may suffer from oxygen deprivation, leading to brain damage or cognitive impairments.
- Head and neck injuries: These can result from diving into shallow water or slipping and falling on wet surfaces.
- Spinal cord injuries: A severe impact, such as from diving into shallow water, can result in paralysis or other permanent disabilities.
- Broken bones and fractures: Falls around the pool area can lead to broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, or ribs.
- Chemical burns and respiratory injuries: Exposure to high levels of pool chemicals, such as chlorine, can cause burns, respiratory issues, or skin irritation.
Our team of personal injury lawyers in Fort Worth, Texas, is experienced in handling cases involving these serious injuries. We work with medical professionals and experts to fully assess the impact of your injury and determine the appropriate level of compensation.
Who Is Liable in a Swimming Pool Accident?
Determining liability in a swimming pool accident can be complex, and multiple parties may be held responsible, depending on the circumstances of the accident. Potentially liable parties include:
- Property owners: Both private and public pool owners may be held liable if they fail to maintain the pool properly, provide adequate supervision, or comply with safety regulations.
- Manufacturers: If a defective product, such as a pool drain or ladder, contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may be liable.
- Pool maintenance companies: Companies responsible for maintaining the pool’s safety and cleanliness may be liable if their negligence caused the accident.
At Patterson Law Group, we will thoroughly investigate your case to determine all responsible parties and pursue compensation.
Compensation for Swimming Pool Accident Victims
Swimming pool accident victims may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages, including:
- Medical expenses: This includes current and future medical costs related to the injury, such as hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Lost wages: If you are unable to work due to your injury, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages or loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation may be awarded for the physical pain and emotional trauma resulting from the accident.
- Wrongful death: If you have lost a loved one in a swimming pool accident, you may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages related to the wrongful death.
We understand how devastating swimming pool accidents can be and work to ensure that you and your family receive the compensation you deserve. Our Fort Worth swimming pool accident attorneys have the experience and resources to handle even the most complex cases.
Texas Swimming Pool Safety Laws
For residential pools, Texas law mandates that homeowners install barriers or fencing around their pools, with self-closing and self-latching gates. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in liability for any accidents.
Our premises liability lawyers in Fort Worth are well-versed in Texas swimming pool safety laws and can help you determine whether violating these laws contributed to your injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do after a swimming pool accident in Fort Worth?
If you or a loved one has been involved in a swimming pool accident in Fort Worth, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention. After ensuring your safety, gather evidence such as photographs of the accident scene, witness information, and any documentation of injuries.
Then, contact a Fort Worth swimming pool accident lawyer as soon as possible. We can help you navigate the legal process and determine if negligence played a role in the accident.
Who is liable for a swimming pool accident in Texas?
Liability for a swimming pool accident in Texas depends on several factors. If negligence contributed to the injury, property owners, pool operators, or equipment manufacturers could be held responsible.
A Texas personal injury attorney experienced in swimming pool accident cases will investigate all aspects of your case to identify liable parties and seek the compensation you deserve.
What types of compensation can I recover for a swimming pool accident?
Victims of swimming pool accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages. A swimming pool accident attorney in Fort Worth can assess your situation and help you understand the types of compensation you may be eligible to recover.
How long do I have to file a claim after a swimming pool accident in Fort Worth?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including swimming pool accidents, is generally two years from the incident date. However, specific circumstances may alter this timeline, so it’s important to consult with a premises liability lawyer in Fort Worth promptly to protect your rights.
If you have more questions, our team of personal injury lawyers in Fort Worth, Texas, is here to assist. Contact us for a free consultation.
How Patterson Law Group Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a swimming pool accident, it’s essential to seek legal help as soon as possible. At Patterson Law Group, our Fort Worth swimming pool accident lawyers are dedicated to fighting for the rights of accident victims and ensuring that negligent parties are held accountable. We will investigate your case, gather evidence, and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you need to move forward with your life.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Fort Worth, Texas. Let us help you navigate the legal process and pursue justice on your behalf.
