Swimming Pool Accidents – Is Someone Else Responsible?

A dog splashing in a swimming poolFor many Georgians, summertime means swimming. As enjoyable as swimming can be, accidents happen more often than you think. If you or someone you love has suffered an accident at a pool, it can be overwhelming just getting the treatment you need. If someone else is at fault, it is unfortunately difficult to figure out who should be held liable. 

The personal injury attorneys at Slappey & Sadd can help. We’ve been helping people in the Atlanta area and across the state of Georgia since 1992. Give us a call at 404-255-6677 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. 

Common Swimming Pool Accidents

Swimming pools pose a number of hazards, especially for children – according to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of death for children under the age of four. While drowning is the most obvious accident, there are others that can result in severe injury or death:

  • Slip, trip, and fall accidents
  • Heart attacks
  • Seizures
  • Diving board accidents resulting in head, neck, or spinal cord injuries
  • Brain damage caused by near fatal drowning

Some accidents just happen – all the proper precautions were in place and it was not anyone’s fault. Unfortunately, there are cases where accidents could have been prevented, and in those instances, the person or persons responsible should be held accountable for their negligence. 

However, it isn’t always easy to determine who was at fault or who should be held accountable. The issues involved can vary widely depending upon whether the pool is a public facility, a private club, or a pool in someone’s backyard. 

Who Owns the Pool? 

The first step in determining who should be held responsible is figuring out who actually owns the pool. This is because, arguably, the property owner is potentially liable for any accident that occurs on their property. In some cases, it’s obvious who owns the pool – such as when the pool is located on private, residential property. In other cases, it’s not so clear. For example, a community pool may be owned by a homeowners’ association or a standalone recreation association. 

If it’s a municipal pool, you will need to identify the specific municipality – it could be the county, city, or town. In addition, be aware that municipal pools will likely involve unique challenges regarding whether the local government can be held liable. 

The Pool Management Company

For many pools, the owner contracts with a pool company to manage the operation of the pool. They are likely responsible for cleaning, maintenance, and repair, as well as identifying potential hazards. In addition, they may be responsible for staffing and training the lifeguards. The relationship between the pool owner and the management company will be governed by a contract. While the relationship allows for a professionally operated pool, it also essentially protects the owner from potential liability. The pool contract will also govern who may be liable in the event of an accident. 

Contact the Swimming Pool Accident Lawyers at Slappey & Sadd

Don’t let someone else’s recklessness keep you from living the life you deserve. At Slappey & Sadd, we know what it takes to get our clients the compensation they need to get their lives back. We’ll work with you every step of the way and provide you with dedicated, aggressive legal representation. If you’d like to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys, contact us at 404-255-6677 to discuss your case and how we can help you.

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