Swimming pool accidents can lead to severe injuries and even death, particularly when they occur due to negligence or inadequate maintenance. Public swimming pools, which are often managed by local governments, schools, or community organizations, have a legal duty to ensure patron safety. When accidents happen as a result of improper supervision, lack of proper safety equipment, or poor maintenance of the pool and surrounding areas, victims may have the right to seek answers and compensation.
California’s Premises Liability Laws
In California, property owners owe a duty of care to those who enter their property. They must make sure that their property is free from hazards that could harm their guests.
According to Section 1000 of the CACI, an injured party in a premises liability case must prove the following for a successful claim:
- The defendant owned, leased, occupied, or controlled the property
- The defendant failed to maintain the property in a safe manner
- You suffered harm
- The defendant’s failure to maintain the property was a significant factor in your harm
Public Pool Safety Requirements
Public pools must follow a few requirements to keep the public safe. These requirements include:
- A fence or barrier surrounding the property to keep people from wandering in and falling into the pool
- Warning signs, such as those stating the depth of the water, the rules of the pool, and the danger of drowning
- Lifeguards or other supervisors to enforce safety rules and save drowning victims
- First aid kits and other devices like defibrillators and stretchers used for rescuing and treating injured guests
Common Public Swimming Pool Injuries
Some common swimming pool injuries include:
- Slip and fall accidents – Wet and slippery surfaces around the pool can cause slip and fall accidents, resulting in injuries such as fractures, sprains, or head trauma.
- Diving injuries – Diving into shallow water or hitting the bottom or sides of the pool can lead to serious head, neck, and spinal cord injuries.
- Drowning – Drowning is one of the most severe and fatal swimming pool accidents, often resulting from lack of supervision, inadequate safety measures, or poor swimming skills.
- Chemical exposure – Improper use of pool chemicals can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, or even chemical burns.
- Entrapment – Poorly maintained or designed pool drains can cause entrapment, leading to drowning or serious injuries.
- Infections – Improperly maintained pools with insufficient chlorination can spread waterborne illnesses and infections, such as E. coli or Legionnaires’ disease.
- Electrical shock – Faulty wiring or improper maintenance of electrical equipment near the pool can cause electrical shock injuries.
- Cuts and lacerations – Sharp edges, broken tiles, or other hazards in and around the pool can cause cuts and lacerations.
These injuries can range from minor to severe and life-threatening, highlighting the importance of proper pool maintenance, safety measures, and supervision.
Evidence Used in a Public Swimming Pool Accident
Your attorney will gather a few kinds of evidence to build your injury case against the pool owner. This evidence may include:
- Pictures of the property that show the hazard, such as the lack of a barrier preventing open access to the pool, the lack of warning signs, or whatever other condition led to your injury
- Footage of your accident from surveillance cameras on the property
- The police report filed after the accident that caused your injury
- Statements from eyewitnesses who saw the accident that caused your injury
- Pool maintenance records, if the cause of your injury was poor maintenance
Contact Our Premises Liability Lawyers in Walnut Creek
Were you injured at a public swimming pool in Walnut Creek, California? Contact the California premises liability attorneys at Casper, Meadows, Schwartz, & Cook for a 100% free and confidential consultation. We’re ready to help you seek the full and fair compensation you deserve, so call us or contact us online now.