Personal Injury Lawyer Discusses Pool Accidents
New York personal injury lawyer at the F&A injury law firm discusses swimming pool accidents and how to be safe this summer. According to the CDC, everyday 10 people die from drowning. Those that are rushed to the hospital and survive often face severe brain damage resulting in:
- Memory Problems
- Learning Disabilities
- Permanent loss of basic functions
With summer approaching, personal injury lawyer, Frekhtman and Associates, wants to discuss pool accidents. Let’s examine some common causes of pool accidents.
Lack of Barrier
In most communities, the law requires a four-sided isolation fence. This separates the pool are from the yard and the house. The goal is to prevent a young child from gaining access to the pool without adults realizing it. It is up to the homeowner to make sure the fence exists, is in good condition, and the gates are closed when an adult is not in the area. If the homeowner has failed at this, they are negligent and can be held responsible for any injury or fatality that occurs.
Lack of Supervision
When children are swimming, an adult should be providing constant supervision. Drowning can occur very quickly and surprisingly quietly. Adults responsible for supervising need to pay attention at all times. They should avoid alcohol consumption. It is also important to remember that inflatable toys are not safety devices. A child that can not swim should wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket instead of relying on an inflatable inner tube.
Slips and Falls
In addition to drownings and near drownings, slips and falls also commonly occur. Wet surfaces and strewn pool toys can result in a fall that causes a serious injury. Broken bones and head injuries are common slip and fall injuries. Homeowners need to keep walkways clear and reasonably dry so everyone is safe.
If you are a homeowner with a pool, keep the above common causes of injury in mind and take action to make sure they don’t happen at your house. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a swimming pool accident, contact us.