Going to the swimming pool should be fun and enjoyable. Unfortunately, any time your family is around water, there is the chance for serious accidents, specifically drowning. Most drowning accidents end in tragedy and, even more tragically, most drowning victims are children under the age of 14. Even if a drowning victim survives, they often suffer brain damage due to oxygen deprivation or due to hitting their head on the side or bottom of the pool.
Drowning accidents can leave family facing extensive financial and emotional losses and many families wonder how they can recover when a loved one drowns in a swimming pool. The experienced wrongful death lawyers at the Dolman Law Group in Clearwater can evaluate your case and advise you of your legal options.
Negligent acts of pool owners
Pool owners—like any other property owners—have the duty to keep the area in and around the pool safe for visitors. Unfortunately, too many pool owners fail to uphold this duty and it leads to drownings and other types of accidents. Some examples of negligent acts by pool owners can include:
· Having sharp or rough surfaces inside the pool or around the pool edges that could prevent someone from putting their feet down or grabbing the edge.
· Leaving tools or debris out that could cause people to trip and fall into the pool.
· Having slippery surfaces around the pool that could cause someone to slip and fall into the pool.
· Not having the appropriate depth markers and leading an inadequate swimmer to wander or jump into water that is too deep for their swimming ability.
· Not having necessary “No Diving” warnings when appropriate causing someone to dive into too shallow water and hit their head on the bottom of the pool.
· Failing to have a proper barrier surrounding the pool with a self-latching gate, which may allow small children to wander into the pool area unattended and drown.
· Having drains and drain covers that do not comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act,1which could lead to a swimmer becoming suctioned to a drain and may even lead to evisceration.2
· Not properly warning swimmers that there is no lifeguard on duty.
· Allowing swimmers to have glass containers or other objects that may cause injury.
· Using the incorrect amount of chemicals, expired chemicals, or otherwise dangerous toxins in the pool that may cause infection or exposure injuries.
Any of the above dangerous conditions can lead to serious injuries and often to fatal drowning. Though pool owners have a lot to inspect and maintain, it is their duty to thoroughly do so to keep swimmers safe. If they fail to keep the premises in reasonably safe condition, they can be found negligent and responsible for any injuries or deaths that result from their negligence.
Wrongful death claims after a drowning
Tragically, many pool accidents result in fatal drownings. Suddenly losing a child or another loved one in a drowning accident is obviously devastating to surviving family members. Though no amount of financial compensation can ever bring your loved one back, filing a wrongful death claim can not only help you cover unexpected expenses related to the death but can also give you a sense of justice by holding the negligent party liable for their actions.
Florida wrongful death law3can be complex, however, and has its own deadlines for filing a claim and often involves unique legal issues. The attorneys at the Dolman Law Group understand how to apply this law to your case to help you obtain the maximum recovery possible for your tragic loss.
A qualified Clearwater, Florida wrongful death attorney can help you
Many people who have unexpectedly lost a loved one in a drowning accident do not know where to turn. At the Dolman Law Group, our wrongful death lawyers understand that you are going through a difficult time and will guide you through the legal process if you choose to pursue a claim. We offer free consultations with no obligation, so please call today at 727-451-6900 for assistance.
Dolman Law Group
800 North Belcher Road
Clearwater, FL 33756
727-451-6900
800 North Belcher Road
Clearwater, FL 33756
727-451-6900
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