What Injuries Are Covered By Pool Accident Claims

Swimming pools offer relaxation and fun, particularly in Arizona’s hot climate. However, accidents around pools can result in serious injuries or fatalities, leaving victims or their families with lasting physical, emotional, and financial burdens. 

Legal action provides a pathway to recover damages and hold negligent parties accountable. The Sorenson Law Firm, with over 50 years of experience, is committed to helping victims of pool-related injuries secure compensation and justice.

Types of Injuries Covered by Pool Accident Claims

Accidents involving swimming pools can lead to various injuries, ranging from mild to life threatening. Both nonfatal injuries and fatalities can result in legal claims depending on the circumstances of the incident.

Nonfatal Swimming Pool Injuries

Many swimming pool accidents do not result in death but can still have severe and lasting effects. Legal claims for nonfatal injuries focus on medical expenses, loss of income, and emotional suffering. Common nonfatal injuries include:

• Broken limbs: Slips and falls on wet surfaces frequently result in fractures.
• Infections from unclean water: Poorly maintained pools can harbor bacteria and parasites, leading to skin infections or more severe health conditions.
• Back and neck injuries: Diving accidents or collisions with pool edges can cause damage to the spine and surrounding tissues.
• Head injuries: Hard impacts with pool surfaces can result in concussions or traumatic brain injuries.
• Paralysis: Spinal cord trauma during diving accidents often leads to temporary or permanent paralysis.
• Brain damage: Extended submersion without oxygen can result in severe cognitive impairments.
• Spinal cord injury: Injuries to the spine often result in chronic pain or mobility issues.
• Bone fractures: Hard impacts during falls or diving accidents are common causes of fractured bones.
• Chemical toxicity: Over-chlorinated or improperly balanced water can lead to chemical burns and respiratory problems.
• Drain injuries: Defective or poorly maintained pool drains can trap swimmers, resulting in serious physical injuries.
• Electrical injuries: Faulty electrical equipment near the pool may cause shocks.
• Slip and fall injuries: Wet decks and surfaces near pools are common sites for slipping hazards.
• Body entrapment: Swimmers may become trapped by defective or unsafe pool equipment.
• Diving injuries: Improper diving angles can lead to neck, back, and head injuries.
• Submersion injuries: Extended underwater incidents can cause oxygen deprivation and brain damage.
• Mental and emotional trauma: Near-drowning experiences can leave lasting psychological effects.

Fatal Pool Accidents (Wrongful Death Claims)

Drowning remains one of the most serious outcomes of swimming pool accidents. When fatal accidents occur, surviving family members have the right to file wrongful death claims. These claims cover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and emotional distress. 

Fatal drowning accidents often stem from negligence, such as a lack of supervision, inadequate safety measures, or faulty equipment. Families can hold the responsible parties accountable through legal action, ensuring justice is served.

Types of Claims for Pool Accident Injuries

Several types of claims are available to victims or their families. Claims can be pursued depending on the injuries or damages resulting from drowning or pool accidents. 

Pool accident claims often seek compensation through the following legal avenues:

• Personal injury claims: These claims cover expenses related to medical treatments, rehabilitation, and lost income due to injuries.
• Wrongful death claims: Families of drowning victims can pursue compensation for the financial and emotional losses resulting from their loved one’s death.
• Economic damages: Victims can recover measurable expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
• Noneconomic damages: These damages address pain, suffering, emotional trauma, and other intangible losses.
• Punitive damages: When a pool owner’s misconduct or negligence is particularly severe, courts sometimes impose punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter future accidents.

Liability and Responsibility in Pool Accidents

Determining liability in pool accident claims often hinges on whether the pool owner or operator took reasonable precautions to prevent harm. Arizona law requires pool owners to meet strict safety standards, and failure to comply can lead to legal consequences.

Pool owners can be held liable in cases involving:

• Lack of proper barriers, such as fences or gates.
• Poor supervision, particularly when children are involved.
• Inadequate maintenance of pool equipment or surfaces.
• Failure to address known hazards, such as slippery decks or faulty drains.

To prove liability, victims must demonstrate that the pool owner’s negligence directly caused their injury or loss. In such cases, suing the responsible party may be the best course of action for compensation.

Swimming Pool Safety Regulations

Arizona’s swimming pool safety regulations aim to reduce drowning risks and other injuries by enforcing strict guidelines. Compliance with these regulations is essential for ensuring safety and avoiding liability in case of accidents. Key safety requirements include:

• Barriers and fencing: Pools must be enclosed with secure fences to prevent unauthorized access, particularly by children.
• Safety equipment: Lifesaving devices, such as flotation devices and pool alarms, are essential for quick responses to emergencies.
• Regular inspections: Pool owners must regularly inspect drains, filters, and other equipment to ensure they function properly.

Failure to comply with these regulations may not only result in fines but also strengthen a victim’s legal claim if an accident occurs.

How Our Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help

Navigating the legal process after a pool accident can be complex. A personal injury lawyer helps victims by handling the intricacies of the case, from collecting evidence to negotiating settlements. Their expertise is necessary in securing maximum compensation.

Services provided by personal injury attorneys include:

• Accident investigation: Gathering evidence, such as photos, witness statements, and safety inspection reports.
• Damage assessment: Evaluating both economic and noneconomic damages to calculate fair compensation.
• Insurance negotiations: Engaging with insurance companies to secure favorable settlements.
• Legal representation: Representing clients in court when negotiations do not lead to satisfactory outcomes.

The Sorenson Law Firm offers personalized legal support by analyzing each client’s case, ensuring that victims receive justice and fair compensation.

Steps To File a Swimming Pool Accident Claim

Taking the right steps after a pool accident can strengthen the case and improve the chances of securing compensation.

1. Document the incident: Take photos of the accident scene, injuries, and any hazardous conditions. Obtain witness statements.
2. Seek medical attention: Get medical treatment immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Medical records play a vital role in claims.
3. Gather evidence: Collect any available records, such as maintenance logs, safety inspection reports, and video surveillance.
4. Consult a personal injury lawyer: Legal guidance ensures that all documentation is accurate and claims are filed on time.
5. File the claim: Submit the claim with relevant evidence to the responsible party’s insurance company or court.

Why Choose The Sorenson Law Firm

The Sorenson Law Firm has over 50 years of legal experience and is a trusted name for personal injury claims in Arizona. Our team understands the complexities of pool accident cases and works closely with clients to build strong claims. 

We offer comprehensive legal services, from initial consultations to court representation, ensuring clients receive the compensation they deserve.

Contact The Sorenson Law Firm

For assistance with swimming pool accident claims, reach out to The Sorenson Law Firm:

• Phone: 480-839-9500
• Address: 950 W Elliot Rd Suite 226, Tempe, AZ 85284

Our legal team is committed to protecting your rights and ensuring justice for victims of pool-related injuries or fatalities.