Louisiana Swimming Pool Accident Lawyers
Representing Injury Victims in Baton Rouge, New Orleans & Throughout Louisiana
Swimming pools are an excellent source of fun and relaxation, but they can also be extremely dangerous. Pool owners have a responsibility to maintain safe premises and protect swimmers from harm. Unfortunately, pool owners and managers often fail to fulfill this duty, and people are seriously injured or killed as a result. If you or someone you love was hurt in a swimming pool accident, you need to reach out to an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
Call Clayton, Frugé & Ward today at (225) 209-9943 or online to schedule a free consultation with our swimming pool accident lawyers in Louisiana.
Swimming Pool Injuries
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury death among children ages 1 to 4 years old. For every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries. In addition to drowning, swimming pool accidents can result in several other types of injuries.
Common swimming pool injuries include:
- Slip and fall injuries: Pool decks and other surfaces can become dangerously slippery when wet. If you slip and fall, you can hit your head or sustain other serious injuries.
- Head and neck injuries: If you dive into a pool that is too shallow, you can hit your head on the bottom and suffer a serious head or neck injury.
- Electrocution injuries: Electrocution injuries can occur in and around swimming pools that have faulty lights, electrical systems, or appliances. These injuries can cause severe burns, nerve damage, and even death.
- Chemical injuries: Pool owners must use the proper chemicals to keep the water clean and safe. If the wrong chemicals are used or are used in the wrong amounts, swimmers can suffer chemical burns and other injuries.
Who Is Liable for a Swimming Pool Accident?
In Louisiana, swimming pool owners and managers have a legal duty to take certain steps to protect swimmers from harm. When they fail to fulfill this duty, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries or deaths.
Swimming pool owners and managers can be held liable for accidents and injuries caused by:
- Inadequate fencing: Pool owners must erect a fence around their pool that is at least four feet high. The fence must be equipped with a self-closing and self-latching gate. If a pool owner fails to use the proper fencing or gate, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries or deaths.
- Inadequate supervision: If a pool owner provides inadequate supervision and someone is hurt or killed as a result, the owner can be held liable for any damages. This is especially true when a child is involved.
- Inadequate warning signs: Pool owners must post warning signs in and around their pool. The signs must contain important safety information, such as the depth of the pool and the diving policy. If the pool owner fails to post the proper warning signs, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries or deaths.
- Inadequate maintenance: Pool owners must properly maintain their pool and keep it in good condition. This includes cleaning the pool, testing the water quality, and maintaining the pool equipment. If the pool owner fails to do so and someone is injured, the owner can be held liable for any damages.
What to Do After a Swimming Pool Accident in Louisiana
Swimming pool accidents can be extremely traumatic and confusing. It is important to take the proper steps to protect your health and your rights.
After a swimming pool accident, you should:
- Get medical help: If you were injured in a swimming pool accident, you need to seek immediate medical attention, even if you do not think you were seriously hurt. Some injuries may not be apparent immediately after an accident, and a delay in treatment could make your condition worse.
- Document the scene: If you are able to, take pictures and/or videos of the accident scene and your injuries. This can help establish liability and provide evidence of the extent of your injuries.
- Talk to witnesses: If there were people present when the accident occurred, talk to them and get their contact information. They may be able to provide important information about what happened.
- Report the accident: If you were injured at a public pool, waterpark, or another type of commercial swimming pool, you need to report the accident to the pool manager or another employee. Be sure to get a copy of the accident report for your records.
- Do not give a recorded statement: The pool owner’s insurance company may contact you after the accident and ask you to give a recorded statement. You should not do this. The insurance company is looking for ways to reduce or deny your claim, and anything you say could be used against you.
- Do not post about the accident on social media: You should avoid posting about the accident or your injuries on social media. The pool owner’s insurance company may monitor your social media accounts and use anything you post against you.
- Reach out to an attorney: You should contact an experienced swimming pool accident attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.
How Our Swimming Pool Accident Lawyers Can Help
Swimming pool accident cases can be complex and challenging, but you do not have to face this difficult situation alone. Our Louisiana swimming pool accident lawyers are here to provide the legal guidance you need at this time. We will handle all the details of your claim and fight to protect your rights.
When you choose us to represent you, we will:
- Thoroughly investigate your case: We will conduct a thorough investigation of your swimming pool accident to determine liability. We will review all available evidence, including any accident reports, pictures or videos of the accident scene, and any other relevant information.
- Handle all communication: Our team will handle all communication with the pool owner’s insurance company. We will negotiate aggressively to seek a fair settlement that covers all of your current and future needs. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court.
- Help you seek the medical care you need: If you were injured in a swimming pool accident, you need medical treatment, and you need it now. We can help you find the right doctor and make sure you are getting the proper care for your injuries.
- Seek maximum compensation for you: Our attorneys will work to seek the maximum compensation you are owed. We will help you seek damages for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
If you were injured in a swimming pool accident in Baton Rouge or New Orleans, contact our firm today at (225) 209-9943 for a free consultation with our Louisiana swimming pool accident lawyers.