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Swimming pools should be places of fun and relaxation, but all too often, they become the site of tragic drowning accidents—whether a lifeguard is present or not. When such a devastating event occurs, it’s crucial to hold the responsible parties accountable. At Dermer Appel Ruder, we have a proven track record of handling claims against pool owners and operators, drawing on extensive experience to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. If your loved one has been affected by a drowning accident, we’re here to help you navigate this difficult time and pursue the legal remedies available.
Additionally, while the presence of lifeguards may provide a sense of security, it can often be misleading. Studies have shown that a significant number of drowning incidents still occur in pools where lifeguards are on duty. In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about 40% of drownings involving children aged 14 and under happen in pools where lifeguards are present. This can be due to a variety of factors, such as overcrowded conditions, insufficient training, or distractions that prevent lifeguards from effectively monitoring the pool. It’s important to recognize that even with lifeguards, the risk of drowning remains, and property owners must still ensure the safety of all swimmers.
Our Norcross personal injury lawyers at Dermer Appel Ruder recognize that more Georgians are using swimming pools during the summer to cool off and enjoy recreational activities. The increased number of swimmers naturally raises the likelihood of accidents.
With children out of school, there is also a significant rise in young people spending time at pools. Unfortunately, Children are generally at a higher risk of accidents due to their lower swimming skills and tendency to engage in riskier behaviors.
In addition, summer is a popular time for public and private pool parties and gatherings, leading to overcrowded pools. This makes it harder for lifeguards to monitor everyone and respond quickly to emergencies.
The question becomes, who can be held liable for swimming pool injuries, near-drownings, and actual drownings that occur on public and private property? We have answers.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Swimming Pool Accidents and Injuries in Georgia?
Liability for swimming pool accidents in Georgia can depend on various factors, including the nature of the accident, the circumstances surrounding it, and the relationship between the parties involved.
Potentially liable parties may include:
- Pool Owners
The swimming pool’s owner, whether a private homeowner, a hotel, an apartment complex, or a community pool, can be held liable if the accident occurred due to negligence. This includes failing to maintain the pool, inadequate safety measures, or not posting proper warnings.
- Property Managers
If a property management company is responsible for maintaining the pool, it could be liable for accidents resulting from poor maintenance, lack of proper safety equipment, or failure to enforce safety rules.
- Lifeguards
Lifeguards on duty may be liable if their negligence or inattention contributed to the accident. This includes failure to properly supervise, respond promptly, or provide adequate care during an emergency.
- Pool Maintenance Companies
Companies hired to maintain the pool may be liable if the accident was due to their failure to clean, balance chemicals, or maintain equipment properly.
- Manufacturers
If a pool accident occurs due to defective equipment, such as faulty drains, ladders, or pool covers, the manufacturer of the defective product may be held liable under product liability laws.
- Contractors
If the pool was improperly designed or constructed, resulting in unsafe conditions, the contractors responsible for the construction may be liable for accidents.
- Event Organizers
If the accident occurred during a pool party or event organized by a third party, the event organizers might be liable if their negligence in arranging or supervising the event contributed to the accident.
How Can the Georgia Personal Injury Attorneys at Dermer Appel Ruder Help with My Swimming Pool Accident & Injury Claim?
At Dermer Appel Ruder, our Georgia personal injury attorneys have years of experience representing injury victims and families of those who have lost their loved ones in pool accidents throughout the state.
We can help by establishing liability for the accident. This typically means proving that the responsible party was negligent, meaning they failed to act with reasonable care.
Different entities owe varying degrees of duty of care. For instance, a hotel owes its guests a higher duty of care than a homeowner might to a trespasser.
Gathering evidence swiftly is crucial in building a strong case for a pool-related drowning incident. This includes tracking down witnesses, preserving video footage, and determining what the lifeguards were doing at the time of the incident. Our firm has the expertise and resources to conduct a thorough investigation on your behalf, ensuring that every detail is uncovered and preserved to support your claim. Let us handle the complex process so you can focus on what matters most during this difficult time. We can help.
Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Contact our Georgia personal injury lawyers at Dermer Appel Ruder, LLC today by calling (404)-892-8884 or online to discuss your case during a free consultation.