New Jersey Swimming Pool Accident Attorneys

Most children and adults visit the local pool at least once each summer.  Some people swim with regularity as they have a backyard pool.  Though swimming pools are certainly fun, they pose a high level of risk for injury and death.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports upwards of 3,500 people drown in the United States each year.  However, there are some unreported drownings that go unreported.  Sadly, one in every four drowning victims is younger than the age of 15.  Drowning is the second most common cause of unintentional death related to injury for children between the ages of 1 and 14.

Why Drownings Occur

Drownings occur for more than one reason.  As most would guess, the lack of barriers around local pools and insufficient adult supervision are the top causes of drownings.  The majority of drownings for kids between the ages of 1 and 4 occur in residential swimming pools.  Drownings can occur in a nearly instantaneous manner.  Most parents and relatives of young drowning victims were last seen in the house a mere five minutes or less prior to the drowning.  This is precisely why parents should install fencing around the pool.  The fence should be tall enough to prevent children from climbing over and entering the pool.  Fail to install such a barrier and supervise the children using your backyard pool and you might be liable for resulting injuries and death.

Safety at Public Pools

Public pools are legally required to post pool area rules in a visible manner.  These rules must warn users about the potential danger of diving into shallow water and running around the pool area.  If the public pool does not have a lifeguard on duty, it must post signs indicating a lifeguard is not present.  Furthermore, the pool area should have a phone that can connect directly to 911.  If no such phone is present, there must be an emergency notification system available to pool users.

Public pools must also be void of obstructed walkways.  All machinery and sidewalks should be adequately maintained.  Those in charge of public pools must also maintain the proper level of chemicals in the water to prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms.

The Obligations of Private Pool Owners

Private pool owners must notify visitors of on-site dangers ranging from faulty pool ladders to trip hazards and beyond prior to entering the water.  Those who install a backyard pool must install the appropriate fencing to prevent a wayward child from venturing to the pool and drowning.

Pools are categorized as attractive nuisances as kids are drawn to them.  It merely takes a slightly open gate to tempt a curious child to enter the backyard and possibly fall into the pool.  Though homeowners who own their own pool may not necessarily have to install a fence, this safety measure is absolutely essential to maintain property safety.  In order to minimize or completely eliminate liability for pool accidents, property owners should take every necessary step to prevent drownings and other pool-related accidents.

Swimming Pool Accidents Beyond Drownings

Drowning is certainly the most common swimming pool accident yet there is also the potential for additional injuries to occur in or near the water.  Swimming pool accidents range from electrical shock to head injury, sprains, brain damage, broken bones, spine or neck injury and exposure to elevated levels of chemicals.

Injured in a Pool Accident?  Our Legal Team can Help

If you live in the greater New Jersey area and were injured in a swimming pool you do not own, contact our legal team led by Richard Schibell right away.  We understand the nuances of New Jersey swimming pool laws.  Let us review the facts of your unique case, determine if there is legal footing for a lawsuit and fiercely pursue justice on your behalf.  Though many cases settle, we prepare each as though it will go to court. Reach out to us today at 732-774-1000 to schedule a no-cost consultation.

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