4 Common Causes of Swimming Pool Accidents | Houston Attorney

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that approximately ten Americans die every day due to unintentional drowning. As more and more Americans install a new backyard pool or visit the local waterpark, the potential for tragic accidents only increases. The state of Texas, where the sun shines hot most of the year, consistently leads as one of the states where swimming pool accidents happen most frequently. The Houston area is a major contributor to the issue as one of the most densely populated regions in the state.

Swimming pool accident victims and their families may benefit from contacting a Houston swimming pool accident attorney and exploring their options. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries.

How do Most Swimming Pool Accidents Happen?

When you contact a personal injury lawyer serving Houston, it is important to relay any relevant details regarding the cause of your pool accident. Swimming pool accidents can take many different forms; however, the top 4 common causes of swimming pool accidents are:

1. Children Swimming Without Supervision
   The Texas Drowning Prevention Alliance reports that drowning “is the NUMBER ONE cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1- 4.” Most of these tragic deaths could have been prevented if the child were properly supervised while swimming.
   If you will not be present to supervise your child, be sure to ask questions. Will other adults be present to supervise the children? Will there be lifeguards on duty? It is crucial that children are never left unsupervised in any large body of water.
2. Lack of Anti-Entrapment Devices
   All swimming pools are required by law to install anti-entrapment devices to prevent hair, clothing, and limbs from being caught in the pool drain. When swimmers are caught in pool drains, there can be fatal or life-altering injuries. If your swimming pool accident was caused by the failure of the pool owner to install anti-entrapment devices, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
3. Slippery/Uneven Decks
   If swimming pool decks are improperly installed or maintained, they could become slippery or warped over time. Swimming pool owners have the responsibility to maintain safe conditions as slippery/uneven decks often lead to slip-and-fall accidents. Slip-and-fall accident injuries can range in severity from a sprained ankle to serious head trauma.
4. Intoxication
   While children are the most obvious group at risk for swimming pool accidents, adults are not immune, especially after consuming alcoholic beverages. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that up to 70% of all swimming pool accidents are related to alcohol consumption.
   The consumption of alcohol can lead to adults overestimating their swimming abilities or falling unconscious and slipping under the surface of the water. Because most people tend to frequent swimming pools in hot weather, the effects of dehydration can be exacerbated by alcoholic beverages. If you choose to consume alcohol at the pool, use your best judgement to prevent potential accidents.

We hope that you and your family stay safe as you enjoy warmer weather and relax poolside. However, if a swimming pool accident does occur, you should know that you have options. Contact a qualified swimming pool accident attorney to review your accident claim.

Houston Swimming Pool Accident Attorneys at Carabin Shaw

If you or a loved one were injured in a swimming pool accident in Houston, contact Carabin Shaw’s personal injury lawyers serving Houston today. Call toll-free at 1-800-862-1260 to schedule your no-cost, no-obligation case review and initial consultation.

At Carabin Shaw, we combine the resources of a nationwide firm with the individualized care of a firm invested in Texas communities. We are honored to represent Texas swimming pool accident victims and their families.

---