Swimming pools make the hot summer days in Houston a lot cooler and more relaxing, but pools can also be dangerous. To help you understand how to avoid accidents around pools, we have listed below some of the most prominent dangers of swimming pools and how to avoid them.
If you have been involved in a public or private pool accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact a swimming pool accident lawyer serving Houston as soon as possible to understand your options.
DrowningDrowning is the most serious risk for severe injury around pools and is unfortunately too common. Texas led the nation with the most swimming pool drowning deaths in 2019, so Texans need to be on high alert and watch children closely while they are in or around the pool. Drowning is the number one cause of death for children ages 1 - 4 years old and is a leading cause in children ages 1 - 14.
No matter someone’s age, drowning often happens swiftly and silently. To prevent drowning accidents, always supervise children closely and adults should avoid alcohol around pools. Supervisors should never become distracted or be intoxicated. If a negligent supervisor caused an accident, call an attorney.
Slips and FallsSlips and falls occur because the surfaces around pools are usually wet which can create slippery areas that cause accidents. Slips and falls can cause minor injuries like cuts and bruises, or more serious ones like broken bones and concussions. To avoid slip and fall accidents, make sure that children do not run around the pool and take measures to ensure that there are not excessive amounts of standing water on the pool deck.
Diving Board AccidentsDiving boards can cause accidents when they are in disrepair or used improperly. Injuries like concussions, spinal injuries, and neck injuries can result from improper use of diving boards and diving into water that is too shallow. Always check the physical state of the diving board and the depth of the pool below before use to prevent head and neck injuries. If a broken diving board or an improperly marked pool caused your accident, call a swimming pool accident lawyer serving Houston to file a claim.
Entrapment and Drain Related AccidentsEntrapment occurs when someone gets caught in one of the pool’s drains and is injured as a result. Entrapment injuries can be deadly because people can be held underwater by the powerful suction of the drain.
To avoid entrapment injuries, drain covers should always be used. There are many regulations required in Texas pools to prevent entrapment injuries, but sometimes older pools do not meet the new standard on anti-entrapment measurements. If you were injured in an entrapment accident due to a poorly maintained pool, Texas personal injury attorneys can help.
Chemical AccidentsChlorine keeps pools clean and bacteria-free, but it is also a very strong chemical. Excessive amounts of chlorine can cause chemical burns, skin irritation, and injuries. Improper storage of chemicals and overuse can be dangerous.
ElectrocutionWater and electricity never mix. Any loose wiring or electrical equipment near a pool can lead to disaster. Most people in Houston understand these risks and are careful to avoid them, but sometimes a negligent person can try to cut corners and cause an injury or death. Call a lawyer if someone caused an electrocution accident that involved you or a loved one.
What to do After an AccidentAfter any type of swimming pool accident, you should consult an attorney to discuss your eligibility to file a claim. You can recover compensation from negligent pool owners who caused any injuries to you or your loved ones and disrupted your lives.
Free Case ReviewThe team at Carabin Shaw offers free initial case reviews to help you better understand your options after an accident. As one of the largest firms of Texas personal injury attorneys, we know what it takes to win cases. Call us today at 1-800-862-1260.