Causes of Swimming Pool Drownings
For many Dallas residents, summer is synonymous with time spent at the pool. And while swimming pools may offer a space to fend off the Texas heat, they can also be a source of serious danger. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for example, recognize drowning as the second leading cause of death among children under the age of 14. Dallas drowning attorneys see ample evidence of these dangers in Texas, with more Texans dying each year from swimming pool drowning accidents than in any other state.
While it may be impossible to eliminate all dangers at swimming pools, many drowning accidents can be prevented by taking appropriate precautions. That’s why property owners who fail to take reasonable steps to protect their visitors may be legally responsible for accidents that ensue.
The Texas swimming pool accident attorneys at Carabin Shaw are dedicated to helping victims and their families recover compensation when another’s negligence causes a life-threatening drowning accident. With the help of experienced attorneys, victims can take the steps needed to secure the fair and comprehensive financial settlements they deserve.
Common Causes of Swimming Pool Accidents in DallasWhen individuals spend time within large bodies of water, they are likely to encounter certain risks. Swimming pools, in particular, can pose high levels of danger with their widespread accessibility and potential for crowding. When swimming pool owners don’t take proper steps to mitigate these risks, the consequences can be devastating.
Some of the most common causes of swimming pool drownings are the following:
Lack of BarriersTexas law has specific requirements that force owners of pools to install barriers meant to prevent unsupervised children and other visitors from entering unsafely. These include fences fully surrounding the perimeter of pools, as well as self-latching gates. Many of the accidents that Dallas Tx drowning accident attorneys see occur when property owners fail to install these sorts of barriers.
Uneven or Slippery SurfacesThe surfaces surrounding a pool can be slippery and dangerous, especially when they haven’t been properly maintained. These conditions can be especially dangerous for children, older adults, and weak swimmers who may not have the ability to remove themselves from a pool if they fall in. In cases like this, Dallas drowning attorneys may be able to help victims hold property owners responsible through premises liability claims.
Lack of SupervisionWhile public pools are not required to have lifeguards on their premises, they do have a responsibility to post signs that alert swimmers to dangers associated with a lack of supervision. If lifeguards are present but negligent in their duties, property owners may also be responsible for accidents that occur on their watch.
Lack of Anti-Entrapment DevicesMost people are unaware of the dangers that pool drains can pose to swimmers. Risks are especially high for young children, whose hair, clothing, and limbs can all easily get sucked into drain systems, causing the child to be submerged underwater. Because of this, pool owners are required by law to install anti-entrapment devices around drains to prevent these sorts of accidents from happening.
No matter the source of your accident, Dallas Tx drowning accident attorneys can help you to take the steps needed to file a successful personal injury claim.
The Trusted Law Firm for Swimming Pool Accidents | Free ConsultationWhen a swimming pool in Dallas becomes the site of a drowning accident, the consequences are devastating. And while a personal injury claim can never erase an accident, a lawyer can help you fight for a fair financial settlement that can provide you and your family with the resources you need to begin your recovery. Texas swimming pool accident attorneys at Carabin Shaw are dedicated to making this recovery possible through their provision of top-quality legal service.
Call us at 800-862-1260 or fill out our online contact form to get started with a free case review.