Severe Swimming Pool Injuries | Houston Injury Attorneys

When most people think of swimming pools, they think of harmless summer fun. But statistics show that swimming pools are far from harmless. In fact, swimming pools are one of the leading causes of accidental death in the United States. That’s why our experts serving Houston want swimming pool owners and parents to be informed about the most common types of severe swimming pool injuries, because knowing the risks is the first step to preventing a tragic accident. Read on to learn what our Houston accident attorneys want you to know about the types and causes of the most common swimming pool injuries—as well as how to choose a personal injury attorney in Houston if you’ve been hurt.

Most Common Severe Swimming Pool Injuries: How They Are Caused, and How to Prevent Them

1. Diving Injuries

Diving injuries occur when people jump headfirst into swimming pools. Often, diving injuries occur when people dive into pools that are too shallow for diving. This can result in serious injuries, including broken bones or traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

To reduce the risk of diving injuries, all pools should be marked with depth indicators, and pools that are too shallow for diving should have proper signage telling swimmers not to dive.

2. Slips and Falls

Another common pool injury is a slip and fall. These types of accidents are common in areas where there are wet, slick surfaces or tripping hazards. Slips and falls may result in head injuries, broken bones, or fractures, among other injuries.

To reduce the risk of slip and fall injuries, pool items, equipment, and toys should be stowed away to reduce tripping accidents. Pools should be properly lit at night, and visitors should be warned not to run in wet areas. If your slip and fall was caused by unsecured pool equipment on another person’s property, that is an example of negligence, according to our Houston accident attorneys—meaning you may have grounds for a lawsuit.

3. Drowning or Near-Drowning

One of the biggest threats posed by swimming pools is drowning, which is the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury death in America. In fact, there are about ten drowning deaths per day in the United States. Even drowning victims who survive a near-drowning can sustain serious, lifelong injuries; nonfatal drowning incidents are frequently associated with severe brain damage, learning disabilities, memory problems, and even permanent loss of basic functioning.

To prevent drowning, children should never be allowed to swim unsupervised, and adults should never swim under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Pools should be securely fenced (with fences that are not easily climbed) to prevent others from falling in. Alarms—either floating pool alarms or below water alarms—are a good idea for pool owners as well. It’s also important for adults to teach their children how to swim, to learn the signs of drowning, and to familiarize themselves with CPR techniques.

If you have suffered a swimming pool injury or loss due to another person’s negligence, you may have grounds to file a Texas swimming pool accident claim. To do so, you’ll first need to consult with a qualified attorney who can help you determine who is responsible for the accident and what your claim may be worth. When choosing a lawyer, you should look for someone who specializes in handling swimming pool accident cases, who is located in your city, and someone reputable who has plenty of positive client reviews.

Here at Carabin Shaw, our lawyers meet all these criteria and more—and we’re ready to take your call today. To schedule your free consultation with a knowledgeable, compassionate personal injury attorney in Houston to discuss your Texas swimming pool accident claim, call our Carabin Shaw office serving Houston at 713-654-9991. Don’t wait—let our Houston accident attorneys help you get the justice you deserve.