When the heat and humidity of summer hits, Chicago, IL, residents know there is no better way to cool off than by jumping into the cool waters of a swimming pool. Unfortunately, swimming pool accidents can occur, and when they do, you may need the help of a qualified personal injury attorney at Hale & Monico to help you recover compensation.
Swimming pool accidents can affect even skilled and experienced swimmers, but children are more susceptible to drowning incidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning incidents are the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children under the age of 18.
The state of Illinois requires that swimming pools on residential properties be enclosed by a permanent barrier at least 42″ high. It also requires that public pools provide lifeguards. In spite of these rules, accidents can still happen.
When the negligence of others is to blame for your injuries in a swimming pool accident or the wrongful death of a loved one due to a drowning incident, you do not have to fight for compensation alone.
The experienced and compassionate team at Hale & Monico is here to help Chicago residents harmed in swimming pool accidents. Contact us now to schedule a free consultation and discuss your personal injury or wrongful death case.
Types of Swimming Pool Accidents
When swimming pool safety is neglected, it can lead to all kinds of accidents. These could be related to the pool environment, equipment on hand, or supervision. Here are several common types of accidents or failures that could occur.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slippery surfaces are a given in pool areas, whether indoors or out. Ideally, surface materials will be designed to minimize slips, but this is not always the case. Even though public pools often have rules about running or rough play in the pool area, supervision is required to ensure that the rules are followed, and a lapse can lead to disaster.
If you or a loved one has suffered a slip and fall accident near a swimming pool, it could be the fault of the pool owner.
Drain Entrapment Incidents
Pools have circulation systems designed to keep water clean. These systems include drains that use suction to keep water circulating. When not properly covered, drains can entrap limbs, swimwear, or hair, causing victims to suffer injury or drowning.
Diving Injuries
Diving injuries are frequently associated with diving head-first into areas that are too shallow, but they could also occur due to problems with diving boards, such as slippery surfaces or equipment defects.
Whether product defects are a factor or a lack of supervision is to blame for diving injuries, you can seek compensation to cover medical and other expenses.
Improper Supervision/Lack of Supervision
Lifeguards are required in public pools, and part of their job is vigilance. Accidents can occur when lifeguards are inattentive or distracted, or when they leave their post for any reason. Those who own private pools are solely responsible for monitoring the area and addressing safety concerns when family and friends use the pool.
Faulty Barriers
Barriers are meant to keep unwanted guests from using the pool. They are also used to ensure that small children do not accidentally wander into the pool area unsupervised. Broken or missing fencing or gates are a liability that could lead to accidents, as are gates that are not closed or locked.
Pool Hazards
Whether swimming pool accidents occur at private or public pools, the owner of the premises may be liable for damages, especially if hazards in the pool area contribute to harm. Common hazards could include contaminated water, chemical imbalances leading to chemical injuries, and overcrowded pools.
Accidental Drowning
This is the worst type of swimming pool accident, regardless of the cause. Both children and adults are susceptible to drowning, and when environmental hazards, lack of supervision, or other forms of negligence are to blame for the wrongful death of a loved one, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your loss.
Hale & Monico Is Your Trusted Partner in Fighting for Justice
The trauma of swimming pool accidents can stay with you long after you have recovered from your injuries. Especially traumatic are drowning deaths due to the negligence of others.
When you are injured or you lose a loved one due to such incidents, you need a qualified personal injury lawyer to guide you through the process of seeking compensation. A skilled and experienced professional can go head-to-head with insurance companies and negotiate for a fair settlement or prepare to take your case to trial.
Hale & Monico proudly provides personal injury representation to Chicago, IL, residents injured in swimming pool accidents. Contact us now to learn more and schedule a free consultation.