Spending a hot summer day at a swimming pool sounds like the ideal plan. However, your otherwise perfect day can be turned upside down when an unexpected injury occurs. A slip and fall accident or an accidental drowning can prove to be exceptionally tragic for a victim and their family members. In times of an accident, it is essential to act quickly to bring the at-fault party to justice and receive the compensation you may be entitled to receive. Our Philadelphia swimming pool injury lawyers at The Reiff Law Firm discuss some of the things you need to be aware of when preparing for a swimming pool lawsuit. If you wish to discuss the details of your case in a free, consultation with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers, call the law offices of The Reiff Law Firm today at (215) 709-6940.
Most Common Causes of Swimming Pool Accidents
Swimming pool accidents happen for numerous reasons. Some of the most commonly known causes of swimming pool accidents include, but are not limited to the following:
Defective Products
A swimming pool’s filtration system involves installing mechanical and electrical components. A defective product could cause the draining system to malfunction and cause harm to unsuspecting swimmers. In cases where a person is injured due to a broken or malfunctioning product, he or she could file a product liability claim for their pool filter injuries.
Lack of Maintenance
While swimming pools are fun and entertaining, their clean-up and maintenance must always be a priority. The reason behind proper pool maintenance lies in safety. A poorly maintained swimming pool can cause illnesses and infections to any swimmer. Many people could suffer from respiratory, throat, eye, ear, and wound infections from an unclean swimming pool.
Lack of Supervision
Swimming pools can be a dangerous place for many people. While many states require the presence of a trained and certified lifeguard at public pools, there may not always be one. For instance, at private pools, lack of supervision could lead to personal injuries or accidental drowning. Accidents of this nature could also take place in public swimming pools where no lifeguards are supervising.
Common Swimming Pool Accident Injuries
Swimming pool accidents often lead to severe injuries. Some of the damages stemming from a pool accident can take a long time to heal and could cost a fortune in medical treatment. Some of the most common injuries in swimming pool include, but are not limited to the following:
Head Injuries
Head injuries are a significant concern in swimming pool accidents. For instance, a person who accidentally dives in a shallow area could hit their head against the bottom of the pool causing massive brain trauma. As a result of a significant injury, a person could lose consciousness, a concussion, or a contusion.
Back Injuries
Back injuries are mostly seen as a result of a slip and fall accident. If a person slips on a water puddle, he or she could fall and injure their back, damaging discs, the column, or the spinal cord. Back injuries are among the most debilitating and painful injuries a person can experience.
Accidental Drowning
Accidental drowning happens more often than people realize. Children ages 14 or less are at particular risk of accidental drowning. Other factors such as lack of swimming experience, use of alcohol, and swimming pool entrapment contribute to this unfortunate and tragic outcome.
How Do I Prepare for a Swimming Pool Lawsuit?
Preparing for a lawsuit requires time, preparation, and careful planning. First, you should seek legal assistance from an experienced Philadelphia swimming pool accident lawyer. Second, you will need to gather all essential evidence that may impact your cases, such as pictures from the accident scene, witnesses, and more. Then, you should file your lawsuit following all proper procedures. Keep in mind there are statutory deadlines to file a lawsuit in Pennsylvania. The states give you two years to file a lawsuit from the moment you learn of the negligence and its cause. This legal principle is known as the “statute of limitations.” Failing to file your claim on time could mean the dismissal of your case, leaving you without legal recourse.
Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyers Offering Free Consultations
If you are not familiar with Pennsylvania’s legal procedures, you should not handle your case on your own. Our experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorneys have years of experience handling swimming pool accident cases and could help you get the compensation you are entitled to receive. Let our experience and skill work for you while you focus on recovering from your injuries. If you wish to learn more about our legal services in a free, confidential consultation, call The Reiff Law Firm today at (215) 709-6940.
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