Dothan Swimming Pool Accident Lawyer

Swimming pool accidents cause grief and heartache in communities in Alabama and throughout the United States. In recent years, an average of 6,500 people have received treatment for nonfatal swimming pool injuries across the country each year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. In addition to the physical harm they cause, accidents in and around swimming pools can lead to emotional trauma and lingering financial burdens for victims and their loved ones.

If you or someone you love has suffered serious injuries in a swimming pool accident, it will be essential to have strong legal support by your side. You may be entitled to recover just compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, mental anguish, and more.

Contact us today at Gartlan Injury Law for a free initial consultation with an experienced and dedicated Dothan premises liability attorney. Learn more about how we can fight for the justice you deserve.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Dothan Swimming Pool Accidents?

Public and private swimming pools provide opportunities for fun and relaxation. Still, incidents can happen on someone else’s property due to hazards that are often preventable. Many of these accidents occur because of dangerous conditions or negligence by the pool owner or operator. Some of the most common causes of these accidents are:

• Lack of proper fencing or barriers
• Poorly maintained pool equipment
• Slippery or uneven pool decks
• Inadequate supervision of swimmers
• Absence of warning signs for shallow or deep water
• Defective drains or suction outlets
• Overcrowded or improperly managed pool areas
• Alcohol consumption near the pool
• Unsafe diving practices
• Failure to maintain appropriate water quality.

What Types of Injuries Most Frequently Occur in Swimming Pool Accidents?

When incidents occur around swimming pools, they can lead to a range of injuries, including injuries that have a lasting effect on a victim’s overall health and well-being. These injuries vary in severity and often require medical attention or long-term care. They include:

• Drowning and near-drowning injuries, which can cause death or brain damage due to oxygen deprivation
• Head injuries resulting from slips or diving accidents, which often result in concussions or traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries caused by diving into shallow water or falls, which can lead to paralysis or other permanent mobility issues
• Broken bones caused by falls on slippery surfaces or collisions in the pool
• Cuts and lacerations resulting from contact with defective equipment or sharp edges around the pool
• Infections caused by poor water quality can expose swimmers to harmful bacteria.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Dothan Swimming Pool Accident?

Determining liability, or legal responsibility, is crucial when seeking compensation for injuries in and around swimming pools. Liability depends on who had the legal duty to maintain safety around the pool and prevent accidents and, in turn, breached that duty of care. Several parties may be at fault, including:

• Property owners—Private property owners with pools have a duty to maintain a safe environment. Swimming pool injuries often occur because the owner fails to fulfill that duty.
• Pool operators or managers — Those in charge of pool maintenance or supervision could be liable for property hazards that cause swimming pool visitors to suffer injury.
• Pool builders or contractors—If pool construction or repairs were faulty, the contractor may be liable for harm caused by the hazardous condition.
• Equipment manufacturers — Defective pool equipment or safety devices could make the manufacturer liable for accidents.
• Municipalities or local governments — An injury victim could hold a pool operator or regulator accountable for injuries caused by their failure to enforce safety standards.

How Do You Prove Liability in a Dothan Swimming Pool Accident?

Proving liability in a swimming pool injury case requires showing that another party’s actions or failure to act caused your injury. The process involves gathering and presenting evidence to support your claim, such as:

• • Evidence of failure to maintain or supervise the pool properly
  • Photos or videos showing unsafe conditions or pool defects
  • Testimonies from people who saw the accident or hazardous conditions

• Documentation proving the pool was not properly maintained
• Expert testimony regarding pool safety standards and practices.

Could the Person Who Was Injured Be Held Partly Responsible for Their Injuries?

Alabama follows the doctrine of pure contributory negligence. If an injured person is found to be partially at fault for the accident, they may be barred from recovering any compensation. This is true even if the other party is almost entirely responsible for causing the accident.

One situation in which contributory negligence can arise is when a person gets hurt while trespassing on a property with a pool. Property owners owe trespassers a lower standard of care than visitors and others invited onto their property.

The contributory negligence rule is one reason it’s crucial to work with a lawyer who can help assess the case and fight against attempts to pin the blame on you or your loved one.

Can I Seek Compensation for a Swimming Pool Accident?

If you suffered injuries in a swimming pool accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your losses through a personal injury claim. The compensation from a personal injury claim may cover medical expenses, lost income from time missed at work, and future treatment costs. You may also recover compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and any permanent disabilities resulting from the accident. Under some circumstances, families who lose a loved one may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for their losses.

Does Alabama Have a Time Limit for Filing a Swimming Pool Accident Claim?

Alabama enforces strict deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits arising from premises liability cases, including those involving swimming pools. This deadline typically expires two years from the date of the injury. If you fail to file your claim within this period, you may lose your right to pursue compensation.

Exceptions apply in some instances. Cases involving minors, wrongful death, and claims against government entities may have longer or shorter deadlines. An experienced attorney at Gartlan Injury Law can help you to preserve evidence, strengthen your ability to build a successful claim and file your claim within the statute of limitations period that applies to your case.

Contact a Dothan Swimming Pool Accident Lawyer

If you suffered harm because a property owner or another party was negligent in caring for a swimming pool or the surrounding area, you may face significant challenges and expenses. A knowledgeable and responsive Dothan personal injury lawyer at Gartlan Injury Law can work with you to protect your rights and interests and pursue the compensation, accountability, and security that you need and deserve. Contact us today to share your story and learn more about what we will do to support you.

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