Injured by a Negligent Pool Owner? Call Us!
Swimming pools may be great places for fun in the sun, but they are not always as safe as they appear. Every year, people are seriously or fatally injured at public and private swimming pools, often due to negligent pool owners. When a property owner fails to protect swimmers and guests from safety hazards, they may be held liable for any damages related to a victim’s injuries.
If you were injured as a result of a negligent Boulder swimming pool owner, then you should not hesitate to contact the legal team at the Tenge Law Firm, LLC. Our Boulder swimming pool accident attorneys have more than 30 years of experience and can thoroughly explain how to file a premises liability claim for compensation. To learn more about your rights under Colorado law, contact us at (303) 665-2929.
The Dangers of Drowning
The risk of injury is high at swimming pools for both children and adults. Approximately ten people die every day from unintentional drownings, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In addition, two out of ten drowning fatalities are children under the age of 15. Beyond fatalities, however, drowning victims who survive may also suffer brain damage due to the lack of oxygen. This can be incredibly distressing for young children, as their brains are still developing, but they can also prove traumatic to adults.
Other serious injuries sustained at swimming pools due to negligence include:
- Spinal cord injuries caused by falls, diving mishaps, or depth misjudgment
- Traumatic brain injuries caused by submersion or collisions with the side of the pool
- Internal injuries caused by entrapment in a swimming pool drain
- Severe lacerations on broken handrails or ladders
- Broken bones from impact collisions
- Recreational water illnesses (RWIs)
Types of Swimming Pool Negligence
Many of these injuries are the result of negligent or careless actions on the part of the pool’s owner, which can include:
- Failure to install required fencing
- Lack of adequately trained lifeguards
- Failure to monitor the pool for safe chemical levels
- Failure to erect warning signs
- Faulty or inadequate lighting
- Malfunctioning electrical systems in the pool
- Failure to meet design, construction, or installation standards
While there are many common safety hazards at a pool, proving a pool owner committed negligence is not so simple. You will need to demonstrate that the pool owner had a duty to care for you and that they knew about, or had reasonably reason to know, that the pool had a safety hazard. This may involve a significant amount of evidence as well as a thorough understanding of both local Boulder municipal codes and Colorado state laws regarding swimming pools.
However, with the right attorney, you may be able to demonstrate that the owner is at fault and liable for any damages you have suffered.
Damages After a Swimming Pool Accident
The damages you are entitled to will depend on various factors, including the nature and extent of your injuries. Oftentimes, swimming pool injuries require a thorough medical review at an emergency room, surgeries, physical therapy, and extensive hospital stays. That time away from work can also be included in your list of damages. However, beyond financial costs, a swimming pool accident can lead to emotional trauma, physical pain, and mental anguish, all of which can also be recovered in a claim.
When filing a premises liability claim against a swimming pool owner, you can recover:
- Medical expenses, past and future
- Rehabilitation costs
- Adjustments to your vehicle or home
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning potential
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
After a swimming pool accident, it is important to hang onto any bills, receipts, old pay stubs, and tax returns to ensure you correctly catalog all of the costs you have suffered due to a negligent property owner. In addition, you will want to provide your attorney with this information so they can accurately evaluate the amount of compensation you should receive.
Secure Legal Representation Today
Moving forward after a traumatic swimming pool accident can be difficult. You or your child may have to contend with costly, life-changing injuries that are not only difficult to recover from physically, but also financially. Oftentimes, accident victims do not realize they have a claim and attribute their injuries to clumsiness. However, if your injuries were the result of negligence, then you may be able to pursue a premises liability claim against the pool’s owner.
To learn how to file a claim and what damages you can recover after a swimming pool accident, you will need to contact the Tenge Law Firm, LLC. Our Boulder personal injury attorneys are staunch advocates for injured parties throughout Colorado and can provide thorough legal advice in a free consultation. Call us at (303) 665-2929 to learn if you have a case and how to hold a negligent property owner liable for your injuries.