There are thousands of swimming pools across California, and unfortunately, swimming pool accidents are becoming a more common. No one expects an accident when enjoying a day at a pool, but tragedy can strike in mere moments, especially if a child is involved.
If someone chooses to have a pool, that person also assumes the responsibility to keep others who use it; if an accident occurs, the pool owner must be held accountable for any negligence. At Deldar, we have helped many victims of pool accidents get the compensation they deserve after a devastating experience. Call the office or contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Swimming Pool Accident Statistics
It comes as no surprise to many that children are often the victims of swimming pool accidents. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, around 500 children under the age of five years old drown every year in swimming pool accidents, and another 3,000 children are treated at hospitals annually.
Swimming pool accidents are the second leading cause of death for that age group and the leading cause of death for children ages 5 to 14 years old.
Swimming Pool Accident Injuries
Near drownings in swimming pool accidents can cause catastrophic injuries for victims. Up to 20% of all near-drowning victims in swimming pools suffer from permanent and severe neurological disabilities due to oxygen deprivation. It often means a lifetime of additional care and assisted living along with extensive medical expenses, medications, and visits to specialists.
Diving accidents, slip and fall accidents, and incidents involving pool chemicals also cause a number of swimming pool injuries. Some of the most commonly seen injuries associated with these types of swimming pool accidents include:
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Facial trauma
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Chemical burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal respiratory damage
- Paralysis
- Death
If you or a loved one has been injured in a swimming pool accident, it is critical that you speak with an expert in swimming pool accidents immediately. California victims of swimming pool accidents typically only have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit, and only one year if the pool belonged to a government entity, or else risk losing all claims for compensation.
Compensation for Swimming Pool Accidents
Compensation for swimming pool accidents includes payment for all economic and noneconomic losses caused by the injuries. Economic costs include all out of pocket expenses like medical bills, property damage, and lost wages.
This also includes payment for future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, specialists, and any required long-term care for the victim. Non-economic costs compensate the victim for all pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In fatal swimming pool accidents, the family of the victim can also seek compensation for wrongful death. Damages for wrongful death include payment for all final medical bills, funeral and burial costs, and compensation for the loss of love, support, and companionship of the victim.
FAQ
Property owners, landlords, or businesses may be liable if they failed to keep the pool area safe. Under California premises liability law, owners must maintain safe conditions, provide warnings, and follow safety regulations.
Seek medical attention immediately, report the incident, document the scene, and contact a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer. Taking these steps can help protect your legal rights and strengthen your claim.
Yes. If your injury was caused by negligence such as poor maintenance, lack of supervision, or unsafe conditions, you may file a personal injury claim and seek compensation for damages.
Yes. California law often holds pool owners responsible, especially if safety measures like fencing or locked gates were missing. Pools are considered hazardous conditions that require extra precautions.
The value depends on factors like medical bills, lost income, and long-term injuries. Each case is different, so speaking with a California pool accident attorney is the best way to estimate compensation.
In California, under the attractive nuisance doctrine, a neighbor can be held liable if they failed to properly secure their pool with adequate fencing and functioning, self-latching gates, even if your child wandered onto the property without permission. Property owners must take reasonable steps to prevent children from accessing the pool area unattended.
Generally, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California is two years from the date of the accident. However, if the injury occurred at a public pool owned by a city, county, or state government agency, you have a much shorter deadline—usually just six months—to file a formal administrative claim.
Yes. While a warning sign is one factor in a premises liability case, it does not completely absolve the property owner of their duty of care. If the owner was negligent by failing to maintain the pool, repair broken equipment, or secure the area, you can still pursue compensation despite the presence of a sign.
No. At Deldar, we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means there are zero upfront costs or out-of-pocket fees. We cover all the costs of investigating and litigating your claim, and you only pay us a legal fee if and when we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
Contact Our Office Today
For a free consultation of your swimming pool accident case, call or contact Deldar today.
