Swimming pools are a wonderful way to beat the Texas heat, but they can also be dangerous. Swimming pool accidents in Spring, TX can cause serious injuries, ranging from cuts and broken bones to head injuries or even death. Sadly, these accidents are often preventable and frequently caused by the careless actions of property owners or other responsible parties.
If you or a loved one was harmed in a swimming pool accident in Spring, you may be entitled to compensation for damages that include medical costs, lost wages, long-term disability, funeral costs, and other expenses. However, proving liability in swimming pool accidents can be complicated. Seeking legal counsel from an experienced slip and fall lawyer can help. Your attorney can guide you through the legal process of filing a claim and fight for your right to fair compensation.
Why Is Negligence a Common Factor in Swimming Pool Accidents?
Public and private swimming pools create an environment filled with risks. Active play, deep water, slippery surfaces, and defective equipment can all contribute to catastrophic accidents. However, many of the risks associated with pools can be decreased or completely eradicated with proper safety procedures. All too often, swimming pool accidents are caused by conditions created by someone’s negligence or careless behavior. The following causes of swimming pool accidents are typically caused by negligence:
- Lack of supervision for inexperienced swimmers
- Slippery surfaces
- Inadequate fencing
- Defective pool equipment
- Shallow water diving accidents where warning signs aren’t present
An experienced swimming pool accident attorney can assess a victim’s case and help determine whether negligence is a factor.
Special Circumstances in Texas Swimming Pool Accidents
Since swimming pools have so many potential dangers, property owners in Spring, TX are required to take special precautions to protect guests against injuries. Failure to take such protective measures is considered negligence.
Texas Swimming Pool Safety Laws
Swimming pool owners are required to follow certain safety regulations. Tex. Health and Safety Code § 757.003 states that a pool must be fully enclosed by a yard enclosure at least 48 inches tall, and openings may not allow a sphere four inches in diameter to pass. Gates in the fence or enclosing wall must have a self-closing and self-latching device. A property owner who does not have these precautions in place can be found liable for injuries sustained by children who enter the property and use the swimming pool without supervision.
When Swimming Pool Accidents are Not Covered by Insurance
While public swimming pools often have specialized insurance policies, private swimming pools are less likely to be covered. Since swimming pools present a heightened risk on a property, they are rarely covered by a traditional homeowner’s insurance policy. Unless homeowners purchase additional coverage or an umbrella policy, accidents and even drowning deaths are unlikely to be considered covered claims. These issues can make recovering compensation for injuries significantly more difficult.
Contact an Attorney in Spring, TX to Learn More About Compensation for Swimming Pool Accidents
When swimming pool accidents in Spring are caused by someone’s negligence, victims or their families are entitled to compensation. Unfortunately, proving liability in these accidents can be complicated. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a swimming pool accident, a personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve. We know the laws that govern swimming pool safety and how to handle negotiations with property owners and insurance companies. Contact us to schedule a consultation to discuss the details of your case.