Swimming Pool Accidents in Los Angeles

Swimming pool accidents in Los Angeles can have a life-changing impact on injured victims. In addition to potential drownings, such incidents can lead to other permanent injuries.

Many swimming pool accidents are caused by the property owner’s negligence. If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in an avoidable swimming pool accident, please contact our premises liability attorneys to discuss your legal rights.

Swimming Pool Trauma Not Limited to Drowning

In Los Angeles, one of the most common outcomes of swimming pool accidents is drowning. While drowning can lead to death, it can also cause permanent injuries if the victim survives the incident.

Since the brain is deprived of oxygen while drowning,  surviving an accident or being revived can permanently damage the victim’s organs, resulting in long-term health consequences. For example, survivors of drowning accidents may experience anoxic or hypoxic brain injuries and permanent damage to their lungs or kidneys.

Some examples of negative health consequences when the brain is deprived of oxygen include:

• Migraines
• Motor skill issues, such as balance or coordination
• Seizures or tremors
• Mental health issues that require clinical treatment, such as anxiety or depression
• Vision or sensory perception problems
• Personality, mood, or behavioral changes
• Diminished cognitive skills or memory problems
• Permanent vegetative state

The wet surfaces around swimming pools also pose a risk for slip and fall accidents, which can lead to injuries such as:

• Concussions or traumatic brain injuries
• Lacerations, cuts, or abrasions
• Broken or fractured bones
• Paralysis
• Joint dislocation
• Nerve damage

These injuries can have lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences, often requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Swimming Pool Owners’ Liability for Accidents

Owners of swimming pools may be held responsible for accidents or injuries on their property under the legal theory of premises liability. Los Angeles swimming pool owners have a legal duty to take reasonable precautions to prevent accidents involving guests or visitors.

For example, the California Swimming Pool Safety Act requires that pool owners implement certain safety measures, such as:

• Enclosing the pool area with fencing
• Using safety pool covers
• Adding entrance or exit alarms
• Installing self-closing latches

If a property owner fails to implement these safety features, a court may find they breached their legal duty of care. Further, the breach of care must directly result in your injuries.

You must prove that you suffered damages to recover compensation for premises liability claims for negligence. Damages can include economic losses, such as medical bills or lost wages.

You can also recover damages for immeasurable noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, loss of companionship, disfigurement, and other harm that has an impact on your quality of life.

Legal Liability for Trespassers or Unexpected Visitors

Courts when analyzing premises liability claims will typically categorize the injured party as an invitee, licensee, or trespasser. Invitees include invited guests, while licensees are people who have explicit or implicit permission to be on the premises, such as maintenance workers.

Los Angeles pool owners are expected to have a legal duty to invitees or licensees, but it is important to know that they may be held liable if a trespasser is injured in an accident on their property.

For example, a court may find the owner liable if they had prior knowledge of trespassers and failed to take adequate precautions. Courts generally recognize that a pool is an inherently dangerous condition that requires enclosure or protection.

Contact a Los Angeles Attorney Today About Your Swimming Pool Accident

If you or a loved one were injured due to negligence stemming from swimming pool accidents in Los Angeles, please contact our firm as soon as possible. The state imposes a general two-year deadline from the date of injury to file your claim.

Our firm is always available to provide the guidance and support you need, helping you navigate the legal process and pursue the compensation you deserve. Call CD Law today.