Swimming Pool Accidents in New Jersey

While millions of people around the United States enjoy swimming in public and private pools each year, it is important to realize that accidents can happen in a matter of minutes. Sadly, drowning is one of the most common accidents that can occur and it has been labeled the second most common cause of accidental injury-related death, for children ages 1 to 14. For children ages 1 to 4 years old, most of these drowning incidents happen in a residential pool setting. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately 9 people who drown every day throughout the nation. Aside from drowning, people can still be victims of nonfatal submersion that can end up resulting in serious injury.

In addition, with the wet ground surrounding pools, slip & fall accidents can occur if the proper protection is not in place or the surface of the ground is too slippery for pool use. Diving mishaps may occur if the pool is too shallow, the diving board is not properly installed or people are in the way of the diver entering the water or if there is not adequate or missing signage. Any one of these accidents could cause minor bumps and bruises, but they could also result in paralysis, traumatic brain injury, broken bones, catastrophic injuries and sadly sometimes fatal accidents.

Some cases of injury can occur from malfunctioning pool products, drains or other equipment. Drain covers that are faulty or broken have been known to trap swimmers underwater by catching their arms, legs, hair or clothing. The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act was put into action in 2008 when the U.S. President approved a statute that made it a requirement to have anti-entrapment drain covers in pools, as well as other safety necessities. Despite this statute in place, there are still incidents that occur on a yearly basis.

One of the main issues for families, who have lost their loved ones in a drowning accident or experienced injury due to a pool accident, is determining liability. If the accident happened at a friend or relative’s pool, they may be liable depending on if their pool meets certain safety standards or not. It is their responsibility to make guests aware of any potential dangers while swimming. If it occurred at public pool or other business type setting (ie: at a gym, at a hotel, etc.) then it is the job of the business hosting you to inform you of potential dangers. Every situation is unique and it is wise to have a qualified Morris County swimming pool accident attorney examine your case.

With over 25 years of legal experience, you can trust the New Jersey personal injury lawyer at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm. Designated by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a Certified Civil Trial Attorney. Todd Leonard has been set apart with this high recognition. Less than 2 percent of lawyers in the state are certified. Additionally, they have both been included in the list of New Jersey Super Lawyers®, Todd in 2011, 2013 and 2014.

Together with our commitment to our clients and our history of successful case results, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our office if you have been the victim of a swimming pool accident. Our experienced New Jersey personal injury trial attorney has tremendous experience in handling wrongful death lawsuits. Call (973) 920-7900 today or fill out a free case evaluation now.