Swimming Pool Accidents In Naples: How They Happen And The Liability Of Property Owners
Hot summers and an otherwise temperate climate make swimming pools a popular option for homeowners in our area. However, it is important to take precautions to protect the safety of others in the area.
Swimming pool accidents in Naples are unfortunately common and can cause severe, potentially fatal injuries. Our Naples premises liability lawyer explains common ways they happen and the liability of property owners in these cases.
Swimming Pool Accidents In Naples Pose A Serious Threat
With the arrival of spring, many homeowners in Naples are busy preparing pool areas for another hot summer season. Having a pool is one of the most popular ways to beat the heat. Swimming provides health benefits and is a fun way to entertain guests. However, Naples pool owners need to take precautions to prevent potentially serious personal injuries.
Florida has one of the highest swimming pool accident rates in the country. Sadly, small children are among the most common victims. According to surveys conducted by Florida State University, over 60 percent of all swimming pool accidents involve residential pools. Common ways in which they happen include:
- Slip-and-fall accidents: Cement walkways around pool areas are often slippery. People walking or children running in the area can easily be injured.
- Diving injuries: Diving into water that is not deep enough could result in severe head and spinal cord injuries.
- Fatal drowning accidents: Accidental drownings can happen due to not being unable to swim or by getting caught in filters, ladders, or other pool equipment and parts.
- Non-fatal drowning accidents: In some drowning cases, victims are resuscitated but can suffer debilitating brain injuries due to lack of oxygen.
Holding Property Owners Accountable For Pool Accidents In Naples
Swimming pools are fun and provide much-needed relief during hot Florida summers. However, the Florida Department of Health advises that all residential pools must have a safety barrier, typically in the form of a fence.
When it comes to reducing the risks of child swimming pool accidents in Naples, adequate fencing is a top priority. Other pool safety precautions include:
- Motion detector lights;
- Fence alarms;
- Security cameras;
- Pool safety covers.
Property owners have a legal duty to install fencing and take other precautions to prevent their pools from becoming a hazard for others. When they fail in this duty, they can be held liable for personal injuries that happen in a Naples premises liability claim.
Contact Our Naples Premises Liability Lawyer To Request A Consultation
Swimming pool accidents in Naples often involve children but can happen at any age and are a common cause of potentially fatal injuries. Property owners who fail to install fencing or take other precautions can be held accountable in a claim.
At Cardinal Law Firm, we provide the caring support and trusted legal representation you need to get a sense of justice and the compensation you are entitled to in a claim. Contact our Naples premises liability lawyer today to request a consultation.
Sources:
consensus.fsu.edu/FBC/Pool-Efficiency/ResidentialSwimmingPoolSurvey.pdf
floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/swimming-pools/_documents/cpsc-safety-barriers.pdf