Swimming Pool Accidents in Savannah

The Savannah heat makes a pool a tempting place to cool off. Swimming is an enjoyable activity for all ages, but swimming pool accidents in Savannah often occur in and around private and public pools. Some injuries have lasting effects and may even be fatal.

If you suffered injuries in a swimming pool accident caused by a property owner or manager’s negligence, pursuing compensation is an important step in your recovery. An experienced slip and fall attorney at The Law Offices of Joseph J. Steffen Jr. could provide the legal representation needed to protect your interests.

Swimming Pools Pose an Inherent Risk

Property owners must take reasonable precautions to protect guests and visitors from unnecessary risks. A swimming pool on the premises increases the level of risk, placing a greater duty of care on the property owner or manager. This duty applies to private, commercial, and public pool owners alike.

The Necessary Elements of Swimming Pool Accident Claims

To pursue a swimming pool accident claim in Savannah, you must establish that several legal elements apply.

Duty of Care Owed

The property owner must have owed you a duty of care, meaning they were responsible for your safety. This generally applies if you were lawfully on the property and not trespassing. However, exceptions exist, such as when a swimming pool qualifies as an attractive nuisance that draws and endangers children.

Drowning is a leading cause of death, particularly among young children. While many drowning incidents are fatal, survivors often face serious, long-term health complications.

Residential pools in Savannah pose heightened risks because they often lack safety measures commonly found at commercial pools, such as secure gates, warning signs, supervision, and alarms.

Breached Duty of Care

The property owner or manager must have breached the duty of care owed to you. In swimming pool accidents, this means they failed to exercise the level of care a reasonable property owner or manager would have used under similar circumstances.

This duty is heightened with swimming pools because of the inherent risks involved, which pool owners either know or should reasonably know.

The Direct Cause of the Accident in Question

The pool owner or manager’s negligence, or breach of duty, must have directly caused the swimming pool accident. Common causes include:

• Tripping hazards
• Inadequate pool maintenance
• Overly slippery walking surfaces
• Inadequate warning signs and depth markings
• Inadequate fencing or barriers that fail to prevent unsupervised access
• Lack of supervision or clear policies notifying guests that the pool is unsupervised, primarily in commercial pools
• Uncovered or improperly covered pool drains that increase the risk of trapping hair, swimsuit straps, fingers, jewelry, or small hands and feet

Each of these hazards reflects a failure to address known risks, which strengthens the connection between the negligence and the resulting accident.

Legal Damages

Finally, the injured party must have suffered legal damages as a result of the swimming pool accident. These damages may include ongoing medical expenses, lost income, and physical and emotional pain and suffering, which may outweigh all other losses combined.

All told, the losses related to swimming pool accidents tend to be immense.

Consult With an Experienced Savannah Swimming Pool Accident Lawyer

Swimming pool accidents in Savannah often result in life-altering or fatal injuries. If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a swimming pool accident caused by a property owner or manager’s negligence, seeking skilled legal guidance could be an important step in protecting your rights.

The knowledgeable swimming pool accident attorneys at The Law Offices of Joseph J. Steffen Jr. in Savannah have extensive experience pursuing claim outcomes that support the fullest financial recovery possible. Contact us today to learn more through a free consultation.