Pool Injuries and Drowning

Each year, about 250 children under the age of five drown in pools. Many more are seriously injured. Due to its warm climate, Florida is an extremely popular area for residential pools and many homes in the Hollywood, Miami, Homestead, and surrounding South Florida area have a pool in their backyard. In 2007, the Florida Department of Health and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported that Florida has the highest drowning death rate in the country for children between one and four years of age. This makes the risk of pool-related injuries and drowning an especially important issue for residents of this area.

Although pools offer fun and are a good way to promote exercise, they also pose many dangers. For children, drowning accidents are the greatest risk associated with pools. A young child can lose consciousness underwater in just two minutes and brain damage can occur in four to six minutes. Children can drown in just a few inches of water, so even shallow inflatable pools pose a serious drowning hazard. Most drowning accidents happen very suddenly. Even if a victim is pulled to safety, long-term brain damage can result if the brain has been deprived of oxygen for some time.

By law, anyone who owns a pool is required to adhere to certain safety standards. Pool owners, for example, are expected to ensure that their pool is protected from unauthorized use by a working gate, fence, and lock. Pool owners are also expected to provide adequate supervision when the pool is in use. Properly maintained drain covers, pool covers, warning signs, and life saving equipment may also be required to show that a pool owner has exercised due caution in protecting visitors to their property from pool injuries and accidents. Businesses – including hotels, resorts, recreational facilities, and other businesses – also have similar responsibilities under the law to ensure that their pool areas are safe.

Unfortunately, many pool injuries and drowning occur because these safety measures are not followed. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a pool accident, you may need a qualified South Florida personal injury attorney to investigate the reasons for the injury. A qualified South Florida personal injury lawyer can also help ensure that you have the financial resources you may be entitled to under the law to help you with the expenses often associated with pool accidents.

The qualified attorneys at Flaxman Law Group (FLG) have helped many injured parties in the Miami, Hollywood, Homestead, and surrounding South Florida area. We have assisted families who have lost a loved one to drowning and we have helped individuals who have sustained permanent injuries as a result of pool accidents. If you need a South Florida lawyer, call us today at 1 866 Flaxman (1 866 352 9626) to set up an initial, no-cost, no-obligation consultation. During your consultation with one of our South Florida attorneys, you can discuss your case and get answers to your legal questions so that you can make an informed decision concerning what to do.