Swimming Accident Lawyer Toledo

Swimming in a pool is a great way to relax during the hot Toledo summers, and can provide a lot of fun for the whole family. Unfortunately, what starts out as a fun time can quickly turn tragic when someone becomes injured in or around a pool. In the worst cases, swimming pool accidents result in wrongful death. Regardless of the nature of a swimming accident, the impacts can be devastating. If you or someone you love has been hurt, our swimming accident lawyers in Toledo can help you claim the damages you deserve.

Swimming Pool Accidents and Premises Liability Law

Personal injury claims and lawsuits are governed by premises liability law. Under these laws, swimming pool owners can be held responsible for any accidents that happen in or around their pool. Property owners have a legal duty to make sure their pool is safe for users and anyone else who enters the property. If a hazardous condition existed and someone became hurt as a result, the pool owner can be held liable for paying damages for the accident victim’s losses.

Unlike in many premises liability cases, those involving swimming pools also hold property owners responsible for injuries certain trespassers sustained. In 2001, the Ohio Supreme Court adopted the attractive nuisance doctrine, which states property owners are liable for injuries sustained by children trespassing if the premises contained an attractive nuisance. Due to the fact that children are often attracted to pools, they fall into the category of being an attractive nuisance.

Common Causes of Swimming Pool Accident in Toledo

Swimming pool accidents happen in a number of ways, but the most common causes include:

• Falling into or slipping in or around the pool
• Accidents caused by drain suction and entrapment
• Diving accidents
• Improper fencing
• Lack of warning signs
• Negligent maintenance
• Negligent supervision

The above accidents are usually preventable and only occur because of negligent property owners. Although many accidents occur on private property, the above accidents also happen at public pools owned and operated by local governments, which can complicate a claim.

Swimming Pool Laws

Property owners must take several steps to prevent an accident. These include:

• Post warning signs of potential dangers, including pool depths
• Properly supervising guests and swimmers, particularly children
• Maintaining the pool and its surrounding areas in a safe condition
• Providing safety equipment and maintaining that equipment
• Install latched barriers or fences that restrict access to the pool
• Keeping life-saving equipment, such as a body hook and throwing rope, available at all times
• Keeping the area well lit
• Maintaining all aspects of the pool, including the drains

When property owners break the above laws and someone becomes hurt as a result, a swimming accident lawyer in Toledo can help accident victims.

Call Our Toledo Swimming Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If you or someone you love has been hurt in an accident, our swimming accident lawyers in Toledo can provide the sound legal advice you need. At Lafferty, Gallagher & Scott, LLC, our attorneys know the devastation that follows a swimming pool accident, and we know how to help you recover the full damages you deserve. Call us today or contact us online to request a free consultation with one of our seasoned attorneys.