Long Island Pool Accident Liability Lawyer

Swimming pools are a hotspot for summer fun, but are they also a place of risk. An estimated 3,500 people died in drowning accidents each year between 2005 and 2014, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Even non-fatal accidents and near-drowning can cause serious, long-term injuries, such as brain damage and spinal cord damage. When a tragic accident strikes, injured individuals or their family members should speak to a Long Island pool accident liability lawyer about their legal options for recovering compensation for their damages.

Common Types of Swimming Pool Accidents

First, swimming pools are inherently dangerous simply because of the risk of drowning. Children and weak swimmers are of course at risk, but even skilled swimmers can cramp up or hit their head and drown. In addition, there are numerous hazards around a pool all the time, from slippery decks to defective pool toys and floatation devices. Some possible accidents for which an individual may be eligible to file a claim include:

  • Inadequate supervision
  • Slip and fall accidents
  • Horseplay
  • Defective handrails
  • Young children who wander and fall in a neighbor’s pool
  • Pool drains that trap swimmers underwater
  • Lack of nearby lifesaving equipment
  • Collapsed inflatable pools that trap and suffocate
  • Diving in shallow water without a warning

In addition to acute trauma, people can also contract illness from contaminated water or suffer from complications from exposure to pool chemicals. Know that a skilled Long Island pool accident liability attorney can help peopl who have suffered in these circumstances through professional representation in a court or settlement proceeding.

Recoverable Damages

If one’s child or spouse drowned in a pool, the surviving family members may be able to recover numerous types of pecuniary damages in a wrongful death claim. Examples may include loss of earnings, loss of benefits, funeral expenses, medical expenses the injured party had prior to death, loss of parental guidance and advice, loss of consortium, and the deceased’s pain and suffering.

If the injuries were not fatal, then individuals (or someone on their behalf) can pursue a claim on all types of injury-related losses, including financial, physical, and emotional harms. Below are a few examples of compensable damages from swimming pool accidents or near-drownings:

  • Emergency care and hospital bills
  • Treatments and the costs of transportation to receive treatment
  • Long-term care and rehabilitation
  • Disability
  • Loss of wages, loss of working capacity, loss of promotion
  • Emotional damages, such as pain and suffering or mental anguish

In cases where the swimmer was injured as a result of violence or willful misconduct, the courts may award punitive damages to the individual in addition to their other compensatory damages.

Work with a Long Island Pool Accident Liability Lawyer

It is advisable to retain counsel if pursuing a major claim. Unfortunately, many people forgo an attorney due to financial concerns. That is something you do not have to worry about at Goldstein and Bashner. At our firm, we work on a contingency basis. This means that we do not charge you for our services unless and until we recover a settlement for you. In other words, you have no out-of-pocket expenses when you work with us, meaning that you have nothing to lose by reaching out to a Long Island pool accident liability lawyer today.

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