Swimming Pool Accident Lawyer
Fighting for victims of drowning and pool injuries in NYC
Experienced Swimming Pool Accident Representation
Swimming pool accidents cause some of the most devastating injuries—drowning, brain damage from oxygen deprivation, spinal cord injuries with permanent paralysis, and death. Children are particularly vulnerable. Pool owners have strict duties to maintain safe conditions, provide adequate supervision, install proper fencing, and warn of hazards.
Pool owners often fail these duties—inadequate fencing allowing child access, no lifeguards, slippery surfaces, improper depth warnings, or defective equipment. When these failures cause injuries, owners are liable. Pool accident cases require immediate investigation before evidence disappears.
Gammons Injury and Malpractice Lawyers, P.C. has experience handling swimming pool accident cases. We investigate pool conditions, maintenance records, safety violations, and work with pool safety experts to establish liability and recover maximum compensation.
Common Swimming Pool Accidents
Drowning and Near-Drowning
Lack of supervision, inadequate barriers, or missing lifeguards causing drowning deaths and brain injury
Diving Injuries
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis from diving into shallow water without warnings
Slip and Fall Accidents
Falls on wet, slippery pool decks causing fractures, head injuries, or drowning
Drain Entrapment
Children trapped by pool drains, causing drowning or evisceration injuries
Chemical Exposure
Burns, respiratory injuries, or poisoning from improperly balanced pool chemicals
Equipment Failures
Injuries from broken ladders, diving boards, slides, or other defective pool equipment
Common Injuries from Pool Accidents
Drowning and wrongful death
Brain damage from oxygen deprivation
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Traumatic brain injury
Broken bones and fractures
Chemical burns
Respiratory injuries
Infections and sepsis
Permanent disability
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Pool Owner Responsibilities
Proper Fencing and Barriers
Four-sided fencing at least 4 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates to prevent child access.
Adequate Supervision
Lifeguards where required, proper supervision for children, and emergency response capabilities.
Safety Equipment
Life rings, reaching poles, first aid equipment, and functioning emergency phones.
Depth Markers and Warnings
Clear depth markers, no diving signs in shallow areas, and warnings about hazards.
Slip-Resistant Surfaces
Slip-resistant pool decks and regular cleaning to prevent falls.
Equipment Maintenance
Regular inspection and maintenance of drains, filters, ladders, diving boards, and slides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is liable for a swimming pool accident?
Liability may fall on pool owners (residential or commercial), property managers, lifeguard companies, municipalities (public pools), hotels, apartments, schools, or swim clubs. Pool owners must maintain safe conditions, provide proper fencing, ensure adequate supervision, maintain equipment, use proper chemicals, and post warnings.
What is the attractive nuisance doctrine?
The attractive nuisance doctrine holds pool owners liable if children are injured in pools, even if trespassing. Pools attract children who can't appreciate dangers. Owners must fence pools, lock gates, and take precautions to prevent child access. This doctrine provides strong protections for injured children.
What causes swimming pool accidents?
Common causes include lack of supervision, no lifeguards, inadequate fencing, broken pool drains, diving into shallow water, slippery pool decks, chemical exposure, defective equipment, poor maintenance, and failure to post depth markers or no diving signs.
What compensation can I recover?
You may recover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent disabilities, and in drowning death cases, funeral expenses and loss of companionship. Pool accidents often cause traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury with paralysis, or death, resulting in substantial compensation.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
Generally three years in New York for personal injury or two years for wrongful death. However, claims against municipalities have much shorter deadlines—90 days for Notice of Claim. Contact an attorney immediately to protect your rights.
Why Choose Gammons Injury and Malpractice Lawyers, P.C.?
Pool Accident Experience
We understand pool owner duties, attractive nuisance doctrine, and safety regulations.
Work With Safety Experts
We consult pool safety experts to establish violations and prove owner negligence.
Immediate Investigation
We act quickly to document pool conditions, safety equipment, and obtain maintenance records before evidence disappears.
No Fees Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Injured in a Pool Accident? Call Now
Time is critical. Contact us for a free consultation. Available Available 24/7.