Were You Injured in a Swimming Pool Accident in SC?
Our David W. Martin Accident & Injury Lawyers in South Carolina know that the summer months can bring scorching heat to the south. Public and private swimming pools provide an exceptional opportunity for both children and adults to cool down and enjoy some much-needed social time.
Unfortunately, swimming pools also pose a risk of accidental drowning and other injuries, especially to children who do not understand the danger.
South Carolina swimming pool owners — both public and private — have a legal duty to protect the safety of guests and ensure their properties are safeguarded from unauthorized use. When they breach that duty, individuals and families suffer the consequences.
If you or someone you love has suffered an injury or lost their life in a swimming pool accident in South Carolina, contact our experienced personal injury lawyers for help pursuing the negligent party for your full financial recovery today.
What are the Most Common Causes of South Carolina Swimming Pool Accidents and Injuries?
Swimming pool injuries and drownings are common problems in South Carolina and across the country.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of death for children 1 to 4 years old. For children ages 5–14, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death after motor vehicle crashes. Drowning kills about 4,000 people each year in the United States. In addition, there are about 8,000 emergency department visits for nonfatal drowning each year.
Common causes of South Carolina swimming pool accidents include, but are not limited to:
- Chemical burns.
- Diving accidents.
- Drain entrapment.
- Failure to properly treat pool water.
- Improper installation or lack of maintenance of pool drains, decks, ladders, gates, and diving boards.
- Inadequate security, including unlocked gates, lack of warning signs, and unlocked chemical storage areas.
- Inadequate supervision by adults or staff, including allowing horseplay or other dangerous behavior.
- Lack of qualified lifeguards on staff, lifesaving and/or first-aid equipment.
- Poor lighting on steps, stairs, and hallways, particularly in areas of transition between bright sunlight and indoors.
- Slip and fall accidents.
- Waterborne illness.
The CDC reports that nonfatal drowning can result in long-term health problems and costly hospital stays. For every child under age 18 who dies from drowning, another seven receive emergency department care for nonfatal drowning. Nearly 40% of drownings treated in emergency departments require hospitalization or transfer for further care, including that for brain damage and other serious medical issues that can result in long-term disabilities.
If you or a loved one has suffered a swimming pool injury or the tragic loss of life, our experienced South Carolina personal injury lawyers want to help you hold the liable party accountable for their negligence, so you can pursue the financial outcome you deserve.
Who is Liable for Swimming Pool Accidents in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, swimming pool accidents and injury claims fall under premises liability laws.
These laws typically apply to guests who are expressly or implicitly invited to a property. Trespassers typically do not have the basis to file a claim, but there may be an exception.
Our premises liability laws have an “attractive nuisance” clause that states property owners — both public and private — have a higher standard of duty to secure their pool to keep children out when not invited and supervised.
When swimming pool accidents and injuries occur, the liable party is typically the property owner or operator. This can include public operators, family members, friends, and neighbors.
If you, a child, or a young adult have suffered a swimming pool injury in South Carolina, our skilled personal injury lawyers will take the lead in your case, so you do not have to pursue the liable party directly. Instead, we will pursue their insurance coverage for your full financial recovery, so you can preserve your relationship with friends or family members after an accident occurs.
How Long Do I Have to File a South Carolina Swimming Pool Accident and Injury Claim?
In most cases, swimming pool accident and injury claims must be filed within three years of the date of injury or death. If the accident occurred at a public swimming pool owned by a local government, the statute of limitations is typically shortened to a two-year deadline for a claim.
Contact Our Skilled Swimming Pool Accident & Injury Attorneys in South Carolina Today
If you or someone you love has been injured in a swimming pool accident caused by negligence in South Carolina, contact our experienced personal injury attorneys today by calling 803-258-6199 or request a consultation online to discuss your case.