Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages one to four years old, but people of any age can have drowning or near-drowning swimming pool accidents in Connecticut. Victims of pool accidents and their families often encounter a substantial number of challenges on the road to recovery. Physical injuries and complications, as well as emotional trauma, can take a toll on children and adults who have experienced a near-drowning accident.
In Connecticut, swimming pool accidents fall under the state’s premises liability laws, which require property owners to meet certain safety standards. Failing to meet these standards could lead to accidents, and property owners may be liable for the injuries that occur as a result.
If you believe that a property owner’s negligence caused a swimming pool accident that harmed you or a loved one, contact D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC. Our premises liability lawyers have over a century of combined experience advocating for clients in drowning and near-drowning accidents. Our compassionate and dedicated approach to legal representation makes a marked difference for our clients. When you know you have a skilled attorney in your corner, you can focus on physical and emotional recovery.
As enjoyable as swimming pools are during Connecticut’s summer months, they also present unique risks for swimmers and visitors. Knowing the most common injuries associated with swimming pools may not prevent all accidents, but it can provide insight into what precautions and safety measures you should be aware of when at a pool.
Drowning is the most common cause of fatal swimming pool accidents. It is a common misconception that a drowning person is easy to notice. In reality, drowning can occur silently and quickly, often with no one noticing until it’s too late.
Near-drowning is also incredibly dangerous. Just because someone survives their initial swimming pool incident does not mean they are safe from harm. Brain damage can occur from the extended time without oxygen, leading to cognitive impairments and physical complications.
While drowning and near-drowning are most commonly associated with swimming pool accidents in Connecticut, there are numerous other ways to be injured while at a pool, including damage caused by diving accidents, slip and falls, and pool drain accidents.
These accidents have the potential to cause a wide range of injuries, such as:
To keep children and other property visitors safe, Connecticut requires that property owners adhere to specific safety protocols.
Outdoor pools are required to have a barrier that is at least four feet high and designed with the intention of discouraging unauthorized access. Gates on the barrier must be self-closing and self-latching.
The pool rims of public pools must have depth markers at the minimum depth and maximum depth, as well as at all places where the depth changes. The markers should be visible both while in the pool and when on the pool deck.
Connecticut public pools must have signs that warn visitors not to dive into the shallow areas, and the signs must be clearly posted.
Handrails are required at all steps and ladders. Diving stands and ladders must be securely attached to the pool deck or pool.
Pools must have an alarm system that sounds whenever something over 15 pounds breaks the surface of the water.
Property owners, occupiers, managers, and a number of other parties could potentially be liable for swimming pool injuries, and identifying the appropriate at-fault party is a vital part of your premises liability claim. Schedule a free consultation with one of the attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, for individualized guidance on your case.
