Unfortunately, as the weather gets warmer, more and more swimming pool accidents will occur. If you have suffered injuries while at a swimming pool in Baltimore County, it’s imperative to understand that you may be able to recover compensation if the accident is the result of the property owner’s negligence. Pool owners are legally obligated to ensure their premises are safe, which includes installing safety features like fences and equipment. As such, if a pool owner failed to maintain safe premises and you were injured as a result, you’ll want to read on to learn more about pool accidents in Maryland and how you can recover the compensation you deserve.
Can I Recover Compensation for a Pool Accident?
If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation for the burdens you now face as a result of your injury. In Maryland, property owners have a legal obligation to keep their properties safe for anyone who enters. This is especially true for those who have pools. Unfortunately, pool owners can act negligently, and when they do, life-altering injuries can occur. As such, in Maryland, injured victims can file a swimming pool accident claim if they were injured as a result of unsafe conditions, and in many instances, they may be able to sue a negligent pool owner to recover damages.
Swimming pool accidents in Towson, Lutherville, and other communities in Baltimore County fall under the state’s premises liability law. In Maryland, property owners, landlords, businesses, and other entities can face liability if unsafe conditions on their property cause injury.
Can You Sue for a Pool Accident in Maryland?
- Yes, you can file a personal injury claim if a pool owner’s negligence caused your injury
- Property owners must maintain safe conditions in accordance with Maryland law
- You may recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages
- Claims may be filed against private property owners, landlords, and commercial property owners
- Most claims are filed against the property owner’s insurer, not the individual
Common Examples of Pool Owner Negligence
- Failing to use all compliant drain covers
- Failing to install all proper covers, barriers, alarms, and fencing around the pool area
- Swimming while under the influence, or allowing others to do so
- Failing to tell all guests that there is no safe diving area, or where the safe diving area is located
- Failing to ensure that all children swimming are either tall enough to stand or are wearing proper floatation devices
- Failing to remove all portable ladders when the pool is not in use
- Failing to supervise small children in the pool or leaving them unattended
If your accident was due to any of the above examples of negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation.
How Do Swimming Pool Accidents Happen in Maryland?
Swimming pool accidents are often, unfortunately, the result of preventable hazards or a lack of supervision. As such, understanding the most common causes is critical to establishing liability and preventing future injuries.
Common Causes of Swimming Pool Accidents in Maryland
- Lack of supervision, especially for young and novice swimmers
- Slippery surfaces around the pool areas, with a lack of warning
- Missing, broken, or defective drain covers
- Lack of fencing or barriers, ultimately allowing unauthorized access
- Swimming while under the influence
- Electrical hazards near the pool
- Diving into shallow water
How to Keep a Pool Safe?
- Install proper fencing, barriers, and self-latching gates
- Ensure all drains have compliant safety covers
- Ensure all shallow ends of the pool are clearly marked
- Do not store electrical devices near the water
- Require supervision of children at all times
- Ensure at least one individual present knows CPR in the event of an emergency
- Remove ladders from the pool when it is not in use
What Should I Do After a Swimming Pool Accident?
Taking immediate action following a swimming pool accident in Baltimore County is critical for both your health and well-being as well as your ability to recover the compensation you deserve for the damages you have suffered.
- Call 911: The police can send an ambulance to the scene and file an accident report
- Obtain witness contacts: Ask anyone who saw the accident occur for their name and number
- Document the scene: You should take pictures and videos at the scene of the accident
- Seek medical attention: Going to the hospital will ensure that your injuries are treated, while simultaneously providing you with proof of the origin and extent of your injuries
- Contact a personal injury attorney: An attorney may be able to obtain further proof of negligence, including police reports and security camera footage
- File your claim on time: In Maryland, the statute of limitations for a personal injury accident is generally three years from the date of the accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pool accident, contact our firm today.
Contact Our Experienced Maryland Firm
The legal team at Markey & Orsi has proudly represented injured clients throughout the state of Maryland for almost 30 years, helping victims file swimming pool accident claims and recovering compensation for injuries caused by negligence. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence while at a swimming pool and require strong legal representation, contact Markey & Orsi today to schedule a consultation.