What If I Am Injured at a Swimming Pool in Illinois?

 Posted on June 06, 2019 in Personal Injury

During the dog days of summer, many people head to a pool or a beach to swim. Swimming pools are a great way to cool off and exercise in hot weather, but they can also involve risks that lead to accidents and even drowning. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the United States. These accidents can take place at public or private swimming pools. Other potential injuries suffered at a swimming pool can also have devastating consequences as they can cause paralysis and loss of limbs, for example. In some cases, injuries occur due to negligence of the property by the owner or operator of the pool.

Causes and Types of Swimming Pool Accidents

Injuries at swimming pools can be caused by numerous items, such as improperly installed or faulty equipment. For instance, if a diving board is not securely fastened, it could come loose and hit a person diving or jumping off of it. If a deck or walkway is made of material that does not provide adequate slip resistance, a person could slip and fall and sustain head trauma or even a leg or arm fracture.

Injuries suffered at a swimming pool can also include electrocution and entrapment. Expired pool chemicals such as chlorine can cause skin infections or even diseases. Poorly designed or located water slides can also cause riders to collide into each other, possibly resulting in concussions, a back injury, or a neck injury. In addition, inadequate signage or dim lighting may not warn swimmers of potential hazards.

Pipes that are sticking out or drains can catch hair or body parts, which can cause cuts and abrasions or even drowning if a swimmer is caught underwater. If a public pool is not properly staffed with enough lifeguards, drownings or near-drownings can and do occur. Near drowning can result in brain damage since the swimmer was deprived of oxygen. Homeowners who have pools in their backyards should install proper fencing and gates that lock so children or people who cannot swim do not fall into the water and drown.

Who Is Liable for Swimming Pool Injuries?

Premises liability can fall on residential homeowners or public pool owners and operators. Under the Illinois Premises Liability Act, a landowner or occupier owes guests on his or her property reasonable care regarding the state of the premises. Premises liability law states that property owners are held liable for injuries that occur on their land. In other words, the property should be safe and secure. An owner may be held liable for injuries sustained on his or her premises if three elements can be proven. First, the owner or occupier must have known about the unsafe condition. Second, the visitor could not see the danger. Lastly, the owner must have failed to take precautions to protect the guest against any potential danger.

Contact a Wheaton Personal Injury Lawyer

Summer is the time of year when a lot of people enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming. However, swimming pools can pose significant risks to adults and kids alike. If you or someone you know is hurt at a swimming pool, you may be entitled to compensation if your injuries were the result of negligence. The Law Offices of David W. Clark, P.C. has proven experience in representing personal injury cases due to premises liability. Call a knowledgeable DuPage County personal injury attorney at 630-665-5678 today to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2048&ChapterID=57

https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/publications/books/housing/cha14.htm