Costa Mesa Swimming Pool Accident Attorneys
Representing Accident Victims and Their Families
On hot days in Costa Mesa, everyone loves relaxing down at the beach in Newport or Huntington, cooling off at the Newport Marina, or swimming at one of our many local pools. Many neighborhood homes have private swimming pools, and there are a number of public options at community businesses and spas. But as fun as a day at the pool is, it also comes with several dangers, especially if a landlord or property owner acts negligently.
If you or someone you love was injured in a swimming pool accident that was not your fault, reach out to the team at Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie. With more than 40 years of experience, our Costa Mesa swimming pool accident attorneys have recovered significant compensation for Orange County residents. We can sit down with you in a free consultation, listen to what happened to you, and explain your options. Call us at (949) 752-7474 to discuss your case.
Common Injuries at Swimming Pools
Swimming pools are meant to be relaxing places to cool off – not where you expect to be injured. While we all know not to run on slippery decks and to watch out for depth signs, we rely on property owners to keep their pools safe. But when they cut corners or fail to follow local safety guidelines, swimmers can suffer from:
- Head wounds, including traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and compressed discs
- Cuts and lacerations from damaged equipment
- Chemical exposure and infections
- Drownings, which may result in brain damage or death
- Electrical injuries, which may lead to nerve damage or death
Requirements for Costa Mesa Pools
For the most part, pool injuries are preventable when property owners keep their properties secure, labeled, and hazard-free. Here in Costa Mesa, pool owners must comply with city, county, and state safety guidelines. OC Health Care Agency outlines several of our county’s laws on pool safety, including that pool owners should be:
- Enclosing a pool in a fence to prevent children entering the property and drowning
- Installing slip-resistant and corrosive-resistant ladders
- Securing handrails near steps and ladders
- Installing depth signs that should be visible, legible, and accurate
- Keeping electrical wires, lights, and power cables at least 15 feet from the water
- Having deck or underwater lighting that allows lifeguards to see swimmers at all times
- Installing anti-entrapment equipment in the drains and grates
When Are Property Owners Responsible for Injuries?
A pool owner violating local or state laws on pool safety can allow a swimmer to be seriously injured. If they acted negligently, the pool’s owner can be found liable in a premises liability claim. Negligence can include any action that puts a swimmer at risk of suffering a serious, foreseeable injury.
In our experience, pool owners can be held liable to injured pool-goers when they:
- Fail to install handrails or repair loose railings
- Install or leave up inaccurate depth signs
- Do not hire and train lifeguards
- Fail to secure the property with a fence or gate
- Leave pool equipment lying around
- Fail to repair damaged equipment, railings, or entrapments
- Do not clean and treat pool water with proper chemicals
What Should I Do After a Swimming Pool Accident?
When someone is injured at a pool, it can be a terrifying situation. What was meant to be a fun day can quickly turn tragic. Oftentimes, the victims of pool accidents are children, who then develop long-term disabilities and medical conditions, and the cost of treatment can be staggering. From heading to the emergency room to surgeries to physical therapy, a single pool accident can result in sky-high medical bills.
After any accident, it is important to discuss your case with an experienced attorney. At Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie, we may be able to investigate and show that the property owner acted negligently and is liable for your trauma. By filing a premises liability claim, you may be able to recover full compensation for your injuries.
In addition to speaking to an attorney, you should:
- Always seek medical attention, even if you think your injuries were minor.
- Ask the property owner or pool’s owner to fil out an accident report and give you a copy.
- Request a copy of the owner’s insurance policy, which may include a business liability policy or homeowner’s insurance.
- Keep track of all of your expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, and other costs of the accident.
- Do not overexert yourself and keep seeing your doctor until your treatment is complete.
Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation
Our team at Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie can walk you through the process of filing a premises liability claim. We have more than 40 years of experience, and our Costa Mesa personal injury attorneys are staunch advocates for injured swimmers and their families. In one case, we advocate for a family whose child suffered a drowning because a pool owner failed to secure the property from wandering children. If you or your child was injured by a negligent property owner, we can fight for your right to full compensation. We also work on a contingency-fee basis, so you do not owe us any money unless we win your case. Call us at (949) 752-7474 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation.
Call (888) 752-7474, or send over our free case
review form, even if you're not sure. We're here to help.