Each year thousands of people are faced with devastating injuries or the death of loved ones as a result of swimming pool or hot tub related accidents.   Although a source of summertime enjoyment, pools can also become the scene of tragic accidents or fatalities.  Regrettably, young children are most often the victims of water accidents. San Francisco swimming pool accident attorneys deal with these types of injuries and drowning.

Negligence, the number one cause of swimming pool accidents and deaths, is frequently due to the improper design or construction of swimming pools.   Pool owners have also been found to be negligent, failing in their responsibility to maintain pools and protect small children from the temptation of entering the water.

In order to increase swimming pool safety and lessen the opportunity for drowning, the following safety precautions should be practiced:

• Do not allow a young child in or around a pool without adult supervision.
• Reduce temptation for children by storing all toys when not in use.  Toys can attract children to the pool.
• Watch children closely, do not leave unsupervised children in a pool.
• Do not allow children to use flotation devices without adult supervision.
• Do not consider young children to be safe because they know how to swim, or because they’ve had swimming lessons.
• Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).  Recommended for all adults supervising children while in swimming pools.
• Keep safety equipment near the pool, including a telephone.
• Limit pool access and don’t ever prop open the gate to a pool opening.  Make sure gate latches are out of the reach of small children.
• Remove ladders when the pool is not in use.
• A barrier or fence at least 4 feet high should be placed around the pool.
• If a child is missing, look in the swimming pool first.  Every second counts in the case of a drowning accident.

If you were involved in a pool accident that occurred due to the inferiority of manufactured parts, you may be allowed to file a products liability claim.  You may be able to pursue a lawsuit against the manufacturer or designer of the swimming pool or hot tub in which a tragedy took place.  Depending upon the circumstances, it may be possible to file a premises liability claim against a negligent pool owner for not acting in accordance with state or local regulations.

If you or a loved one has been injured, or a loved one drowned in a swimming related accident, it is wise to contact a personal injury attorney.  It is essential to seek experienced legal assistance at once to discuss a possible claim for recovery of damages for negligence.  Take the first step to recover damages incurred; call Ehline Law at (888) 480-9786.  Schedule an appointment with Michael P. Ehline for an accurate evaluation of your case and the possible legal solutions available for monetary settlement.  Don’t hesitate; begin the legal process at once to pursue action against negligent behavior.