Swimming pools are one of the ultimate luxuries. They provide great exercise and fun in the sun, and everyone loves a barbecue where they get to leap into the pool and cool down. However, it’s important to remember that you as a homeowner can be held liable for any injuries that occur in and around your swimming pool, so you should always exercise reasonable precautions. Learn the situations in which a pool owner can be legally responsible for injuries, and how you can avoid lawsuits and pool accidents, and keep your guests safe this summer.
Pool Accidents and Liability
Generally speaking, homeowner liability stems from the concept of negligence, meaning that when pool accidents occur, you didn’t take the proper precautions that a reasonable person would and should take. There are a wide variety of situations in which this could occur, and you might be surprised to know that even when someone is there without your permission, you could still end up liable for injuries.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are some of the most common pool-related incidents there are. Make sure that you provide non-slip surfaces around your pool. This could be in the form of coating on your deck, efforts to remove and minimize standing puddles, or other means of providing and maintaining traction.
Attractive Nuisance Concept
There is a concept called “attractive nuisance.” This is more of a legal loophole than anything else, but it basically states that your pool is attractive to trespassers, especially kids. That means that you are responsible for taking every precaution to ensure they can’t get in. High fences that can’t be climbed, locked gates and essentially efforts to make the pool inaccessible unless you want it to be accessed must be in place.
Insurance Coverage
Many people are surprised to discover that most homeowner’s insurance policies don’t cover swimming pool damages unless there’s a specific add-on, and even then the coverage might not be as much as you need. Make sure that you’ve got very solid and extensive coverage against damages to your pool, or against accidents and injuries that take place around it.
If You Are Injured
If you are injured due to the negligence of another person, and you were just out to have a responsible good time, you may be entitled to damages covering your injuries and efforts to get well again. If this happens, you’ll want a qualified personal injury attorney to cover your case and make sure that you get the award you deserve. Getting compensated for injuries isn’t an easy or straightforward process, and the last thing you need while trying to get well is the extra stress of fighting insurance companies.
If you’ve been injured around a pool due to the negligence of a homeowner, we’re here to help. Check out the personal injury services we offer, and get in touch with us for a no-obligation consultation about your case today!