Florida Swimming Pool Accident Lawyer Near You

Swimming pools are a source of fun and relaxation, especially in Florida, where they’re a common feature of many homes. However, the presence of water and concrete can be a dangerous combination—particularly for young children. Florida has the highest drowning rate for children under five in the nation, and dozens of preventable drownings occur each year. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death among children ages 1 to 4. That’s why pool safety must be a top priority. Pool owners have a responsibility to ensure that the area is safe for everyone. This includes keeping the surroundings clear, warning swimmers of potential hazards, and taking proactive steps to protect family and friends from preventable accidents.

Swimming pool drownings and accidents are often preventable but can result from swimmer inexperience, failure to follow safety rules, or negligence on the part of a pool owner or operator. Tragically, many of these accidents involve young children. In fact, Florida has one of the highest drowning rates in the country for children under five. Understanding the common causes of pool accidents—and following essential safety tips—can help reduce the risk.

• Lack of Proper Barriers—People, especially children, need to be protected from the dangers a pool can present. A proper barrier around a pool can prevent drownings. Florida law requires pool owners to install a barrier at least 4 feet high with a self-closing, self-latching gate. The fence should not be climbable or have any gaps that allow a child to pass through. Remove any items nearby that could be used to climb over the fence, and consider using a safety cover when the pool is not in use. For above-ground pools, always remove ladders to restrict access when not in use.
• Lack of Proper Supervision—If no lifeguard is on duty, the pool owner or operator must clearly post a warning sign. Supervision is especially important for children. Young children should always be within arm’s reach of an adult when in the water. Even older children and confident swimmers should never swim alone. Always designate a responsible adult to actively watch swimmers.
• Lack of Anti-entrapment Devices—All pools should be equipped with anti-entrapment devices to prevent swimmers from being caught by drains. Without these devices, hair, clothing, or limbs can become trapped, leading to serious injuries or fatalities. Pool owners must ensure all equipment meets current safety standards.
• Uneven or Excessively Slippery Surfaces—While wet surfaces are expected around pools, some materials—such as tile—can become dangerously slippery. Uneven or cracked pavement around the pool can also cause falls. Pool owners should take precautions to reduce these hazards by maintaining the surface and ensuring it’s slip-resistant.

Additional Safety Tips:

• Learn to Swim: Everyone in the household should be enrolled in age-appropriate swim classes. Even if you don’t own a pool, knowing how to swim can save lives. Approved classes can be found through organizations like the American Red Cross.
• Enforce Pool Rules: Establish clear rules for everyone using the pool, including “no diving,” “walk, don’t run,” “stay away from drains,” and “never swim alone.” Consider posting visible signs as reminders.
• Take a Safety Course: At least one person in your home should be trained in CPR and emergency response. Keep a first aid kit and rescue gear readily accessible near the pool.
• Practice Diving Safety: Never dive into an above-ground pool or the shallow end of any pool. Before installing a diving board, confirm that the pool is deep enough and the area below is clear. Always double-check safety when using someone else’s pool.

By taking these steps and understanding common risks, pool owners and swimmers alike can make swimming a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.

$1,000,000 Swimming Pool Accident Settlement

In this tragic case, our client’s daughter, who was only 2 years old at the time, was being babysat by her cousins who were responsible for her supervision.  Our client’s daughter was able to escape the house and ended up in the swimming pool outside. Although she survived, she suffered catastrophic brain damage from the near drowning incident.

Our firm hired an engineering expert immediately, who inspected the pool and determined that it failed to comply with safety codes requiring a proper fence that should have surrounded the pool with a self-locking mechanism.  After we filed a lawsuit, we also engaged a life care expert to outline a plan of care, which amounted to several million dollars, for the remainder of our client’s daughter’s limited life expectancy.

We submitted a demand with our expert’s life care plan for the defendant’s insurance policy limit of $1 million.  Faced with the enormity of the loss and their insured’s likely responsibility for it, the insurance company decided to accept our demand.  While nothing could ever truly compensate for such a devastating loss, the result brought a measure of closure for the family, and our client was thankful for our representation.

Swimming pool accidents can lead to devastating injuries, including drownings, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and more. As your experienced Florida swimming pool accident lawyers, Abrahamson & Uiterwyk is here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve if you or a loved one has been injured due to pool-related negligence. Here’s how we can assist:

Comprehensive Case Evaluation

• We begin by assessing every detail of your case to determine liability, gathering all relevant information on the accident, the property owner’s responsibilities, and potential hazards.
• With this comprehensive approach, our team can advise you on your best legal options as your trusted swimming pool accident lawyers near you.

Investigation of Negligence and Liability

• Our team conducts a thorough investigation to identify any negligence that may have contributed to the accident. This includes examining factors such as pool maintenance, lifeguard presence, inadequate safety barriers, and signage.
• By pinpointing where the property owner or operator may have failed, we build a stronger case to secure fair compensation.

Skillful Negotiation with Insurance Companies

• As experienced drowning lawyers, we know how to handle insurance companies who may try to downplay the severity of your claim.
• Our team negotiates on your behalf to ensure you aren’t pressured into accepting a low settlement that doesn’t cover the full extent of your losses.

Maximizing Compensation for All Types of Damages

• Pool accidents often result in serious, long-lasting injuries that require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and sometimes lifelong care.
• We work to secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other damages specific to your case, ensuring your rights are fully protected.

Legal Support for Drowning Accident Cases

• Drowning cases are especially sensitive, often involving tragic loss of life. Our compassionate drowning accident lawyers offer empathetic, knowledgeable guidance to families seeking justice.
• We understand the emotional toll of such incidents and are here to provide support while seeking accountability and financial recovery for your loss.

Litigation-Ready Representation

• If negotiations don’t yield a fair settlement, our pool accident lawyers are fully prepared to take your case to trial.
• With years of litigation experience, our attorneys have the skills needed to represent your best interests in court.

Contingency Fee Commitment

• At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything unless we recover compensation for you.
• This approach allows you to pursue justice without additional financial stress.

Compassionate, Client-Centered Approach

• We know that pool accidents are traumatic, and we’re here to provide compassionate support while handling all legal aspects of your case.
• Our team is committed to keeping you informed and making the process as smooth as possible, so you can focus on recovery.

If you or someone you love has been injured in or near a swimming pool, you may want to have an experienced swimming pool injury lawyer evaluate your case. The attorneys in Tampa, Florida, at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk have over 35 Years of experience helping the injured, and they are here to help you. For incidents occurring on cruise ships, our cruise ship lawyers are also available to provide guidance and representation.