Tampa Swimming Pool Accident Lawyer
Swimming pools are so popular in Central Florida that they are almost a standard feature of most homes. Even people who do not have their own pool are still likely to partake of their neighbor’s pool or even a public pool facility. Unfortunately, as much as a swimming pool can be, it also carries certain inherent safety risks. Failure to properly maintain and supervise a pool can lead to an accident resulting in serious injury or even death.
If you, or someone in your family, has been harmed by a negligent pool owner or operator, you have the right under Florida to seek financial compensation for your losses. The Tampa swimming pool accident lawyer at Anderson & Anderson can review your case, investigate all of the facts surrounding your accident, and represent you in dealing with the responsible pool owner and their insurance company.
How Negligence Leads to Swimming Pool Accidents in Tampa
The most obvious risk of an unsafe swimming pool is drowning. Even in non-fatal cases, a drowning may lead to permanent brain damage if the victim is deprived of oxygen for too long. Other common swimming pool accidents include slip and falls and injuries sustained due to defective or dangerous equipment.
In Florida, a swimming pool accident lawsuit may be based on strict liability or premises liability. The former, strict liability, applies to cases where a public or private pool operator fails to follow applicable safety codes regarding their pool. For example, Florida’s Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act requires all homeowners with outdoor pools to install at least one approved safety feature–such as a pool cover or a four-foot barrier with a child-proof gate–in order to avoid liability if a child under the age of 6 or a person over the age of 65 with a medical problem is injured.
Premises liability refers to the general duty of all Florida landowners to keep their premises in reasonably safe condition for invited guests. This includes identifying and remedying any safety hazards in and around a pool. For instance, if a hotel that operates a swimming pool fails to replace a defective ladder and someone is injured while getting out of the pool, the hotel can be held responsible under premises liability.
Contact Anderson & Anderson Today
Through a personal injury lawsuit, Tampa swimming pool accident victims can seek compensation for their out-of-pocket and non-economic losses. This includes reimbursement for their past and future medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation expenses. Keep in mind, however, that Florida also has a 2-year deadline to file a personal injury claim, and it often takes several weeks or months of preliminary investigation to determine all of the causes of a swimming pool accident. So it is essential that you not delay in seeking out qualified legal advice from a Tampa swimming pool accident lawyer. Call Anderson & Anderson today at 813-251-0072 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation.
