If you or a loved one has been injured in a Chicago swimming pool accident, our personal injury law firm, The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers is here to help you. A Chicago swimming pool accident lawyer from our legal team handles cases across Cook County and Illinois.
Who Are the Most Frequent Drowning Incident Victims?
Swimming pool accidents can impact anyone, but small children, young adults, and individuals with physical limitations are particularly vulnerable. Drowning is a leading cause of death for children ages 1-4, while young adults often face higher risks in natural waters.
How Serious Is the Swimming Pool Drowning Problem in Illinois?
In 2022 in Illinois, 15 children were drowning victims; nine in pools, two in bathtubs, two in ponds, one in a creek, and one in a lake. Seven pool drowning deaths involved children aged 5 or younger. “Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1-4,” according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Why Do Drownings Happen?
Swimming pool drownings can happen for various reasons including:
- Inadequate supervision
- Distracted adults
- Alcohol use in pool areas
- Inexperienced young swimmers and those with poor swimming skill
- Swimmers with health issues
- Environmental hazards like circulation entrapment
Types of Swimming Pool Accidents
Common types of swimming pool accidents include:
- Slips, trips and fall injuries,
- Diving into shallow water,
- Medical emergencies such as cardiac arrest,
- Traumatic injuries caused by striking dangerous underwater objects,
- Diving boards and slides that contribute to swimming pool accidents,
- Defective pool equipment, inadequate maintenance including improper use of pool chemicals, and inadequate safety protocols.
Types of Injuries from Swimming Pool Accidents
Swimming pool accidents can cause a variety of injuries from minor scrapes and bruises to more serious swimming pool injuries such as broken bones, often from slips or diving accidents, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from violent head impacts. Other injuries from swimming pools can include lacerations, spinal cord damage (SCI), internal organ harm, and possible paralysis.
Who Is Liable for a Swimming Pool Accident?
Injured parties may be able to seek compensation from a pool owner or those responsible for ensuring pool safety, including:
- Owners of properties like water parks
- Owners of public pools
- Private pool owners
- Negligent lifeguards
- Equipment manufacturers
What Evidence Do I Need to Prove Liability in a Swimming Pool Accident Case?
To prove liability, you and your Chicago drowning accident lawyers will need:
- Photos of the scene
- Eyewitness testimony
- Police reports and/or medical records
- Maintenance and inspection logs
What Are The Rights Of Victims In Swimming Pool Accidents?
Victims of swimming pool accidents have rights under the Illinois Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130/2), which requires public and private pools to adhere to safety standards that minimize swimming pool accident injury and risks.
These regulations may include fencing, signage, water depth markings, lifesaving equipment, and staff training.
Additionally, Illinois law can hold pool owners liable for injuries to children who enter pools without permission, based on the expectation that precautions should be in place to prevent such incidents.
What Damages Are Available for Victims of Drowning Accidents?
Victims of drowning accidents or their families may be able to seek compensation with a wrongful death lawsuit, including:
- Medical expenses including hospital bills and ongoing treatment costs.
- Lost income from missed work due to injuries sustained.
- Pain and suffering endured by the victim.
- Emotional distress experienced by loved ones.
- Funeral and burial expenses in cases of fatalities.
Call The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers
After a drowning accident occurred in Illinois, contact us for a free consultation and learn more about wrongful death lawsuits and how we can help you. With our Chicago drowning accident attorneys on your side, you can be sure that your rights and interests will be fully protected.