Swimming Pool Injury Attorney in Georgia

The weather in Georgia can get uncomfortably hot, and swimming pools can be an immense source of relief. People of all ages flock to pools across the Peach State for fun and fitness. However, when the individuals or public or private interests that own these pools do not prioritize safety, they put these innocent people at serious risk of preventable injury. These injuries can lead to significant medical expenses, forced time off work, and emotional trauma. In the most severe cases, swimming pool incidents can cause fatal injuries or drowning.

If you or someone you love has suffered a pool injury, an experienced lawyer can help you recover compensation for your losses. The skilled legal team at Bayuk Pratt has a thorough knowledge of Georgia’s premises liability laws, and we are ready to fight for the maximum compensation available in your swimming pool injury case.

Contact us today for a free consultation with a Georgia swimming pool accident lawyer and learn more about your rights.

Why You Should Hire a Georgia Swimming Pool Accident Attorney

In the emotional days and weeks following an accident, the last thing you may feel like doing is taking the complex steps of filing an insurance claim or initiating legal proceedings. However, securing the swimming pool injury compensation you deserve depends on acting as quickly as possible. A successful claim requires a thorough investigation to gather evidence before it disappears and interview eyewitnesses before their memories fade.

Fortunately, you do not have to do any of this yourself. Instead, you can hire a seasoned attorney to handle your swimming pool injury claim on your behalf. Bayuk Pratt’s founders, Frank Bayuk and Bradley Pratt, previously served as senior attorneys in two of the most powerful defense law firms in the country. We spent years protecting defendants against liability in injury cases, developing a thorough understanding of insurance companies’ methods to keep injured individuals from recovering the compensation they deserve.

Today, we are proud to use this knowledge and experience to fight on your behalf. A swimming pool injury and drowning lawyer at Bayuk Pratt can optimize your chances of success by:

What Kinds of Damages Can I Pursue in a Swimming Pool Accident Case?

Injuries from a swimming pool accident can affect every aspect of your life. A successful claim can allow you to recover compensation for the financial losses you have suffered, as well as the less tangible adverse consequences that have come about due to the accident.

A skilled attorney from Bayuk Pratt can help you recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including ambulance rides, emergency room treatments, diagnostic tests and scans, doctor’s visits, surgical procedures, medications, physical therapy, assistive devices, and ongoing home support
• Lost income from the time your injuries forced you to miss at work
• Reduced earning capacity if you have sustained a permanent injury preventing you from returning to your previous role
• Physical pain and psychological suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life if you are no longer able to engage in activities that used to bring you joy

If you have lost a loved one in a swimming pool accident, a wrongful death claim can allow you to recover compensation for funeral expenses, lost income for dependants, and the emotional impact their death has had on your life. A knowledgeable Georgia swimming pool accident attorney can review your case, advise you on its value, and pursue fair compensation on your behalf.

How Common Are Pool Accidents?

Drowning accidents are increasingly common across the United States, and children are particularly vulnerable. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 4,000 accidental drowning fatalities occur every year nationwide, with incidents peaking in the summer months. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1 and 4 and a leading cause of death for children aged 5 to 14. Thousands more near-drowning events and other pool injuries occur every year, underscoring the dangers of these accidents.

Who Could Be Liable for a Swimming Pool Accident in Georgia?

Determining liability in a Georgia swimming pool accident case requires a careful analysis of the specific circumstances that led to the incident. In many instances, the property owner is responsible for ensuring their premises’ safety. This could include a homeowner, hotel, apartment complex, town or city government, or any other individual or entity that owns a swimming pool. These parties must take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable accidents, such as ensuring proper fencing, maintaining safe walking surfaces, and clearly posting rules and warnings.

Other potentially liable parties could include a pool maintenance company that failed to keep the water appropriately treated, a manufacturer of a defective pool component, or even another swimmer engaging in horseplay or other unsafe behavior. A skilled attorney can investigate your case to identify all liable parties.

How Long Do I Have to File a Swimming Pool Accident Lawsuit in Georgia?

As with most personal injury claims in Georgia, the statute of limitations requires injury victims to file a premises liability lawsuit within two years of the accident date. You may have even less time if the incident happened at a municipal pool, potentially as little as a few months. If you do not act quickly enough, the court will likely prevent you from recovering the compensation you deserve.

When you consult with a knowledgeable Georgia swimming pool injury attorney as early as possible, you’ll be able to meet the relevant filing deadline and get your case going.

What Are Common Types of Swimming Pool Accidents?

Swimming pool accidents can take many forms, but the most common are as follows:

• Slip-and-Fall Accidents – These frequently occur due to wet walking surfaces, uneven pavement, or a lack of appropriate handrails. These incidents can lead to broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, lacerations, and soft tissue damage.
• Diving Accidents – These often involve a swimmer striking their head on the bottom of the pool due to unclear depth markings or diving into water that is too shallow. These incidents frequently cause catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and paralysis.
• Pool Entrapment – These accidents occur when a swimmer becomes trapped by the powerful suction of a defective pool drain. Children are particularly vulnerable to this type of accident, which can prove fatal within minutes.

What Are Common Causes of Swimming Pool Accidents?

Several factors can contribute to swimming pool accidents in Georgia. Some of the most common causes include:

• Lack of Proper Fencing or Barriers – Inadequate or missing fencing can allow children to access the pool area unsupervised, increasing the risk of drowning.
• Insufficient Supervision – Children should always be closely monitored when they are in or around a swimming pool. Lack of adult supervision is a leading cause of pool-related accidents.
• Inadequate Maintenance – Pools can become unsafe through a failure to properly maintain the pool, including keeping the water chemistry balanced and ensuring the proper functioning of drains and filters.
• Slippery Surfaces – Pool decks and surrounding areas can become slippery when wet, increasing the risk of slip-and-fall accidents, especially in the absence of warning signs or grippy surfaces.
• Defective Equipment – Another common danger are improperly designed pool components, such as ladders, diving boards, or drains.

What Are Common Types of Injuries Resulting from Swimming Pool Accidents?

Among the most common injuries caused by swimming pool accidents are as follows:

• Drowning – The most severe consequence of a swimming pool accident, drowning can occur when a person is underwater and unable to breathe, leading to brain damage or death.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries – Diving accidents or slip and fall incidents can cause swimmers to hit their heads on the floor or side of the pool, potentially resulting in concussions, skull fractures, or other traumatic brain injuries.
• Spinal Cord Injuries – Diving into shallow water or striking the bottom of the pool can cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or other permanent disabilities.
• Fractures and Lacerations – Slip-and-fall accidents around the pool can result in broken bones, deep cuts, and bruises.
• Chemical Exposure – Improper pool maintenance can lead to an imbalance in water chemistry, which can cause skin irritation, eye injuries, or respiratory issues due to exposure to harmful chemicals.