Drowning liability. People living or vacationing in Florida know that a trip to the pool is a great way to beat the heat. Still, swimming can be dangerous. Each year, numerous people die due to drowning in the US. Many of these deaths might have been avoided had proper precautions been taken.
In general, individuals and businesses who own pools owe a duty of care to those who enter the pool area. This means taking common sense steps such as building a fence around the pool, installing a pool cover for when the pool is not in use, placing warning signs in the pool area and hiring lifeguards.
Unfortunately, not all property owners take these steps. As a result, injuries may occur when someone enters the pool area and drowns. Contrary to what many people think, individuals who are strong swimmers can drown, particularly if they are intoxicated, tired or ill. In addition, dangerous property conditions, such as debris around the pool could result in somebody slipping and falling into the water.
A drowning can have a significant impact on the victim’s family who may struggle to cover funeral expenses and medical bills. In addition, if the victim was a breadwinner, his or her family may suffer financial difficulties for years to come.
In some cases, these family members may benefit from speaking with a personal injury attorney. The lawyer may be able to review the case to determine whether there might have been some negligence on the part of the pool owner. The attorney may also be able to assist in developing a settlement proposal that could provide financial compensation to the victim’s family, addressing their immediate and long-term needs while they grieve and rebuild their lives.