What to Do After a Swimming Pool Accident?

After a swimming pool accident, it’s essential to take immediate and appropriate actions to ensure the safety of the victim and to preserve any evidence that may be crucial for any potential legal proceedings. Here’s an extended list of steps to follow:

  1. Seek immediate medical attention regardless of the severity of the injuries. Even seemingly minor injuries can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
  2. Report the incident to the pool owner or manager and contact local authorities. Dial 911 and provide them with all the necessary details about the accident.
  3. Document everything related to the accident. This includes the conditions of the pool, any visible injuries, and witness accounts. Use your smartphone to take pictures of the pool and record videos of the accident scene immediately and record the statements of the witnesses and bystanders if possible.
  4. Avoid admitting guilt or accepting blame for the accident. Lawyers and insurance companies may try to ask you questions. It’s best to consult with your lawyer before answering any in-depth questions.

The complexity of determining liability and proving negligence can make the process even more challenging, as multiple responsible parties might be involved. In this scenario, your personal injury attorney can guide you to understand your legal rights and options and help you file a personal injury lawsuit.

Common Injuries Related to Swimming Pool Accidents

Swimming pool accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can be severe or even life-threatening. Here are some of the most common injuries associated with these types of accidents:

  • Drowning or near-drowning incidents
  • Brain damage due to lack of oxygen (hypoxia)
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Broken or fractured bones
  • Concussions or other traumatic brain injuries
  • Cuts and lacerations
  • Dislocations
  • Sprains and strains
  • Neck injuries
  • Electrical injuries (in cases of improperly grounded pool lights or equipment)
  • Infections from unsanitary water conditions

Each of these injuries can have serious implications for the victim, leading to significant medical expenses, loss of income, and other damages. If you or a loved one has suffered any of these injuries in a swimming pool accident you have the right to receive fair compensation to recover.

Liability Regarding Swimming Pool Accidents in Indiana

The aftermath of a swimming pool accident can leave victims feeling lost, especially when it comes to pinpointing who is at fault. But Indiana’s laws, a complex weave of premises liability and negligence, provide the roadmap to navigate this labyrinth.

Grasping these laws is the first step in a strategic swim toward identifying the responsible party and securing rightful compensation. To successfully claim what you deserve, your personal injury lawyer will help you analyze the circumstances around the accident to determine who acted negligently.

Indiana Premises Liability Law

In the realm of personal injury law, swimming pool accident cases often hinge on the principles of premises liability. Central to these principles is Indiana’s premises liability law, as stated in Indiana Code § 34-31. This law mandates that all property owners, inclusive of those who own swimming pools, are obligated to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. It is predicated on the belief that those who own or control property should be held accountable for ensuring the safety of those who enter their premises.

In the context of swimming pool accidents, the premises liability law in Indiana can be broken down into several key components:

  • Duty of care: Property owners are expected to exercise a reasonable level of care in maintaining their premises. This includes regular inspections and timely repairs.
  • Foreseeability: The law takes into account whether the property owner could have reasonably foreseen the potential for an accident to occur. For instance, if a swimming pool has a broken ladder, it would be foreseeable that someone could get injured.
  • Reasonable safety measures: Property owners are required to implement safety measures to prevent accidents. In the case of swimming pools, this could include installing fencing, providing life-saving equipment, or posting warning signs.
  • Liability for injuries: If a property owner fails to uphold their duty of care and an accident occurs as a result, they may be held liable for any injuries sustained.

In essence, property owners, including swimming pool owners, must ensure a high standard of care in maintaining the safety of their premises. But when an accident happens, finding who is at fault it’s not often easy as it looks.

Get Help From an Indianapolis Swimming Pool Lawyer Today 

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts but you don’t have to settle for less than you deserve. With the help of our experienced legal team, you can demand a fair amount of compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Every year, countless individuals and families look forward to the joy and relaxation that a swimming pool can provide. However, this seemingly harmless source of fun can quickly turn into a nightmare when security measures fail. 

If you have been injured in a pool accident due to the negligence of others, don’t hesitate to contact us to evaluate your case and help you file a personal injury claim.

FAQs Related to Swimming Pool Accident Cases in Indiana

What to do if someone falls in a pool?

If someone falls in a pool, immediately call for help. If possible, try to remove the person from the water without putting yourself at risk. Once they’re out of the water, perform CPR if necessary and call 911.

What are the requirements for a pool fence in Indiana?

According to Indiana Laws, all outdoor swimming pools must be enclosed by a fence or wall at least 4 feet high. The fence must be non-climbable and have a self-closing, self-latching gate.