Pool-Related Injuries & Drownings

If the appropriate safety rules were followed, it would save thousands each year. So what can you do to ensure your pool is safe for your family and guests? Let’s start by taking a look at some specific pool construction laws. In Florida, pools are required to have enclosures in order to prevent kids from easily accessing them.

Florida Statutes, Chapter 515 requires at least one of the following:

1. Isolation from access to a home by an enclosure that meets the pool barrier requirements stated below;
2. An approved safety pool cover;
3. All doors and windows providing direct access from the home to the pool must be equipped with an exit alarm that has a minimum sound pressure rating of 85dBA at 10 feet; or
4. All doors providing direct access from the home to the pool must be equipped with self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism placed no lower than 54 inches above the floor.

Florida homeowners who violate these rules could end up facing serious criminal charges.

Homeowners in Florida are often surprised to learn just how many legal requirements are in place for residential swimming pools. Here are just a few of them to keep in mind:

• It must have a barrier that is at least 4 feet on the outside.
• It may not have any gaps or openings or components that allow a child to pass the barrier.
• The barrier must extend around the entire pool.
• Barriers must be far enough from the water’s edge to prevent young children or medically frail elderly people who have penetrated it from falling into the water.

In addition to the residential requirements listed above, commercial pools must abide by an additional set of rules and regulations. These dictate things like pool markers, signs, lifeguards, textured surfaces, water slides, floating rope lines, dimensions of walls and corners.

Each pool case we’ve taken on is different, but one thing we consistently see is corners that get cut in this area. It’s not safe to assume that a popular public pool is actually following all the safety rules. If you have lost someone or have been injured at a public pool, call our personal injury law firm immediately. The video of the incident will be destroyed soon. Our lawyers will contact the pool immediately to preserve the evidence.

The truth is that our law firm has worked with many clients who have suffered a tragedy like this. As a homeowner, it is important to understand and enforce the pool safety rules Florida’s government has in place. This is the best way to prevent future accidents and tragic drownings. Additionally, our personal injury law firm will do everything in our power to hold corporate entities responsible when they don’t take steps to keep their public pools safe. If you have a possible case or you’re simply seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm at (727) 821-3195.

If you have lost a loved one due to drowning, you could be compensated if the responsible party had not followed the appropriate pool safety rules. This will never replace the incredible loss you have suffered, but our firm would work tirelessly to ensure you receive the financial support you deserve in this situation. We provide legal consultation where we will review the specifics of your case and will tell you if you have a claim for wrongful death or injury claim due to a pool accident.

Every case our personal injury lawyers have ever taken was covered by a commercial insurance policy or homeowner’s liability and umbrella insurance. If the death or injury resulted from mechanical problems such as electrocution or poor construction of the pool, you may have a legitimate claim. Often in a situation like that, a good lawyer can get compensation from the construction company who negligently built, repaired or maintained the pool.