What is even more unfortunate is that many of these accidents are preventable.
At Bernard Law Group, our Seattle premises liability lawyers understand the devastating impact a swimming pool accident can have on individuals and families. Regardless of where it occurs, injuries from swimming pool accidents can be life-altering.
Our mission is to help those injured due to negligence recover the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been hurt, we are here to provide the legal guidance you need to hold responsible parties accountable.
Understanding Liability in Swimming Pool Accidents
Swimming pool accidents can involve multiple forms of liability. Washington State follows the principle of comparative negligence under RCW 4.22.070. This means that even if a victim is partially responsible for an accident, they may still recover damages.
However, the compensation will be reduced by the degree of fault attributed to them. For example, if someone slips on a wet surface near a pool and is found to be 20% responsible, they can still recover 80% of the total damages.
Owners and operators of swimming pools are legally required to maintain safe premises. Whether the pool is on a homeowner’s or commercial property, the owner must follow safety regulations, such as installing barriers, ensuring proper maintenance, and adequately supervising swimmers.
Accidents happen when they fail in these duties, and that’s where we step in as your Seattle swimming pool accident lawyer.
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Common Causes of Swimming Pool Injuries
As swimming pool accident attorneys in Seattle, we’ve seen numerous cases where negligence led to severe injuries. Some common causes of these accidents include:
- Lack of supervision – Many accidents, especially those involving children, occur due to insufficient lifeguard presence or inattentive supervision.
- Faulty pool equipment – Defective drain covers or malfunctioning filtration systems can cause serious injuries, including suction entrapment.
- Slip-and-fall accidents—Wet surfaces surrounding pools present a significant slip hazard, which can lead to broken bones or traumatic brain injuries.
- Inadequate barriers or fencing—Washington law mandates that certain types of pools have secure fences to prevent unsupervised access. When property owners fail to comply, accidents can happen.
- Improper pool maintenance – Dirty water, chemical imbalances, or loose tiles can create hazardous swimming conditions.
Injuries sustained in these incidents can range from minor cuts and sprains to more severe outcomes such as drowning, spinal cord injuries, and brain trauma.
As a top-rated personal injury attorney in Seattle, we know how to investigate these cases thoroughly to determine liability.
Washington State Pool Safety Laws
In Washington, pool safety is governed by various regulations, including local building codes and state health laws. For instance, commercial pools must adhere to Chapter 246-260 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC), which outlines safety and sanitation standards.
These codes mandate the installation of life-saving equipment, proper signage, and regular inspections. Residential pool owners must also follow strict guidelines, such as installing fences at least four feet high with self-closing gates.
When pool owners fail to follow these regulations, accidents occur, and injuries can be severe. If you’ve been injured due to non-compliance with these safety laws, our swimming pool injury lawyers in Seattle can help you pursue justice.
The Serious Consequences of Swimming Pool Accidents
Swimming pool accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries, including:
- Drowning and near-drowning incidents – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children aged 1-14 in the United States. Even near-drowning incidents can result in permanent brain damage.
- Spinal cord injuries – Diving into shallow water can cause severe spinal injuries, resulting in paralysis or other long-term disabilities.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – Slipping on pool decks or diving accidents can lead to TBIs, with lifelong cognitive and physical consequences.
- Broken bones and fractures—Slip-and-fall accidents often cause fractures, especially in the arms, legs, or hips.
As experienced swimming injury lawyers in Seattle, we understand that the consequences of these injuries extend far beyond the immediate medical bills.
Victims often face long-term rehabilitation, lost wages, and emotional trauma. We work to secure compensation that reflects the full extent of your losses.
Seeking Compensation After a Swimming Pool Accident
The financial burdens can be overwhelming when you or a loved one suffers a swimming pool injury. Medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost income are just some challenges victims face.
As your Seattle accident attorney, we work tirelessly to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Home modifications if the injury resulted in a disability
In some cases, punitive damages may also be available if the defendant’s conduct was particularly reckless. As personal injury lawyers near you, we’re committed to holding negligent parties accountable and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
How Our Legal Team Can Help
Navigating a swimming pool accident claim can be complex, especially with insurance companies. Insurance providers often attempt to minimize payouts or shift the blame onto the victim. That’s where our experience as swimming pool accident attorneys in Seattle makes a difference.
We handle every aspect of your case, including:
- Conducting a thorough investigation – We gather evidence such as surveillance footage, maintenance records, and witness statements to build a solid case.
- Working with medical experts – We collaborate with medical professionals to document the extent of your injuries and provide expert testimony when necessary.
- Negotiating with insurance companies – Our team knows the tactics insurers use to undervalue claims, and we fight aggressively for a fair settlement.
- Taking your case to trial if needed – While we aim to settle cases out of court, we’re always prepared to litigate if it means securing the compensation you deserve.
As injury lawyers in Seattle, Washington, we advocate for victims and ensure their voices are heard.
What to Do After a Swimming Pool Accident
- Seek medical attention – Even if injuries appear minor, it’s important to get checked by a healthcare professional to document the incident.
- Report the accident – Notify the property owner, manager, or lifeguard about the accident and ensure an incident report is filed.
- Document the scene – Take photos or videos of the accident site, including any hazards or unsafe conditions.
- Gather witness information – If there were witnesses to the accident, collect their contact information for future statements.
- Contact a swimming pool accident attorney in Seattle – The sooner you contact us, the better we can protect your rights and build your case.
Why Choose Bernard Law Group?
Choosing the right attorney makes all the difference in personal injury cases. As a top-rated personal injury attorney in Seattle, we have a track record of successfully securing favorable client outcomes. Our team is known for its compassionate approach, personalized attention, and relentless pursuit of justice.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case. This ensures you can focus on your recovery without worrying about legal fees.
Need Justice? Reach Out Today for Legal Counsel
Contact Us Today
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you or a loved one has been injured in a swimming pool accident. As your Seattle swimming pool accident lawyer, we are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you get the justice and peace of mind you need to move forward.
At Bernard Law Group, we’re not just attorneys—we’re your advocates, standing by your side every step of the way.
