Getting Compensation for Your Child’s Pool Injuries
Nothing beats hopping into a pool on a hot Nebraska day. Summer barbecues and pool parties are a regular occurrence, with many residents hosting a constant string of parties as soon as the weather gets warm enough.
But as lively as these events can be, parents should always keep a watchful eye out for danger. Drownings are one of the leading causes of death for young children, and even a well-trained swimmer can suffer a serious or fatal injury if the pool they’re in is unsafe.If your child has suffered a swimming pool injury on someone else’s property, then you should understand your child’s rights to compensation. If your family suffered due to a pool-related accident and you believe you may be eligible for compensation, call us at (402) 505-8234 to discuss the specifics in a free initial consultation.
How Are Children Injured at Pools?
Child injuries at swimming pools often involve some form of negligence on the part of the pool owner. Pool owners in Omaha have a responsibility to keep their pools clean, free of safety hazards, and fenced in order to avoid curious children from falling in and drowning. Even if a child is legally allowed to be on the property and has proper training, there is still the risk that they can suffer a serious injury if the pool is poorly maintained.
The main causes of child swimming pool injuries include:
- Dirty pools that cause infections
- A lack of handrails and ladders
- Damaged or loose handrails and ladders
- Lack of depth signs, which can cause diving injuries if a child jumps in the shallow end
- A lack of anti-slip materials on a pool’s steps and rim, which can cause slip and falls
- Tripping on loose pool equipment
- Entrapments in drainage pipes
- Electrical injuries caused by exposed wiring and faulty electrical equipment
- Poor supervision
A swimming pool accident can result in serious trauma, including spinal cord injuries, brain damage, and paralysis. Property owners have a duty to keep their pools safe; otherwise, it can lead to a costly injury and tragic death of a child.
Who Is Responsible for My Child’s Injuries?
Pool owners can be found liable if they injure a child through an act of negligence, but only if the child was legally allowed to be on the property. If a child was a guest at a barbeque or birthday party and nearly drowned due to a broken pool ladder, then the owner would be liable for his or her injuries and all associated damages.
How Do I Recover Compensation for My Child’s Injuries?
If your child’s injuries were caused by a negligent pool owner, then you can file a premises liability claim against their homeowners insurance policy. Many parents are hesitant to sue their friends, family members, or neighbors for pool injuries, but it is important to know that your claim may not be against the pool’s owner. Instead, your claim may be against his or her insurance company, and you do not have to sue a friend to get compensation.
At Bottlinger Law L.L.C., we understand that you only want your child to heal comfortably and that you are worried about paying his or her medical bills. Filing a premises liability claim may be your best chance at compensation, but you should not expect a fair deal from an insurance company. Insurance companies are not known for their charity when it comes time to process claims, and most will fight to get you to accept a low settlement offer. Our Omaha personal injury attorneys have years of experience dealing with insurance companies and can use his knowledge to advocate for your best interests in a premises liability claim. Let us use our expertise to fight for you and your family.
Call us today at (402) 505-8234 to discuss your child’s injuries in a free initial consultation.
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