Today, it is quite common to buy a home with a swimming pool. As a matter of fact, they are one of the requirements of most potential Fort Worth area home buyers. However, each year thousands of people are injured or die in swimming pools. According to the Center for Disease Control, one in five drowning victims are children. Thousands more are injured and may require medical treatment for their rest of their lives. Consulting with a Fort Worth personal injury attorney after a swimming pool accident can help injured parties to get the compensation they need as a result of their accident.
Swimming Pool Injuries
Non-fatal injuries associated with drowning can include serious impairments. Some of the most common injuries are traumatic brain injury, broken bones, a broken neck, severe cuts, spinal cord injuries, and electrocution. Many of these accidents are preventable just by taking the right precautions.
Each year about 3000 people are partially or totally paralyzed by broken necks. Most of the time, this injury is caused by a diving accident. Electrocution can occur because of faulty wiring for pool lights. Anything that uses electricity, such as stereos or other music systems should not be in a wet area as this increases the risk of electrocution. Facial lacerations are another injury that can result in disfigurement. Soft tissue injuries can include separated shoulders and whiplash.
Head injuries can occur due to slipping and falling or nearly drowning. When the brain is deprived of oxygen, for example, during a near-drowning experience, this can result in brain hypoxia. Depending on the severity, a person could suffer from life-long challenges such as amnesia, hallucinations, insomnia, muscle spasms, learning disabilities, and the permanent loss of basic functions. Recovery can take a long time or they may never totally recover.
Safety Issues that Cause Injury
Many accidents associated with Fort Worth area swimming pools are due to slides that were not properly installed or diving boards that are defective. Missing safety equipment is another cause. Pool ladders with missing rungs or that are not installed correctly can be a hazard, as they keep swimmers from being able exit the pool safely.
Other causes can include security. In the city of Fort Worth pools are required to have protective fences. Fences should be installed to keep people, especially children, from accidentally falling into the swimming pool and drowning. Often small children will wander away from their parents, and a pool can be an attraction. Gates with secure locks should be installed to prevent access.
Proper supervision is an important issue when people are in the swimming pool. Adults, as well as children, like to splash and play, but there are certain safety rules that should be followed. No running around the pool is one. This increases the risk of slipping and falling. Not only can bones be broken, but head injuries are common in these instances.
Bacteria May Be In the Pool
Injuries can also occur if the pool is not kept clean and sanitary. Pool chemicals keep swimmers from contracting infections or disease. Bacteria thrives in water, and without the right chemicals to keep the water safe, disease-carrying microorganisms can be transferred from one person to the next. If the level of chemicals, particularly chlorine, is too high, this can cause people to experience breathing problems or endanger their health in other ways.
Although the ultimate goal when spending time in a swimming pool with friends and family is enjoyment, sometimes accidents happen. Injuries occur that are not only debilitating, but they can be a tremendous financial burden. If you have been involved in a swimming accident in the Fort Worth area you can consult with a personal injury attorney that specializes in swimming pool accidents. Our Fort Worth personal injury attorney can help you determine if you are entitled to compensation for your injuries or the injuries of a loved one.
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