Las Vegas Accident Attorneys
Swimming pool accidents can cause many types of injuries beyond drowning and near-drowning. Slip and fall around the pool can result in brain and spinal cord injuries even if the victim does not land in the water. Swimming in a poorly maintained pool can cause serious illness. The majority of swimming pool accident lawsuits fall under premises liability, while some fall under product liability. Our Las Vegas accident attorneys can determine which type of case you have and help you recover fair compensation for your injuries or the loss of a loved one.
Near-Drowning
It is a common misconception that if a person is revived and survives a near-drowning accident they will recover and be OK. The truth is that in near-drowning the brain and body can be starved of oxygen long enough to cause irreversible damage. This lack of oxygen is called hypoxia and it can damage the brain, heart, lungs, and other internal organs.
Brain injury caused by near-drowning can leave the victim completely helpless, requiring 24 hour care, and the use of a respirator and feeding tube just to stay alive. It only takes a few minutes in the water to cause injuries that can last for years or decades.
Types and Causes of Swimming Pool Accidents
Swimming pool accidents can happen in many ways, and do not always involve drowning events. Examples include:
- Slip and fall due to slippery or damaged surfaces surrounding the pool
- Diving accidents
- Pool drain entrapment
- Pool cover entrapment
- Poorly maintained pool
- Lack of lifeguard where appropriate
- Inadequate barriers to prevent children from accessing pool area
- Defective pool light causing to electrocution
Pool Drain Entrapment
A defective pool drain can result in a grisly type of swimming pool accident called pool drain entrapment. The suction can become so strong that the victim cannot be pried loose. Pool drain entrapment can cause severe injuries to the hands, feet, arms, and legs. It can result in strangulation, and can even cause disembowelment.
Recreational Water Illnesses
Recreational water illnesses (RWI) are caused by exposure to germs and chemical in pools and other water sources. They are often the result of poor maintenance in swimming pools. Diarrhea is the most commonly reported RWI, but it can also cause infections of the skin, eyes, ears, lungs, wounds, and neurologic infections.
If you have been injured in a swimming pool accident anywhere in Nevada, if you are caring for a seriously injured child or loved one injured in a pool, or if you have lost someone in one of these awful accidents, the Las Vegas accident attorneys of Jolley Urga Woodbury & Little are here to help. We have successfully represented many seriously injured victims and their families throughout Nevada. Please call us today at (702) 699-7500 to schedule your free initial consultation or contact us online right away.
