Swimming Pool Accident Lawyers in Michigan

Michigan Lawyers for Swimming Pool Accidents and Injuries

After a swimming pool accident in which an injury or death has occurred, the property owner‘s insurance company will soon have investigators on the scene, perhaps that very day. As a victim of an accident, it’s crucial to get the advice of a lawyer to protect your rights and preserve your ability to obtain compensation.

Our Michigan swimming pool accident lawyers won’t let an insurance company prevent a generous settlement.

Advocates for Swimming Pool Accident Victims

For more than 30 years, Matz Injury Law has represented victims of negligence. Our firm has the experience, skills, and resources needed to investigate and pursue claims involving wrongful death and property owner negligence. We will work diligently to obtain full compensation for all your losses.

Call us at 866-226-6833 today.

Where Do Most Drownings in Michigan Occur?

Drowning is the third leading cause of accidental death worldwide, accounting for seven percent of injury-related deaths. Most drownings in Michigan occur in one of the Great Lakes, as Michigan is bordered by Lake Michigan, Lake Erie, Lake Superior, and Lake Huron. In Lake Michigan alone, dozens of people drown yearly, and many of these drownings would be preventable with a lifeguard present.

After lakes, swimming pools are Michigan‘s next leading cause of fatal drowning accidents. Nationally, most drownings among children younger than five are pool drowning accidents. However, swimming pool injuries are often preventable by limiting children’s access to pools and keeping a closer eye on children. 

What Should You Do After a Swimming Pool Accident?

A swimming pool accident can be a terrifying ordeal, even for experienced swimmers. It’s even worse when it involves loved ones and children, especially your own child. However, keeping your wits about you and taking the proper steps is vital.

While even a near-drowning can cause serious personal injury, it’s better than losing a loved one. When you face a drowning incident, immediately seek medical attention and contact the authorities. Then you can worry about establishing fault and contacting experienced Michigan swimming pool accident lawyers.

Seek Medical Attention

Drowning victims require immediate medical attention. Drowning results in a lack of oxygen to the body, which can cause lifelong injuries such as brain damage. The sooner you get medical attention, the more likely the accident will result in injury rather than death. Medical attention is more critical the longer the victim has been underwater, but any time someone suffers a swimming accident, they should be seen quickly by a doctor.

Contact Authorities

Nobody wants to call the police on a friend or acquaintance, but it is vital that the incident is reported and properly documented. When you call for first responders, often a police officer will be the first on the scene or may arrive with the ambulance. If an officer does not arrive, request one to come to the scene. The initial investigation report made by the police officer will be of great help as the accident case proceeds.

The police report, while it may not be used as evidence in court, provides important details that you will need to remember, such as when the accident occurred, what the weather was like, and the circumstances surrounding the accident. Many personal injury cases rely on small details that the police report can help you to remember.

Establish Fault

Establishing fault does not mean blaming the pool owner. In fact, you should not discuss fault at all in the aftermath of the incident. Simply document what happened in as much detail as possible. Take photos, make notes, and draw diagrams. Never say that you are sorry for anything. Apologizing at the scene of an accident can be construed as admitting fault, which can make your premises liability case more difficult. Simply gather evidence and directly answer any basic questions you are asked, but never elaborate. Keep things as simple as possible.

Another thing to avoid is accepting any initial offer before seeking representation. This will be more of an issue when dealing with public pools and waterparks, but even if the pool is privately owned, you will likely hear from the pool owner’s insurance company within a few days, and they will tender a lowball offer. That is where representation from an experienced swimming pool accident lawyer comes into the picture.

Contact a Qualified Michigan Swimming Pool Accident Lawyer

Representation from a qualified Michigan personal injury accident lawyer is vital to get the fair settlement you deserve. An experienced swimming pool accident lawyer can provide legal advice, protect your legal rights, and help represent your interests in your injury claim.

Look for a law firm that specializes in personal injury cases. These knowledgeable personal injury lawyers will be able to represent your interests and stand up to bullying insurance companies. 

If you or a loved one has suffered a swimming injury, the Michigan swimming pool accident attorneys at Matz Injury Law are here to help. Call us today at 1-866-22Not33, or use our online contact form for a free consultation.

What are the Causes of Michigan Swimming Pool Accidents?

There are many reasons why drowning or swimming pool accidents occur, and all are serious. Any unforeseen incident can turn a fun day of boating on the lake or playing in a pool into a disaster on the water. A few common causes of accidents in pools include the following.

Weak Swimmer

Someone who is not a strong swimmer can easily find themselves in a situation far beyond what they are capable of handling, whether they end up in unexpectedly deep water, have an issue with currents such as in a public wave pool, encounter faulty equipment like a broken diving board, or simply grow tired in an area where they cannot reach the side of the pool. Weak swimmers can also become trapped if a pool drain malfunctions and creates undue suction.

Unsupervised Swimmers

Children and inexperienced swimmers need to be supervised while swimming. If a pool area is unsecured and swimmers who should not be there gain access, a disaster can happen. Kids who are allowed to go swimming without adult supervision can end up in dangerous situations.

Unclear Markings

Public pools in Michigan are required to mark the depth of the water clearly in specific areas of the pool and warn divers against jumping headfirst into shallow sections. When such signs are unclear or not present, swimmers are at risk.

Running

When people run along the edges of pools, it is a recipe for disaster. A person running can easily slip on wet pavement and fall into the pool, injuring themselves in the process, or they can trip and fall on hard pavement, leading to serious injury.

Serious Injuries From Michigan Pool Accidents

Swimming pool accidents can cause a wide range of injuries. A swimming pool can quickly turn from the site of a fun summer activity to a dangerous nightmare.

Drowning

Drowning occurs when someone suffocates due to being submerged in water. If they die due to drowning, a wrongful death lawsuit can result. If victims survive for more than 24 hours after they are submerged, the incident is referred to as near-drowning.

Slip-and-Fall

The area around a swimming pool inevitably gets wet and is often surrounded by stone, cement, or tile surfaces. These can become slippery as pool water gets all over them. While walking at a normal pace can prevent many injuries, people — particularly children — often run and behave unsafely around the pool. This can cause them to slip and fall, resulting in broken bones, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries.

Toy Entrapment

Young and inexperienced swimmers can end up drowning because of pool toys intended to be fun. Many inflatable toys can flip over or entangle swimmers, trapping them under the water where they can get injured or drown.

Chlorine Poisoning

Chlorine is intended to keep pool water safe and free from contaminants and bacteria. However, it is a highly toxic and abrasive substance on its own, and when it is present in too high of a concentration, it can cause poisoning. If children encounter it in its raw form, they can sustain severe burns or chlorine poisoning, which can be fatal.

What Are the Symptoms of Chlorine Poisoning?

If your child was exposed to excessive doses of chlorine, they may suffer from chlorine poisoning. Learning the symptoms of chlorine exposure is essential and can save a life.

Blurred Vision

If someone complains that they cannot see clearly or that everything is blurry, this can be a sign of chlorine exposure. However, it can also be a sign of simply getting water in the eyes, so if it is the only sign and it clears up quickly, it may not be something to fear. Watch for if it lasts more than a few minutes or appears alongside other symptoms.

Coughing

Coughing can be caused by swallowing water the wrong way. It may not be something to worry about if it clears up quickly and is not combined with other symptoms. If the coughing is uncontrolled or lasts more than a few moments, you should seek medical attention.

Difficulty Breathing

Any time someone has difficulty breathing, it is a cause for concern. Combined with the above symptoms, it could be a sign of chlorine poisoning. Call emergency services immediately if someone has trouble controlling their breathing.

Vomiting

Vomiting, especially if blood is in the vomit, is cause for serious concern. You should immediately call first responders when vomiting occurs with additional symptoms, such as stomach cramps, blood in the stool, or burning in the mouth and throat.

Who Is Liable for a Swimming Pool Accident in Michigan?

The people who can be held responsible for a Michigan swimming pool accident depend on the location of the pool. For the most part, swimming pool accidents fall under premises liability, but the negligent parties can vary.

Private Pool

If you or your loved one were swimming in a private pool when the accident occurred, the responsibility often falls upon the homeowner. Homeowners have a duty to provide a relatively safe space for visitors, and when they fail to do so, they can be held responsible. They must limit accessibility to a pool where it is unsafe, include proper signage, and ensure supervision for anyone at risk. If they fail to do this, it falls under homeowner negligence.

Public Pools

When you or a loved one is injured in a public pool, state and federal regulations come into play. These regulations are specific regarding such factors as supervision, water temperature, chemical balance in the water, and capacity limits. The owners of these pools often hire employees to help maintain the pool and enforce regulations. When pool owners do not train their employees properly, both the employees and the pool owner can be liable.

One of the most egregious forms of employee liability is lifeguard negligence. When a lifeguard fails to pay attention, is not at their post, or otherwise fails at their duty to protect swimmers, they can be held partially liable for damages after a pool accident.

Do I Have to Have a Fence Around My Pool in Michigan?

Yes, you are required to have a fence around your pool in Michigan. In this state, all pools must be fenced off to prevent access by those who could be injured in or around the pool. Pools must be enclosed by a wall at least 4 feet high.

Building a Strong and Persuasive Case With a Swimming Pool Accident Attorney

We will immediately investigate the cause of the accident and the property owner‘s negligence. We will document your economic and noneconomic losses for inclusion in your claim.

This could include compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering in a head injury case. Matz Injury Law will make it our priority to help you obtain the financial resources needed to pay for medical care, rehabilitation therapy, and other services.

If your family member has drowned, we will seek compensation for lost future income, loss of companionship, and other damages. Matz Injury Law will work tirelessly to build a solid and persuasive case designed to obtain maximum compensation for you.

Keeping You Afloat

If you are in Michigan and you or a loved one has been injured in a swimming pool accident, our law firm is ready to help. Our personal injury lawyers at Matz Injury Law have won millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients.

We care deeply for our clients and treat everyone who comes through our doors as members of our own family, building close-knit and trusting relationships with our clients. If we do not win your case, you will not owe us a dime in fees. If we win, we only take 22 percent as our fee instead of the 33 percent many competitors take.

You and your loved ones do not have to fight insurance agencies alone. Contact us today for a free case evaluation at 1-888-22Not33 or by using our online contact form. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve.