Here in sunny and warm Miami, spending time poolside is a way of life. Pools are relaxing and offer welcomed break from the heat; however, despite their advantages, there are definite dangers that are associated with pools.
Whether you’re swimming at a community pool or you’re hanging out at a friend’s backyard pool, or you are using your own swimming pool, you run the risk of sustaining serious injuries, some of which have the potential to be life-threatening. Young children and the elderly, in particular, are at risk of sustaining pool-related injuries.
Understanding the potential dangers of using a pool can help you prevent injuries. Our Miami personal injury lawyer has compiled a list of some of the most common swimming pool-related injuries and how you can sidestep the dangers.
Drowning
Our personal injury attorney in Miami confirms that drowning is, by far, the biggest threat that is associated with using a swimming pool. Each year, nearly 400 children under the age of 14 drown in pools and spas in the United States. Moreover, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death of children between the ages of 1 and 4.
More than half of all injuries that are related to the water occur in residential pools, so it’s important to stay on close watch whenever you are using a swimming pool, particularly if young children are present. Furthermore, make sure that any pool you are using – including your own – is properly gated and that children cannot gain access to it on their own. Additionally, be sure that children are never left unattended around a swimming pool; even those who can swim and/or are wearing the proper floatation devices.
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Accidents while Diving
Jumping into water can be quite thrilling, but it can also be extremely dangerous. The majority of diving accidents occur as a result of jumping into water that is too shallow. These accidents can cause serious injury, including head and neck injuries that could potentially lead to paralysis or even death.
In order to prevent these types of accidents, be proactive and enact a “no diving” policy. This is particularly important in residential pools, as many aren’t deep enough to dive into safely. Should you or anyone else want to dive, make sure the water is at least 8 feet deep, the recommended depth for safe diving.
Slips and Falls
Our Miami slip and fall lawyer advises that no one should ever, under any circumstances, run around a swimming pool. The areas around a pool are wet, which makes the surface slippery. Running on wet, slippery surfaces increases the risks of slipping and falling, which can lead to serious injuries. These injuries can include:
- A blow to the head, which could lead to a concussion
- Broken arms, legs, wrists, ankles, hips or even a broken neck
- Cuts and scrapes that could be severe enough to require stitches
- Strains and sprains
Slipping and falling around a pool could also increase the risk of drowning, as there is the potential that the person could fall into the water and not be able to surface as a result of shock or an injury.
Though the surfaces around many public pools in Miami are textured to reduce the risk of slips and falls, these surfaces do not guarantee that these types of accidents will not occur. A lot of residential pools lack these textured surfaces, which means the chances of these types of accidents are greater. In order to prevent an accident, always encourage walking in a pool area. Wearing shoes with rubber soles that can grip the surface can also help to reduce the risk of slipping and falling.
Miami Slip and Fall Personal Injury Lawyer
Involved in a Pool Accident? Contact a Miami Personal Injury Lawyer
While taking precautions can reduce the risk of sustaining an injury near a pool, there is no way to guarantee an accident won’t occur. If you or someone you love has been involved in any type of accident around a pool, an attorney that specializes in personal injury may be able to help. For example, if you have slipped and fallen on a wet pool surface, you may be entitled to compensation. A slip and fall attorney in Miami will thoroughly investigate and assess your case, and will help you win the compensation that you deserve as a result of your pain and suffering.
If you have been involved in any type of accident in or around a pool, contact our Miami personal injury attorney today!
We handle a variety of cases, so call us now if you have any questions.
View more contact information here: Miami Personal Injury Lawyer.
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