Swimming Pool Accidents in St. Louis

During warmer months in the St. Louis area, swimming pool accidents become a high risk and can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities, especially for children. If you or your child has been injured in a pool-related accident, it’s important to get legal advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer.

Our team at Cofman Townsley helps victims of preventable pool-related injuries in Missouri and Southern Illinois to seek compensation. We encourage you to contact us for a free consultation today.

Where and Why Pool Accidents Happen in St. Louis

In St. Louis, pool accidents can happen at several locations and for a variety of reasons.

Private Residences

Many private residences in greater St. Louis have swimming pools. Property owners have a responsibility to keep the area around their pools safe. Pool owners should also provide adequate supervision for swimmers, especially those with limited swimming skills.

Proper fencing and barriers should be in place around a pool to prevent accidents. Appropriate safety equipment should also be on hand, including a first aid kit, a reaching pole, and a flotation device. Signage around the pool is required to inform people of the pool’s presence and the rules for its use.

Apartment Complexes and Hotels

Apartment complexes and hotels are responsible for the safety of guests who use their pool facilities. A poorly maintained pool area puts you and other swimmers in danger.

You may encounter slippery surfaces that cause you to slip and fall. Unlocked gates can entice visitors to enter the pool area, even when it may not be safe. Inadequate lighting can also put your safety at risk.

Public Pools and Parks

St. Louis has several public pools and parks with swimming areas, but accidents can happen at these facilities. When lifeguards aren’t present or properly trained, it puts your safety at risk. If there’s overcrowding at the facility, you or your child could be seriously injured.

Code violations are another common cause of injuries at public pools. And if water quality isn’t properly maintained, you could contract an illness or infection.

Water Parks

Water parks can be a lot of fun, however, injuries can occur for several reasons at these venues. An equipment malfunction could result in visitors falling, breaking a limb, or being trapped underwater for an extended period.

Failure to enforce safety rules and dress codes may cause injuries, as could inadequate staff training. A water park with design flaws can be dangerous as well, as its layout may put you in harm’s way.

School or Community Center Pools

Pools at schools or community centers that don’t provide proper supervision during youth programs can be held responsible if a child is injured. When swim instructors don’t get proper training, they may not be able to provide a safe environment for those just learning to swim.

An outdated pool facility may lack the necessary safety features. And if the chemical balance in the pool isn’t right, it can cause health issues.

Common Causes of Swimming Pool Accidents

These are some of the most common causes of swimming pool accidents:

• Lack of fencing or broken gates
• Slippery or damaged pool decks
• Poor lighting or visibility
• Inadequate supervision
• Shallow water diving
• Defective drains or pool equipment entrapment
• Lack of signage indicating depth or hazards
• Alcohol-related incidents at private gatherings
• Improper chemical use or storage
• Failure to enforce pool rules

Types of Swimming Pool Accident Injuries

You may have a swimming pool accident case if you or your loved one has suffered any of these injuries:

• Drowning or near-drowning
• Traumatic brain damage from prolonged oxygen deprivation
• Spinal cord injuries from diving accidents
• Broken bones or fractures from slips and falls
• Lacerations or puncture wounds
• Electrocution from faulty wiring or pool lights
• Internal injuries
• Chemical burns or respiratory issues
• Emotional trauma or posttraumatic stress disorder, especially for children

Who May Be Liable for a Pool Injury in Missouri?

Liability for a pool injury in Missouri will depend on many factors. The following parties could be responsible:

• Homeowners or property owners have a duty of care to maintain safe premises and make special “attractive nuisance” considerations for children.
• Apartment complex or hotel managers are responsible for complying with safety codes for common areas and amenities.
• Public entities operating pools must uphold safety standards for public facilities and adhere to policies and regulations regarding public safety concerns.
• Product manufacturers may be responsible if pool drains, lights, equipment, or other products have safety design flaws that cause injuries.
• Maintenance companies may be liable if they neglect pool upkeep or repairs and fail to provide proper chemical treatment.

Missouri has premises liability laws that apply to property owners who fail to provide safe conditions on their property. If they fail to post signs or put up fencing, they haven’t effectively met the standards set by Missouri’s premises liability laws.

Compensation for Pool Accident Victims

You may be entitled to compensation for the following if you or your child has been the victim of a pool accident:

• Medical bills, including emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term treatment
• Lost income if you’re unable to work or parental lost income for injured children
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Long-term care or disability costs
• Wrongful death damages, if applicable

How Cofman Townsley Can Help

Cofman Townsley has decades of experience helping injury victims across Missouri and Southern Illinois. We believe in using a compassionate, client-first approach for every case we handle. Our team will thoroughly investigate the cause and liability for your injury. We also have access to qualified safety experts and medical professionals who can support your case.

We can work with insurance companies and defendants to get you a fair settlement, and we’re prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. You won’t be charged a fee unless we win your case.

Contact Cofman Townsley Today

You and your family deserve fair compensation for your preventable pool injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation. Our team can evaluate your situation and help you understand your rights.