New Haven Lawyers Helping Your Family After A Drowning Accident
Swimming is a very popular pastime in Connecticut, especially for children. Pool operators have the responsibility to take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of all visitors. When they fail to do so, accidents can happen that could result in extremely serious injuries and even death. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury while swimming in someone else’s pool, you may have a claim for damages against the responsible parties.
It is important that you seek the advice of an experienced Connecticut swimming pool accident lawyer who has the ability and the commitment to seek the compensation you need to recover from your injuries. At the law firm of Williams, Walsh & O'Connor, LLC, we are committed to seeing that pool operators and their employees are held accountable for the injuries suffered on their watch. Our lawyers and staff are knowledgeable and compassionate. Founding attorney Jim Williams has more than 30 years of experience in the area of personal injury law.
Protecting The Rights Of Injury Victims In Swimming And Diving Accidents
There are very few swimming pool injuries that could not be avoided if the staff and management would simply do their jobs and take the necessary safety precautions. We have represented clients in a broad range of pool accident cases, including:
- Lifeguard negligence and improper supervision
- Water quality issues, including murky water
- Insufficient pool lighting
- Falls on wet or slippery poolside surfaces
- Injuries in hot tubs (Jacuzzis), spas and saunas
- Accidents that happen on slides and recreational equipment
- Defective pool drains or other equipment
- The role alcohol and drugs play in some accidents
- Insurance coverage related to recreational injuries
- Wrongful death and fatal accident cases
We protect our clients’ rights by obtaining the maximum compensation and helping them achieve a sense of closure during a difficult time.
When People Are Injured At Private Swimming Pools
Some accidents occur at privately owned swimming pools. The owners of these pools bear certain responsibilities regarding the safety of those on their premises. Under the guidelines of the Connecticut State Building Code, all outdoor swimming pools must be enclosed with a barrier. Public pools are regulated by the Connecticut Public Health Code, and in many instances, towns have enacted their own regulatory requirements for pools. The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act is a federal law that prohibits the manufacture, sale or distribution of suction outlets and covers that are not compliant with ASME/ANSI standards. Thus, pools are regulated at the local, state and national levels, so it is important to hire a lawyer knowledgeable of the many laws affecting pool safety. Our attorneys can help you understand your rights and options regarding an accident at a private pool.
When Serious Accidents Occur At Beaches
Water sports, swimming or a simple walk can lead to a severe injury when you least expect it. When a serious or tragic accident occurs at a beach, injured people and their families wonder what legal recourse they have for covering their expenses and dealing with the many difficulties that can follow. You may be searching for lawyers who understand the legal and personal complexities of injuries that occur at the ocean or lakefront beaches. We have three decades of experience with premises liability cases related to injuries at beaches and lake areas throughout Connecticut, as well as accidents and drownings that occur at pools and hotels.
Compassionate Guidance Regarding Drowning Accidents
Many people in Connecticut enjoy outdoor water activities when the weather permits. Unfortunately, when an accident occurs, the results can be tragic, even fatal, and you should seek out an experienced personal injury attorney who can inform you of your legal rights and the remedies available. We know that it is possible to drown in any amount of water, including a shallow amount in a bathtub or a fast-running stream.
No matter how the drowning or near-drowning accident occurred, our attorneys can help you assemble and prove negligence and premises liability in your case. We have helped families and victims with all types of drowning accident cases, including:
- Boating accidents
- Pool incidents involving inadequate supervision or no notice that there was no lifeguard on duty
- Diving board accidents or head injuries
- Drowning accidents caused by medical conditions or medication reactions
- Safety at state park water landmarks where an area is not properly roped off or guarded
- Cruise ship incidents that may involve people going overboard
- Water quality issues such as toxins, vegetation, leading to entanglement
Many of these types of accidents may lead to wrongful death or serious injuries, such as spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Our lawyers can help you pursue maximum compensation related to each of these types of cases. We will help you gather evidence and handle insurance claims, and we will represent you all the way to trial if necessary.
What Is Dry Drowning?
Dry drowning refers to a form of drowning in which water does not enter the victim’s lungs. In a so-called dry drowning, the victim inadvertently inhales water through their nostrils or mouth. This causes their vocal cords to constrict, inhibiting their breathing. Symptoms of dry drowning may include:
- Coughing
- Choking
- Dry heaving
- Vomiting
- Fast breathing
- Fatigue
In some cases, the victim can receive treatment and recover fully, as very little water has entered their lungs. Tragically, though, dry drowning incidents make up 10% to 20% of all drowning deaths.
Holding Negligent Parties Accountable After A Spa Accident Injury
The number of hot tubs – sometimes referred to as spas or Jacuzzis – being installed at gyms, public pools, hotels and private residences in Connecticut continues to increase. With an increased number of hot tubs comes the increased possibility of severe injuries to innocent people.
Manufacturers, owners and operators of spas and hot tubs carry the responsibility of ensuring the safety of everyone who uses them. Any failure to fulfill that responsibility can result in serious accidents that have life-altering consequences. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury in a spa, it is in your best interests to seek the advice of a reliable personal injury attorney immediately.
Our firm is prepared to help you with any type of hot tub injury case, including:
- Negligent supervision
- Defective thermostats that allow water temperatures to rise to unsafe levels
- Severe lacerations caused by loose trim or protruding objects
- Slip-and-fall accidents that lead to serious head injuries
- Faulty drains that suck in clothing and pull people underwater
- Drowning
Our Connecticut hot tub accident lawyers in North Haven have extensive experience handling all types of premises liability injury claims. No matter how your injury occurred, you can count on us to do everything in our power to secure the most favorable outcome on your behalf.
Do I Have A Claim?
Not every water-related accident and injury results in an actionable claim. To bring a lawsuit and recover financial compensation through a settlement or award, you must demonstrate a few factors. These include:
- Another party owed you a duty of care
- This party failed to provide the duty of care
- As a result of their negligence, you or someone you love suffered harm
- This harm resulted in damages
The best way to figure out whether you have a case is to speak with a swimming injury attorney. Our entire team is ready to help you, no matter what type of water-related accident you or your loved one suffered.
Contact Our Swimming And Drowning Accident Lawyers For A Free Consultation
Contact our office today to discuss your swimming pool accident and learn more about what we can do to help you. You can send us an email or call 203-896-4631 to arrange a free case evaluation. We are located near New Haven, in proximity to the intersection of I-91, I-95 and I-84. For your convenience, evening and weekend appointments are available. We handle all swimming pool accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no attorney fees unless we obtain compensation for you.