Springfield, IL Swimming Pool Injury Attorney
Lawyers for Drownings and Accidents at Public and Private Pools in Sangamon, Macon, and McLean Counties
During the hot summer months in central Illinois, many people enjoy swimming, which gives them a chance to cool off and enjoy themselves with friends and family. Unfortunately, swimming pools can be dangerous, and people can suffer multiple types of injuries due to the negligence of a pool's owner or operator. If you or a member of your family have been injured at a public or private pool, an experienced premises liability lawyer can help you determine how you can receive financial compensation for your injuries.
With more than 40 years of experience, the attorneys of Kanoski Bresney have helped victims of a wide variety of different types of injuries. As the largest personal injury law firm in central Illinois, we have the knowledge, skills, and resources to help you succeed. We have obtained verdicts and settlements totaling over $400 million, and we will fight to make sure you are fully repaid for the damages caused to your family.
Liability for Swimming Pool Injuries
While a variety of different types of injuries can occur at swimming pools, drownings are often the most serious. Around 3,500 people die from drowning every year in the United States, and 20% of these victims are children under the age of 15. In fact, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children under the age of five. In addition to wrongful deaths, drowning results in over 6,500 non-fatal injuries for children under the age of 15 every year. Due to the lack of oxygen a person experiences while drowning, these injuries can result in brain damage, memory loss, learning disabilities, and other permanent impairments.
Property owners have the responsibility to maintain a safe premises and ensure that a pool's users are free from the risk of injury. A homeowner or the operator of a public pool may be liable for injuries that occur because of the following issues:
- Inadequate supervision or security - Lifeguards should be present at public pools, and they should be fully trained to respond quickly and effectively to protect people's safety and provide treatment for any injuries. A pool should also have fences and gates to prevent people from using the facilities while they are closed.
- Broken or malfunctioning equipment - Damaged or defective ladders, steps, rails, or diving boards can cause serious injuries to a pool's users. Problems with pumps or filtration systems can result in problems with suction, which can lead to drowning if a person's hair, clothing, jewelry, or limbs are trapped in a vent or drain. Exposed wires or damaged electrical equipment near a pool can result in electrocution injuries. In some cases, manufacturers of defective products may be liable for these types of injuries.
- Infections or exposure to toxic substances - Swimmers may be exposed to contagious diseases if the proper chemicals are not used to maintain water safety. However, if pool chemicals are not balanced correctly, a pool's users may experience harm due to exposure to irritants such as chlorine.
- Slip and fall accidents - Water around a pool can lead to slippery surfaces and serious fall injuries, and issues such as spilled food or drinks can also increase the risk of falls. A pool's owner may be responsible for these injuries if they did not ensure that walking surfaces are safe in the areas around a pool, such as dressing rooms or concession stands, or if they did not take measures to prevent dangerous behavior by visitors.
Contact Our Champaign Swimming Pool Drowning Attorneys
If you or a member of your family have been injured at a swimming pool, our lawyers can help you determine your legal options. We will gather evidence to show that a pool's owner was liable for your injuries, and we will work to ensure that you receive payments to address damages such as medical expenses, loss of income, and physical and emotional pain and suffering. Even if you do not want to take legal action against a friend, neighbor, or family member who owned a pool where an injury took place, we can help you determine whether you can receive coverage under their homeowner's insurance policy, and we will negotiate with insurers to make sure all of your expenses are covered.
To schedule a complimentary consultation and learn more about how we can help you receive compensation for your injuries, contact Kanoski Bresney at 888-U-COUNT-2 or 888-826-8682. We represent victims of drownings and other swimming pool injuries in Champaign County, Peoria, Adams County, Sangamon County, Quincy, Schuyler County, Bloomington, Decatur, Pekin, McLean County, Tazewell County, Rushville, Macomb, Champaign, Macon County, Springfield, Peoria County, McDonough County, and throughout Illinois.