When you or a loved one suffers an injury at a swimming pool in Fort Lauderdale, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Pool accidents often result in serious injuries or even fatalities, leaving victims facing expensive medical bills and uncertain futures. If you’ve been injured in a pool accident, our Fort Lauderdale swimming pool accident lawyer team at Winston Law is here to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve under Florida law.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Swimming Pool Accident in Fort Lauderdale?
Pool accidents in Fort Lauderdale fall under premises liability cases, which hold property owners responsible for maintaining safe conditions. When someone is injured due to negligence, the property owner may be legally liable for damages. This applies to residential pools, apartment complexes, hotels, public facilities, and HOA-managed pools throughout Broward County.
Working with a qualified Fort Lauderdale swimming pool accident lawyer can help you identify all potentially liable parties. Multiple entities may share responsibility, including homeowners, property management companies, maintenance contractors, or even product manufacturers if defective equipment contributed to the accident.
Establishing liability requires demonstrating that the property owner knew or should have known about dangerous conditions and failed to take appropriate action. Document the accident scene thoroughly and report the incident immediately to create an official record.
Common Types of Swimming Pool Injuries in Florida
Swimming pool accidents in South Florida encompass a wide range of incidents, from minor injuries to tragic fatalities. Understanding the various types of pool-related injuries helps victims recognize when they have grounds for a legal claim.
- Drowning and near-drowning incidents, especially involving children
- Diving injuries resulting in spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries
- Slip and fall accidents on wet pool decks or inadequate surfaces
- Chemical burns from improperly maintained pool water
- Injuries from defective pool equipment, drains, or ladders
- Harm caused by inadequate supervision at commercial pools
Each of these injury types can result in significant medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term disability. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that drowning is a leading cause of unintentional injury death, particularly among children. If you’ve suffered any pool-related injury in Fort Lauderdale, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages through Florida pool accident injury claims.
What Pool Safety Laws and Negligence Standards Apply in Florida?
Under Florida’s Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act, pool owners must install specific safety barriers to prevent unauthorized access, particularly by young children. Under Fort Lauderdale drowning liability law, residential pools must have approved fencing, self-closing gates, alarms, or safety covers. Violations of these safety requirements can serve as evidence of negligence in a legal claim.
Florida also applies the attractive nuisance doctrine to swimming pools, recognizing that children may be drawn to water features without understanding the dangers. This means property owners have a heightened duty to secure pools even from trespassing children. Commercial pool owners face additional regulations regarding lifeguards, depth markers, and proper maintenance standards. When pool owners fail to meet these legal obligations and someone gets injured, they may be held liable for all resulting damages. Keep records of any safety violations you observe, as this evidence strengthens your case.
How Do You File a Swimming Pool Accident Claim in Fort Lauderdale?
Taking legal action after a swimming pool accident requires following specific steps to protect your rights. The claims process in Broward County involves gathering evidence and meeting important deadlines.
- Document the accident scene with photos and witness contact information
- Seek immediate medical attention and keep all treatment records
- Preserve evidence of property conditions and safety violations
- Identify all potentially liable parties, including owners and maintenance companies
- File within Florida’s limits: 2 years for injuries, 2 years for wrongful death.
- Consult with a Fort Lauderdale attorney before accepting any settlement offers.
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims entirely, making legal representation valuable for protecting your interests. Our swimming pool injury attorney Fort Lauderdale team handles the legal process while you focus on recovery. Time is essential in these cases, as evidence can disappear and witnesses’ memories fade. Act quickly to preserve your legal options.
Call a Fort Lauderdale Swimming Pool Accident Lawyer Today
At Winston Law, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that swimming pool accidents take on Fort Lauderdale families. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale swimming pool injury attorneys fight to hold negligent property owners accountable and secure maximum compensation for your injuries. Don’t let insurance companies undervalue your claim. Call us today at (954) 475-9666 or contact us online for a free consultation to discuss your Fort Lauderdale pool accident case with a dedicated lawyer who will advocate for your rights.
