What to Do After a Swimming Pool or Boating Accident in Tennesee

Summer’s here, and families are flocking to pools and lakes to beat the heat. But with more people in the water, the risk of swimming pool and boating accidents increases. At The Higgins Firm, we’ve seen firsthand how these accidents can turn a fun day into a nightmare.

Swimming pool and boating accidents can range from minor slips and falls to tragic drowning incidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 4,000 people die from unintentional drowning each year in the United States.

Drowning is often silent and can happen quickly, even for strong swimmers. That’s why it’s so important to remain vigilant and follow safety precautions, especially when children are involved.

Common Swimming Accidents

Some of the most common causes of swimming accidents we see include:

1. Submersion and Drowning: Drowning is often silent and can happen quickly, even for strong swimmers. Lack of supervision, especially around children, is a major contributing factor.
2. Diving Injuries: Diving into shallow water or striking the pool bottom can result in serious spinal cord injuries, paralysis, or traumatic brain injuries.
3. Slip and Fall Accidents: Slippery surfaces around the pool area due to water accumulation or poor drainage can lead to dangerous falls and injuries.
4. Unsafe Product Injuries: Defective pool equipment, ladders, drains, or safety gates can also pose risks to swimmers.

Tennessee has strict laws on pool safety, and pool owners are responsible for maintaining a reasonably safe environment. Failure to do so can result in premises liability claims if someone is injured on their property.

Boating Accidents and Potential Dangers

Boating accidents can occur due to various factors, such as:

• Operator inexperience or inattention
• Reckless or impaired operation (alcohol/drugs)
• Inclement weather conditions
• Equipment failure or improper maintenance

No matter how minor a boating accident may seem, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention, especially if someone has fallen into the water. Injuries like head trauma or near-drowning can have serious consequences if not addressed promptly.

Liability in Drowning & Swimming Injury Accidents

In Tennessee, liability for swimming pool and drowning accidents often falls on the property owner or operator. This could be a private homeowner with a residential pool, a hotel or apartment complex with a community pool, or a public entity like a city or county that operates a municipal pool.

Property owners have a legal duty to ensure their premises are reasonably safe and to warn guests or visitors of any known hazards. Failure to maintain proper safety standards, provide adequate supervision (like lifeguards), or address potential risks can result in premises liability claims if someone is injured or drowns.

For boating accidents, liability may lie with the boat operator if they were negligent or reckless in their actions. However, boat owners can also be held responsible if the vessel is not properly maintained or equipped with the required safety gear.

Determining liability in these cases can be complicated, and multiple parties may share responsibility. Our personal injury attorneys can thoroughly investigate the circumstances and identify all potentially liable parties.

How to Prevent Swimming Pool and Boating Accidents This Summer

While accidents can happen, there are steps you can take to minimize the risks.

For swimming pools:

• Always supervise children closely, even if they know how to swim
• Ensure pools have proper safety barriers, such as fences or gates
• Keep pool areas free from clutter and potential trip hazards
• Install proper lighting around the pool for nighttime use
• Regularly inspect and maintain pool equipment and safety features

For boating:

• Take a boating safety course and follow all laws
• Wear life jackets and ensure they are properly fitted
• Don’t operate a boat while impaired or under the influence
• Be aware of weather conditions and water hazards
• Maintain proper lighting and safety equipment on board
• Never overload the vessel beyond its capacity

Steps to Take After a Swimming Pool or Boating Accident

If a swimming pool or boating accident occurs, your first priority should be ensuring everyone’s safety. Here are some crucial steps to take:

1. Call emergency services if necessary.
2. Provide first aid or CPR if needed and if you’re trained.
3. Document the accident scene (take photos, videos, or notes).
4. Gather witness information.
5. Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
6. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney.

Speaking of lawyers, our legal team at The Higgins Firm has a wealth of experience handling these types of cases. We understand what’s involved and can guide you through the process, ensuring your rights are protected.

How Our Personal Injury Attorneys Help

When you work with a personal injury attorney like those at our firm, we can:

• Investigate the accident thoroughly
• Determine liability and responsible parties
• Handle communication with insurance companies
• Protect you from making statements that could jeopardize your case
• Advise you on the legal process and your options
• Pursue fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages

We know that dealing with an accident can be overwhelming, especially if it involves injury or legal issues. That’s why we’re here to support you every step of the way, providing compassionate guidance and aggressive representation.

Get Help After a Tennessee Swimming Pool or Boating Accident

As summer kicks into full gear, swimming pool, and boating accidents could increase across Tennessee. If you or a loved one has been involved in such an accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to The Higgins Firm. We offer free, no-obligation consultations to discuss your situation and help you understand your legal rights and options.

Our attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of accident victims and their families. We’ll pursue the justice and compensation you deserve so you can focus on recovery and moving forward.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation. We’re here to ensure your voice is heard.