Last updated on December 5, 2024
Whether at a hotel, public park, or in a backyard, swimming pools are a great place for families and friends to cool off, have some fun, and get some exercise during Seattle’s warmer months. But pools can also be hazardous places where serious injuries can occur. Broken necks and concussions can be the result of diving accidents, and drowning and near-drowning accidents occur at a rate of about 10 per day in America.
But there’s one type of accident many pool users don’t know about or don’t usually consider when taking the plunge, and that’s the possibility of electric shocks in a swimming pool. Though swimming pool electrocutions are fairly rare, they do happen.
Get The Compensation You Deserve
If you have lost a loved one to electrocution or been injured in an electric shock accident at a swimming pool, you and your family may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses from the party or parties responsible. In order to get this compensation, you’ll need to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim in Washington.
To find out more about your legal rights and options, it’s crucial that you consult a skilled attorney familiar with Washington’s state laws. The legal team at the Seattle area offices of Pendergast Law has been successfully representing injury victims and their families for over 30 years and will put their wealth of knowledge and experience behind your claim. Call 888-539-9211 today for a free consultation.
Common Causes Of Swimming Pool Electrocution Deaths And Injuries
We all know that water and electricity can be a deadly combination if mixed, but electricity is also an essential element in keeping pools lit, clean and heated and keeping circulation systems functioning properly. Swimming pool electrocution deaths reported by the CPSC can be attributed to the following causes:
- Plugged in electronic devices like extension cords, power tools, radios, TVs, etc. falling into pools (28 deaths)
- Malfunctioning, improperly installed, faulty, or ungrounded underwater pool lights (13 deaths)
- Malfunctioning, improperly installed, or faulty, pool pumps (10 deaths)
- Malfunctioning, improperly installed, or faulty, sump pumps, pool vacuums, and pressure washers (nine deaths)
Liable Parties In A Pool Electrocution
A number of entities can be held liable for a swimming pool electrocution accident, including:
- The owner of the property where the pool is located: Under premises liability laws, a pool’s owner has a duty to keep their pool area safe and in good repair. This includes getting regular inspections, installing the latest safety devices, and keeping hazardous things like electrical cords and devices away from the water. If the pool is a public pool, the municipality that owns the pool would be the liable party. If the pool is in a school, the school district would be held liable.
- The parties involved in installing the pool, including those who did the electrical work.
- The parties hired or charged with inspection and maintenance of the pool.
- The manufacturer of any faulty pool equipment, such as pumps, vacuums, heaters, etc.
Seattle Lawyers Protect The Rights Of The Injured
If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a swimming pool electrocution accident, you and your family may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, permanent injury, funeral and burial expenses, and much more. To get the settlement you and your family deserves, it is vital that you seek representation from an experienced wrongful death attorney. The Washington attorneys at Pendergast Law have been successfully representing injury victims and their families for over four decades and will use their knowledge and experience to get you the best settlement possible. Call their offices at 888-539-9211 to schedule a free consultation.