Swimming Pool Drowning in New York
Swimming pools should be a place for enjoyment, not tragedy. However, when safety measures are ignored or supervision lapses, the consequences can be fatal.
Drowning accidents are one of the most devastating types of premises liability claims, particularly when they involve children. If you or a loved one has been harmed in a swimming pool drowning incident in New York, you may have the right to pursue financial compensation.
At Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers, our New York personal injury attorneys have over 40 years of combined experience fighting for the rights of injury victims and their families. We’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts, and we’re ready to investigate your case and hold the negligent parties accountable.
Call today at (212) 514-5007 for a free consultation with a New York swimming pool drowning lawyer. We’ll walk you through your legal options and help you understand the next steps. We also handle a wide range of related premises liability cases, including carbon monoxide exposure, lead paint–related injuries, explosion burn injuries, defective stairways, falling merchandise, and trip-and-fall accidents at airports, accidents at retail stores such as Target and Home Depot, and more.
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How Our New York Premises Liability Lawyers Can Help After a Swimming Pool Drowning Accident in New York, NY
The aftermath of a swimming pool drowning accident is emotionally and financially overwhelming. Whether the accident occurred at a public pool, hotel, apartment complex, school, or private residence, our New York personal injury lawyers can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation from those responsible.
When you work with Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers, we will:
- Investigate the incident and identify all liable parties
- Collect surveillance footage, safety records, and eyewitness testimony
- Consult with expert witnesses in pool safety and accident reconstruction
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Take your case to trial if the responsible party refuses to settle fairly
Our firm understands the complexity of New York premises liability law. We have decades of experience proving negligence and winning tough cases. Let us help ease your burden so you can focus on your family’s healing.
Types of Swimming Pool Accident Injuries
While drowning is the most tragic outcome, swimming pool incidents can also cause serious non-fatal injuries with long-lasting consequences.
Non-Fatal Injuries
Near-drowning events can result in severe oxygen deprivation, leading to brain damage, permanent disability, and long-term cognitive impairment.
Other injuries may include:
- Traumatic brain injuries from slip and falls
- Spinal cord injuries caused by unsafe diving
- Internal evisceration from faulty pool drains
- Burns from pool chemicals or electrocution
- Infections caused by improperly treated water
Victims may require years of medical care, therapy, and specialized equipment. These costs can be financially devastating without legal action.
Fatal Injuries
Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death for children under 14 in the United States, according to the CDC. A child can slip underwater in a matter of seconds, especially when there are no barriers or lifeguards. Adults can also drown due to alcohol use, poor pool maintenance, or hidden hazards. These tragedies often occur in familiar places: apartment buildings, hotels, or even a neighbor’s backyard.
Common Causes of Swimming Pool Drowning Accidents
Swimming pool drownings often result from negligence that could have been prevented.
Common causes of these tragedies include:
- Lack of fencing or secured gates
- Broken or defective pool covers
- Unmarked deep ends or sudden drop-offs
- Slippery pool decks and a lack of non-slip surfaces
- Malfunctioning pool drains or suction entrapment
- Absence of life-saving equipment
- Improper supervision or lifeguard negligence
- Lack of warning signs or hazard markers
- Inadequate lighting for night swimming
- Improper chemical levels causing burns or illness
- Poorly maintained ladders, diving boards, or slides
Defective equipment and poor maintenance aren’t the only dangers. Many drowning accidents can be prevented by following the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s pool safety guidelines.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Pool Drowning in New York?
Responsibility for a swimming pool drowning depends on the location, the property’s ownership, and the relationship between the injured party and the property owner. Under New York premises liability law, liability can fall on several parties:
Private Property Owners
If the drowning occurred at a private home or residential building, the owner may be liable for failing to secure the pool or warn guests of hazards. Children are owed special protection under the “attractive nuisance” doctrine, which requires pool owners to prevent unsupervised access by minors.
Hotels and Resorts
When drownings happen in hotel or resort pools, the company may be liable for failure to hire qualified lifeguards, maintain equipment, or enforce safety protocols.
Public Pools and Recreational Facilities
City-operated pools must follow strict safety codes and employ certified lifeguards. A municipality or operator may be responsible for negligent maintenance, improper staffing, or failure to comply with regulations.
Product Manufacturers
If a defective drain, slide, pool cover, or chemical caused the incident, a product liability claim may be brought against the manufacturer or distributor.
Our attorneys will assess every angle of your case to determine who is responsible and what legal strategies give you the best chance at justice.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Pool Drowning Accident?
Whether you’re recovering from a non-fatal injury or mourning the loss of a loved one, financial compensation can provide critical support.
A successful claim can help cover:
- Medical expenses and future care
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Loss of income and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral and burial expenses (in wrongful death cases)
- Loss of companionship or parental guidance
While no amount of money can undo what happened, it can give you the resources to move forward and hold negligent parties accountable.
Call Our New York Swimming Pool Drowning Lawyers Today For a Free Consultation
At Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand how painful and disorienting these cases can be. You don’t have to go through this alone. Let our compassionate and experienced legal team help you fight for answers, accountability, and fair compensation.
We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Call us today to speak with a New York swimming pool drowning attorney. We are here to help you take the next step.
