Pittsburgh Medical Malpractice Blog

According to the Center for Disease Control, 3,300 deaths were caused by drowning or submersion in 2000, with 25% of the victims being children under 16. Although drowning can occur in a number of places, including public and private swimming pools, open recreational waterways such as lakes and ponds, spas, hot tubs and even bathtubs, many of these accidents occur in backyard swimming pools. About 350 children under the age of 5 drown in backyard pools each year. Drowning is the second leading cause of death for this age group after motor vehicle accidents. Another 2,600 children are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year for near-drowning incidents. In non-fatal cases, an estimated 20% percent of victims suffer severe, permanent neurological disability due to brain damage, which can generally result after four minutes of submersion.

Property owners are responsible for providing reasonable and effective barriers to their property, especially if they have a pool or hot tub, because these features are considered an attractive nuisance. However, proving a property owner’s negligence can be difficult. An early and thorough investigation is necessary to handling these cases.

If you or someone you know has died or suffered a serious injury as a result of a swimming pool accident, please contact the Pittsburgh, PA law firm of Rosen Louik & Perry, P.C. Let our experienced team of personal injury lawyers help you with your case. Contact us today for a FREE consultation.