As summer temperatures climb in Southern California, pools become a welcome escape for families and individuals seeking to beat the heat. But behind the fun lies a sobering reality: pool-related injuries and drownings spike significantly during the summer months, particularly in densely populated regions like Los Angeles County.
If you or a loved one has suffered a pool and drowning accidents, near-drowning, or poolside injury, understanding your legal rights is crucial. Doyle Accident & Personal Injury Attorneys, with offices in Alhambra and Pasadena, are here to help. Call 626-737-0036 today for a free consultation.
The Hidden Dangers of Pools: More Common Than You Think
Southern California is home to thousands of private and public swimming pools. According to the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, California has over 1.2 million residential pools, with Los Angeles County accounting for one of the highest concentrations statewide. While pools offer recreation, they also pose serious safety hazards when proper precautions are not taken.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children aged 1–4. In California alone, an average of 500 drowning-related deaths occur annually, and many more suffer non-fatal injuries that can result in long-term neurological damage.
Common Causes of Pool and Drowning Accidents
Drowning incidents and pool injuries can happen for a wide range of reasons. Here are the most common causes seen in Southern California:
- Lack of proper supervision
- Defective or missing pool gates and barriers
- Slippery surfaces causing slip-and-fall injuries
- Malfunctioning pool drains or suction devices
- Inadequate lifeguard presence at public facilities
- Alcohol use and unsupervised parties
In many of these cases, someone can be held legally responsible—whether it’s a negligent homeowner, a pool maintenance company, or a city department managing a public pool.
Liability in California Pool Injury Cases
Under California premises liability law, property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for guests and invitees. This includes installing proper fencing, securing gates with child-proof locks, and ensuring the pool area is free from hazardous conditions. If a property owner fails to meet these obligations and someone is injured or drowns as a result, they can be held liable.
Furthermore, public pools and apartment complexes must adhere to local building codes and safety regulations. Failure to maintain these standards could result in negligence claims, even wrongful death lawsuits, if a drowning occurs.
Legal Options for Victims and Families
If you or your child has been injured in a pool and drowning accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term rehabilitation costs
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death (in fatal cases)
In some cases, third parties like pool equipment manufacturers or lifeguard service providers may also share liability.
Real-Life Examples and Statistics
- A 2023 report from Safe Kids Worldwide found that 69% of fatal child drownings occurred when the child was not expected to be in or near water.
- The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health noted a 30% increase in ER visits related to pool injuries from June to September in 2022.
- The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that hospital emergency departments treat nearly 6,400 pool or spa-related injuries involving children under 15 each year in the U.S.
These numbers make one thing clear: pool and drowning accidents are common and preventable.
Why You Should Call Doyle Accident & Personal Injury Attorneys
The attorneys at Doyle Accident & Personal Injury Attorneys have years of experience handling complex premises liability and wrongful death cases across Southern California, including pool and drowning accident. With offices in Alhambra and Pasadena, they serve clients throughout Los Angeles County, including the San Gabriel Valley, Glendale, El Monte, and beyond.
Their legal team will:
- Investigate the circumstances of the incident
- Identify all liable parties
- Work with medical experts and investigators to build your case
- Negotiate with insurers or take your case to trial, if necessary
Most importantly, they’ll treat your case with the compassion, urgency, and diligence it deserves.
Don’t let negligence go unanswered. If you or someone you love has been injured in a pool and drowning accident, call Doyle Accident & Personal Injury Attorneys at 626-737-0036 today.
Offices in Alhambra and Pasadena – Serving all of Los Angeles County.
Free Consultation. No fees unless we win your case.
