Our San Bernardino swimming pool accident lawyers at Bisnar Chase are here to help. If you, or someone you know, has been injured in or around a pool, our experts will fight for the compensation you deserve.
Swimming pools can be dangerous for people of all ages, presenting slip hazards and drowning dangers. When an accident occurs, you need the right legal team on your side.
The Best Swimming Pool Accident Lawyers Near You
Bisnar Chase is a top-rated personal injury law firm with an office in San Bernardino. We take pride in serving communities throughout the Inland Empire, and across all of California.
- We have a 99% success rate.
- Our team has recovered over $1 billion for our clients.
- In business since 1978, with decades of experience and a team of award-winning trial attorneys.
- Offering a free consultation – no win, no fee.
Get in touch with our team for a free case review with no obligations. Our experts will analyze your accident and let you know if you have a case. If you sign with us, we can maximize your compensation. Call us at (909) 253-0750, send us an email, or use our 24/7 website live chat.
Swimming Pool Injury Resources in San Bernardino
Common Swimming Pool Accidents
We have handled cases involving all kinds of accidents and injuries occuring in and around swimming pools, from drowning incidents in the pool to falls on the surrounding floors.
Below are some of the most common swimming pool accidents in San Bernardino that we handle here at Bisnar Chase.
- Slip-and-fall accidents near the swimming area.
- Drowning accidents caused by a lack of supervision.
- Insufficient lifeguard staffing at public pools.
- A lack of safety gates or fencing around the swimming area.
- Faulty equipment causing filter issues or electrocution risk.
- Burns caused by faulty pool chemical use.
- No warning signs or safety signage.
- Diving accidents.
There are many potential dangers around public and private swimming pools. These cases often fall under the bracket of premises laibility legal actions, and our team at Bisnar Chase has an outstanding track record in handling such cases.
If you or a loved one has sustained an injury or died due to property owner negligence, or any other kind of avoidable accident near a pool, we can help.
The best way to fight for the justice you deserve is to work with the best San Bernardino swimming pool accident lawyers in your area. Bisnar Chase is a top-rated law firm with decades of experience winning injury cases, including product and premises liability actions. Contact us today for the superior representation you deserve.
Who Is Liable for a Swimming Pool Accident?
The individuals or entities that control a pool are legally responsible for any accidents that occur if their actions or inaction contributed to a dangerous situation. They owe a duty of care to people using their pool.
At Bisnar Chase, we work on behalf of injured plaintiffs and their families to file legal actions against anyone at fault and responsible for a victim’s injuries.
In most cases that we see, the following parties are ultimately liable for the majority of swimming pool accidents:
- The Homeowner: When an accident occurs at a private pool in someone’s backyard, the homeowner is usually liable.
- A Government Authority: Public pools are often run by the city, county, or state, and these government agencies will be responsible for any pool accidents resulting from negligence.
- Private Companies: In some cases, pools, water parks, and other aqua facilities are run by private companies. These companies may be liable in the event of an accident.
- An Individual: When an accident and its consequences can be blamed solely on the actions of an individual, they may be held responsible for any injuries. This could include a negligent lifeguard or another swimmer acting dangerously.
- Third-Party Companies: If an accident is caused by dangerous or faulty pool equipment, the manufacturer or seller may be liable for any injuries. Some accidents can also result from insufficient maintenance, which may be the fault of a pool maintenance company.
There are several factors to keep in mind when identifying liability in a swimming pool accident. The responsible party may not always be easily identifiable. In addition, a legal claim can be filed against multiple parties if their actions contributed to the accident.
When you contact our experts at Bisnar Chase, we will investigate your accident and hold all wrongdoers accountable. Our team will not rest until we secure the maximum possible compensation for you.
What is Your Swimming Pool Injury Case Worth?
We know it can be frustrating not to get a straight answer, but the truth is that the amount you can recover will depend on a range of factors.
The point of a personal injury lawsuit is to make the victim whole after an accident. In general, the greater your damages – both economic and non-economic – the greater your compensation will be. We fight for compensation to cover:
- Medical expenses.
- Lost wages.
- Pain and suffering.
- Projected future medical expenses and requirements.
The value of your case will depend on how the accident happened, who is responsible, the level of negligence involved, the severity of your injuries, and many other factors.
At Bisnar Chase, we don’t make empty promises. But we will assess your accident and fight for every dollar you deserve.
Swimming Pool Deaths
When someone dies due to a swimming pool accident, our firm will work with the family of the deceased to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the liable parties.
In many ways, the legal process for a wrongful death case is similar to that involving an injury. You can claim for the pain and suffering and medical expenses of your loved one as a result of the accident.
You can also claim compensation for funeral expenses, the loss of financial support, and the loss of emotional support, love, care, and companionship.
Common Pool Accident Injuries
For Bisnar Chase to take a case, the victim must have sustained some level of physical injuries. These may include:
- Drowning
- Cuts and broken bones
- Fall injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Head, neck, and spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Electrocution
Once a case qualifies, no matter the severity of your accident, we will fight to maximize your compensation and ensure you get full justice.
What To Do After a Swimming Pool Accident
We know how dangerous a swimming pool accident can be. When someone is injured in a pool, the most important step is to get appropriate medical treatment. Get the victim to safety and call an ambulance right away if the incident was serious.
Even if you don’t feel that the accident was life-threatening, you should consult with a medical professional and document your injuries.
When possible, you could also document the scene of the accident. Take photos or videos showing the pool and recording any potential negligence.
The next best step you can take is to contact a swimming pool accident attorney at Bisnar Chase. Our team will assess whether you have a case and identify the next best steps.
How the Right Lawyer Will Help
Working with the right legal team is essential to getting the best possible results in your case.
At Bisnar Chase, we do everything in our power to ensure our clients are supported at all times. We handle every part of your case so you can relax and focus on getting better and moving on from your accident.
- We handle the paperwork and filing, while tracking all deadlines. If there are forms that you are required to complete yourself, we will support you as needed.
- Our team will investigate your accident, compile evidence, and build your case. That includes everything from requesting documentation to conducting depositions.
- The B|C pre-lit team and attorneys will handle all settlement negotiations.
- We will go to trial with you when necessary.
- Our firm will advance the money required to win your case, covering all the legal fees and expenses, before recouping our fees from the final settlement.
Above all, we are committed to supporting our clients, both in terms of legal representation and personal guidance. Your legal team will keep in regular contact throughout the process. We are in this together, and will do everything in our power to win your case and maximize your compensation.
Swimming Pool Dangers for Children
Children are most at risk when it comes to swimming pool accidents. Youngsters are often not as strong swimmers, are less aware of potential pool dangers, and are more likely to rush and slip on a wet surface. They must be carefully supervised when they are in or around a pool.
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1-4, and the figures have been rising in recent years. In fact, child drowning incidents for that age group rose by 28% from 2019-2022. Drowning is also the second-leading cause of death for children up to the age of 14.
- An average of more than 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths occur in the U.S. every year.
- There are 11 fatal drownings every day, plus 22 non-fatal drownings.
- Drowning incidents are extremely dangerous, with about 40% requiring a hospital visit or further care.
- 88% of child drownings occur with at least one adult present. It can happen quickly, in 20-60 seconds.
- 23% of child drownings happen during family gatherings at home pools.
The statistics make for terrifying reading and show just how dangerous swimming pools can be, especially for children. If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in or around a pool, get in touch with our team at Bisnar Chase for expert legal help.
Swimming Pool Accident Fatalities
At Bisnar Chase, we handle accident cases involving serious injuries and fatalities. Many of the swimming pool accident cases we have seen involve tragic pool deaths. When this happens, we can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent parties for the victim’s family.
There are some key differences between injury and wrongful death cases. We work directly with the surviving family members to fight for damages, including:
- The deceased’s pain and suffering.
- Funeral costs.
- Loss of financial support.
- The loss of love, care, support, and consortium.
As with an injury case, the damages can cover financial losses related to the accident. But they can also cover the impact that a swimming pool death leaves on those still here, which can be considerable.
Losing a loved one can be devastating, especially when it is the result of an unexpected accident. When the worst happens, our team at Bisnar Chase offers the care and support you need, in addition to first-class legal representation. Call our team in San Bernardino at (909) 253-0750 today.
Pool Party Dangers
People of all ages can be at risk in swimming pools. But those dangers can be exacerbated at events like pool parties.
A pool party at a resort or a private home pool in San Bernardino can create extra risk factors. For example, there will be a lot of people in and around the pool area, making it hard for lifeguards or supervisors to keep everyone safe and spot potential incidents.
Many pool parties will also involve alcohol. In any situation, drugs and alcohol can compromise decision-making and reaction times, making accidents more likely and putting people in greater danger when an accident occurs.
Statistics show that alcohol is a key factor in many adult drowning accidents. Even when all precautions are taken, accidents can easily happen at pool parties in San Bernardino. If you have suffered an injury or know someone who was injured at a pool party, contact us today to find out if we can help.
Award-Winning San Bernardino Swimming Pool Accident Attorneys
The Legal Process: Will You Have to Go to Court?
Almost every case starts with the pre-litigation process. This is when we attempt to negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
The majority of cases are settled this way. However, there are occasions when a fair settlement cannot be agreed upon. This usually happens when the responsible party disputes the facts or denies liability, or their insurance company will not meet at a fair settlement amount. When that happens, we file a lawsuit against them and prepare to go to trial.
It is important to note that a settlement can still happen right up until the resolution of the trial. So, in all likelihood, your case will be resolved before it gets to court, but it might be necessary to get the results you deserve.
Trial v. Settlement Pros and Cons
Of course, there are pros and cons to going to trial. Pre-litigation settlements are safer. They are guaranteed, and they take less time and resources.
In contrast, trials are expensive. We will need to hire experts and put a lot of time and resources into them. If your case goes to trial, it might take multiple years to resolve. However, it also provides a path to greater compensation, and you get to tell your story. If the at-fault party denies responsibility, a trial gives us the chance to hold them accountable.
At Bisnar Chase, we will always do what is best for your case, taking into account your wishes and our own expertise and experience to secure the best possible result.
No Win, No Fee – How Our Legal Fees Work
Our law firm does everything possible to ensure our legal services are available to everyone. We work on contingency to protect our clients from mounting legal fees and expensive retainers.
When you call Bisnar Chase, our initial consultation is free. You will first speak to one of our intake specialists. If we can take your case, you will sign an agreement, and we will get to work for you immediately.
From this point, we will advance all of the fees and expenses necessary to win your case, from filing fees to hiring expert witnesses. You don’t have to worry about finding the money to pay anything out of pocket.
Our Percentage at the Resolution of the Case
When the case is resolved – usually by securing a settlement for you – our fees will come from that final settlement. In most cases, our fee is 33.3%, in line with the California standard. This might rise depending on the resources required to win your case. For example, the percentage can rise to 40% if the case goes to trial. But the percentage is capped by law, so you don’t need to worry about the amount.
If, for any reason, your case is unsuccessful, you will not owe us anything, even if we have already spent a lot of money preparing your case. We protect you from out-of-pocket expenses at every turn.
Above all, we promise to always be upfront and transparent about the financials.
How Long Will Your Case Take?
Every case is different, and the time it takes to resolve a legal action can depend on a number of factors.
To start with, a legal claim must be made within two years of the accident, according to the California statute of limitations. This time limit is much tighter when you are dealing with a government entity, so we advise contacting a lawyer as soon as possible.
If the claim is resolved through an agreement with an insurance company, it will generally take several months, up to one year. If liability is disputed and a settlement cannot be agreed upon, or the case progresses to trial, it will often take 2+ years.
That sounds like a long time, but our team will do everything we can to wrap up your case quickly without leaving money on the table.
Don’t Take the First Offer
It is a red flag when an attorney takes the first settlement offer without question just to move the case through quickly. That usually means they are taking the easy win without doing what’s best and maximizing your compensation.
We know that everyone wants the legal process to be sorted sooner rather than later, but we balance that with securing the compensation you deserve.
Swimming Pool Accident Prevention
There are some steps that you can take to minimize dangers in and around private or public swimming pools.
- Supervise swimming children: Young swimmers should be supervised, even if lifeguards are present, and especially when they are not strong swimmers.
- Install fencing around pool: Home pools should be covered or surrounded by a fence with a self-latching gate to prevent accidents.
- Safe surfaces: It is a good idea to keep the edge of the pool clear of toys and other tripping hazards. Some pool owners might have anti-slip matting to prevent fall accidents.
- Install safety signs: Public pools must have safety signage and warnings of potential hazards and water depths.
- CPR: Having someone on-site who knows CPR can safeguard swimmers in the event of a drowning incident.
- Drains and filters: When possible, avoid pool filters and drains to prevent hair, clothes, or body parts from getting caught.
Accidents happen all the time. But if a pool owner or operator fails to carry out basic accident prevention steps, this could be considered negligence. If you or someone you know has been injured in a San Bernardino swimming pool due to negligence, our team at Bisnar Chase can help.
Contact the Best Swimming Pool Accident Lawyers Near You
Bisnar Chase is a top-rated personal injury law firm with an office in San Bernardino. We have an outstanding track record of supporting and maximizing compensation for swimming pool accident victims.
Results matter, and our numbers speak for themselves. We have a 99% success rate with over $1 billion won for our clients across more than four decades in business.
But our job is about more than just wins and losses. We care about our clients and do everything in our power to support them through the difficult aftermath of an accident.
If you or someone you know has been injured or you know of a swimming pool fatality, Bisnar Chase can help. Our experts will work tirelessly to secure the justice you deserve.
Contact our San Bernardino swimming pool accident lawyers at Bisnar Chase today. Call (909) 253-0750, use our website live chat, or send us an email. We are here to help, and we look forward to hearing from you.
Brian Chase
Articles and blogs have been reviewed by legal in-house staff. Brian Chase is the managing partner of Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP. He is the lead trial lawyer and oversees cases handling dangerous and defective products that injure consumers. Brian is a top-rated injury attorney with numerous legal honors and awards for his work relating to auto defects and dangerous products. His firm has recovered over $1B for its clients. Brian is a frequent speaker for CAOC, Dordick Trial College and OCTLA, covering personal injury trial techniques.
Serving California Since 1978
Bisnar Chase is a top-rated personal injury law firm with a national reputation. The firm has been in business since 1978 and has represented thousands of clients. Based in Newport Beach and with offices across California, Bisnar Chase has recovered over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts, emphasizing superior client representation above all.
