Top-Rated Des Moines Swimming Pool Accident Lawyers

For many homeowners, having a pool is a dream come true. However, accidents can happen if property owners fail to adhere to safety and maintenance standards. Typically, swimming pool accidents involve claims under premises liability law. Home or business owners with pools must exercise “reasonable care” to keep their pool area safe and warn others about any defects or dangers.

If you’ve been injured in a swimming pool accident in Des Moines, you may be able to recover damages. Our attorneys at Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland & Cooling have extensive experience representing people in premises liability cases. By understanding some basics about swimming pool accidents, you can put yourself in a better position to recover compensation for your injuries.

How Swimming Pool Injuries Happen in Des Moines

A day at the pool can quickly turn painful and, in some cases, life-threatening. Some of the most common causes of swimming pool injuries include:

• Slip-and-Fall Accidents: If you slip or take one wrong step on a slippery surface, you can suffer serious bodily injury.
• Diving Accidents: Ambitious dives, particularly into shallow or poorly marked areas, can leave you with neck, spine, or upper torso injuries.
• Drowning or Near-Drowning: Failing to install proper fencing or other safety measures can result in drowning or near-drowning accidents, especially for young children.
• Pool Drain Entrapment: Powerful suction can accidentally pull you into a drain area, leaving you with torso or limb injuries.
• Electrocution: Electrical devices that are too close to the pool, faulty wiring, or damaged equipment could cause you to suffer electrocution injuries.
• Chemical Exposure: Poorly balanced pool chemicals can make you sick, causing respiratory distress or skin burns.

Common Injury Types

Accidents at the pool can result in serious injuries, such as:

• Concussions or traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal injuries
• Brain damage from near-drowning

Our experienced premises liability lawyers at Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland & Cooling are ready to help protect your rights if you’re seriously injured in a swimming pool accident.

Risks To Look Out for Around Swimming Pools

Don’t let the fear of injury stop you from enjoying pool days. A little awareness can go a long way in keeping you and your loved ones safe. Here are some of the conditions to check for when assessing your risks.

Wet Surfaces

Water from the pool can get everywhere, especially when swimmers make big splashes. Wet surfaces can lead to trouble if people run around the pool area.

Lack of Warning Signs

Marking a pool’s deep end highlights dangers for swimmers who may not be paying close attention. At larger commercial pools, you should expect to see signs prohibiting running and setting the rules for diving boards. If you don’t see these signs, it can suggest a risky environment.

Lack of Lifeguards or Distracted Lifeguards

While you should always take responsibility for yourself and your family, serious accidents are more likely when there are no lifeguards at public pools or if the lifeguards present are distracted by their phones or friends. Be aware of your ability to get help if you need it.

Lack of Fencing Around the Pool

Backyards should have fencing to discourage people, especially children, from using the pool. According to Iowa’s attractive nuisance doctrine, if you have something on your property that’s attractive and dangerous to children, such as a pool, you’re liable for their injuries, even if they trespass onto your property.

Defective Equipment

A poorly maintained pool can also be the source of significant injury. Be alert to broken pool ladders and failing diving boards, for instance. Other equipment that can cause problems include drain covers, pool pumps, pool lights, and cracked pool decking.

Lack of Safety Equipment

Before you or your family jump in the water, make sure the pool has proper safety equipment. These include items such as first-aid kits, life rings and buoys, life vests, and personal flotation devices. You can also rest easier if the pool has non-slip surfaces covering the deck area.

Who Might Be Responsible for Your Swimming Pool Injuries?

If you’ve suffered a swimming pool injury and are considering a claim for premises liability or personal injury in Des Moines, you may wonder who can be held responsible.

Under Iowa’s attractive nuisance doctrine, the obvious answer is the property owner. But depending on the circumstances, your claim could also involve:

• Government entities (if the accident happened at a public or school pool)
• Lifeguards
• Equipment manufacturers
• Management companies
• Maintenance contractors

At Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland & Cooling, we can help you identify which parties to involve in your claim.

Types of Damages in a Swimming Pool Accident

When you file a swimming pool-related injury claim, you may be entitled to compensation. Depending on the severity of your accident, you may be able to pursue:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Physical or mental therapy or rehabilitation
• Assistive devices and medical equipment
• Home or vehicle modifications
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability
• Long-term care costs

Our team of attorneys can help structure your claim. Let us fight for the money you deserve.

How Our Des Moines Swimming Pool Accident Lawyers Can Help

Getting injured at a pool is a horrible experience, but retaining our legal team can help improve your situation. Our experienced attorneys can investigate your case and help determine who is liable. We can collect evidence to support your claim, including photos and videos, incident reports, medical records, and witness statements. We can also account for all your losses and negotiate with insurers on your behalf.

Contact Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland & Cooling Today

Don’t wait to get our team at Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland & Cooling on your side. In Iowa, personal injury and premises liability cases generally have a two-year statute of limitations. Our lawyers are ready to help put you on the road to recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation.