Nothing beats taking a dip in the pool on a hot summer day. Pools can offer opportunities for rest and relaxation, but they also represent a serious hazard that requires careful monitoring and care. The reality is that swimming pool accidents in Katy happen far too often.
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in a pool, you could have a strong case for compensation. Recovering a monetary award would be possible with the right legal team on our side. A skilled slip and fall attorney could help you seek damages from this incident.
How Pool Accidents Happen
There are risks that come with swimming in or walking near any body of water, and private swimming pools are no exception. In addition to the potential for drowning, other injuries can happen in the water or on the deck.
Slippery Deck Surfaces
Some of the most serious injuries happen out of the water. When the deck surrounding the pool is constructed from a slippery surface, it can lead to slip and fall injuries. This can lead to a worst-case scenario where someone hits their head before falling into the water.
Lack of Supervision
Other serious issues can involve a lack of supervision. A person who owns a pool has a duty to keep curious children out of the yard, and the failure to put up gates or fencing could result in tragedy.
Swimming Under the Influence
Impairment and swimming are a dangerous combination. Property owners can face liability if they allow a heavily intoxicated person to enter their pool due to the increased risk of drowning.
Due to the presence of water, there is always the potential for life-threatening injuries from accidents at Katy swimming pools. A dedicated attorney could review the facts and determine if the property owner or another party is liable for these injuries.
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Pool Injury Lawsuit
There is a limited window of time when it comes to filing a pool accident lawsuit in Katy. This legal deadline is referred to as the statute of limitations and applies to every negligence case, including those involving swimming pool injuries. Any failure to comply with this deadline can have harsh consequences for the plaintiff’s lawsuit.
In this state, the statute of limitations for a negligence claim expires after two years. This period of time starts on the date the injury occurs. A judge will typically have no choice but to dismiss a lawsuit if it is filed after the period expires.
There are some situations in which a plaintiff might have more time to file suit. While standard negligence claims have a two-year statutory period, other lawsuits may have additional time. A common example is legal action against a manufacturer responsible for building a defective diving board or filtration system.
Young injury victims also have additional time to pursue a claim. The law considers a juvenile to lack the competence needed to manage a personal injury lawsuit. For that reason, the statute of limitations is paused—or tolled—until they reach the age of 18. An attorney could provide clear guidance on when the deadline expires.
Talk to an Attorney in Katy About a Swimming Pool Accident
You should never assume that your injury claim is unlikely to be successful. With the right legal counsel by your side, you might recover damages based on your injuries. After a swimming pool accident in Katy, you have the chance to learn more about your legal rights during a private consultation with an attorney. Call us today to learn more.