Residential swimming pools and public swimming pools are a beloved source of recreation and leisure for many in Johnson City, but they also carry risks. Life-altering accidents can happen in and around swimming pools, whether it’s a slip-and-fall, diving accident, or even chemical exposure.
If someone else’s negligence caused a swimming pool accident that caused you to suffer injuries, you may be entitled to seek compensation. Our experienced Johnson City personal injury lawyers at The Terry Law Firm are dedicated to holding negligent swimming pool owners accountable and helping injured Tennesseans seek justice and fair compensation. Contact us today to learn more in a free initial consultation.
Reasons to Choose Our Johnson City Swimming Pool Injury Attorneys
Choosing which law firm to represent after you suffered injuries in a swimming pool accident may be the biggest decision you make in your personal injury case. Here’s what you’ll enjoy when you choose The Terry Law Firm:
- Local Insight – Our extensive experience with Johnson City personal injury cases gives us a strong understanding of the local community, laws, and courts, giving us a distinct advantage when building your case.
- Compassionate Support – Your personal injury case is more than a legal issue for you. It’s a challenging, emotional time, with significant implications for your future. We offer compassion, understanding, and support to go with our legal services.
- Record of Success – Our firm has been protecting the rights of Johnson City residents since 1960 and has a proven track record of success. In that time, our highly dedicated and skilled lawyers have recovered millions in settlements and verdicts for clients.
- No Fees Unless We Win – You’re already facing significant financial distress due to the accident. You shouldn’t have to face more just to seek justice. That’s why we won’t charge you anything in legal fees unless we secure compensation for you.
Types of Swimming Pool Accidents and Injuries
Pool accidents can happen in many different ways and lead to serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, bone fractures, drownings and near-drownings, and other harm. In the most severe cases, such unfortunate events can result in the wrongful death of a loved one.
Here are some of the most common types of swimming pool accidents in Johnson City:
- Diving Accidents – Diving into shallow water can cause severe injuries, including spinal cord damage and permanent paralysis.
- Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents – Slippery pool decks, uneven surfaces, missing handrails, or defective pool equipment can cause fractures, soft tissue damage, and head injuries. Often, these accidents occur due to poor maintenance of the pool area.
- Chemical Exposure – Improper storage or mixing of swimming pool chemicals like chlorine can cause respiratory injuries, burns, and eye damage.
- Entrapment and Suction Injuries – Broken or unprotected swimming pool drains can trap hair or limbs, causing physical injury and psychological trauma.
- Drownings or Near-Drowning Accidents – The most serious outcomes in pool accidents are fatal. Even near-drowning survivors may face long rehabilitation times and brain injury issues.
Each type of accident requires a different approach to build your case. Our Johnson City swimming pool accident attorneys will investigate the accident, determine whether the swimming pool owner or others might be responsible, and then gather the evidence needed to seek maximum compensation.
Liability for Johnson City Swimming Pool Accidents
Establishing liability is critical for any successful personal injury case. A premises liability lawyer at The Terry Law Firm can help swimming pool accident victims to understand their legal rights, determine the unsafe conditions that caused the accident, identify all potentially liable parties, and provide aggressive representation as we seek compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other harm. The responsible parties may include:
- Homeowners or landlords – Johnson City’s permit and barrier rules require certain safety measures for residential pools. Property owners or landlords may be liable when inadequate fencing, broken gates, or failure to provide safe barriers result in a pool accident.
- Public or commercial operators – City pools, YMCAs, hotels, and country clubs can be liable for failing to hire/supervise lifeguards, ignoring safety inspections, or failing to address dangerous conditions.
- Manufacturers or service providers – If defective pool equipment, drains, malfunctioning gate hardware, or improper repairs cause an accident, the manufacturer or service provider may be held responsible.
- Attractive nuisance doctrine – Tennessee law recognizes that property owners may be liable when a swimming pool poses a foreseeable hazard to children who can’t yet recognize danger. A pool that attracts children but lacks reasonable safeguards can create liability even if the child was trespassing.
Common Legal Challenges in Swimming Pool Accident Claims
Swimming pool accident claims come with unique legal considerations and challenges. Some of the most notable challenges you might face include:
- Fault Disputes – Defendants commonly argue the victim assumed risk when swimming in the pool. We counter these claims with evidence of inadequate warnings, lack of barriers, or negligent maintenance.
- Missing or Destroyed Records – Maintenance logs, inspection reports, lifeguard shift logs, and installation records can all be key evidence in a pool accident case, but they’re frequently lost or deleted.
- Multiple Possible Defendants – Pool injuries might involve the owner, property manager, maintenance contractor, or manufacturer. Sometimes, it can involve more than one of them.
- Short Statute of Limitations – In Tennessee, you typically have only one year from the date of injury to file most personal injury lawsuits. Missing this deadline can bar you from recovering compensation, meaning timing is essential for pursuing your claim.
Local Regulations and Factors That Affect Swimming Pool Accident Cases in Johnson City
Johnson City follows modern building and pool standards, including the International Swimming Pool & Spa Code, and enforces permitting, barrier, and inspection rules for new and renovated pools. If a pool owner lacked the required permit, failed to install an approved barrier, or didn’t meet local code during construction, those facts can strongly support your claim.
Tennessee’s regulations define design, safety, and operational standards for public pools, including accessibility, lifeguard requirements, and water quality testing. Violations of these local or state rules can strengthen your claim.
How Our Johnson City Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You
Working with a skilled Johnson City swimming pool accident attorney at The Terry Law Firm can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. We have extensive knowledge of Tennessee premises liability law and courtroom experience that can make a difference in your case. Our attorneys can help by:
- Investigating and Gathering Evidence – We’ll thoroughly investigate the accident to determine how it happened and who may be at fault. Then, we’ll work to preserve and obtain the evidence needed to hold the liable party accountable.
- Coordinating Medical Care – We’ll help you get the right medical specialists, accurately document injuries for your claim, and project future care needs.
- Negotiating with Insurers – Insurance companies will attempt to weaken your claim and minimize your payout. We’ll counter their tactics and advocate aggressively for a fair settlement.
- Representing You in Court – If insurers refuse a fair settlement, we’ll take your claim to court, and a seasoned trial attorney will fight for a favorable verdict on your behalf.
Contact an Experienced Johnson City Swimming Pool Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a swimming pool accident in Johnson City, our team at The Terry Law Firm can help. We are a family law firm focused on personalized service, with over 50 years of combined experience and a record of success in a range of cases, including swimming pool accidents and other premises liability claims. We’ll fight for your right to fair compensation while you focus on healing. Get started today. Contact us for a free consultation.