Swimming Pool Accidents

San Francisco Swimming Pool Accident Lawyer

Swimming pool accidents can result in serious injuries and even death. If you or a loved one has been injured in a swimming pool accident, it's important to seek the help of an experienced personal injury attorney.

At Bostwick & Associates, we have decades of experience representing clients. We understand the devastating impact that these accidents can have on victims and their families, and we are committed to helping our clients obtain the compensation they deserve.

Contact our San Francisco swimming pool accident attorney online or by calling (888) 831-8448 today!

Common Causes of Swimming Pool Accidents

Swimming pool accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Negligent Supervision: Inadequate lifeguard presence or inattentive pool staff can lead to accidents, especially when children are involved.
  • Slip and Fall Incidents: Slippery surfaces around the pool area can cause slip and fall accidents, resulting in fractures, head injuries, or other severe trauma.
  • Defective Pool Equipment: Malfunctioning pool equipment, such as drains or filtration systems, can cause accidents and injuries.
  • Inadequate Warning Signs: Failure to provide clear warnings about pool depth, diving restrictions, or slippery surfaces can lead to accidents.
  • Alcohol or Drug-Related Incidents: Intoxicated individuals at a pool can engage in reckless behavior that leads to accidents.

Swimming pools can be deceptively dangerous. Whether at a private residence, hotel, apartment complex, gym, or public facility, property owners have a duty to maintain a safe environment for swimmers and guests. Unfortunately, even minor negligence—such as a broken gate latch or cloudy water—can result in catastrophic injuries or drownings.

Who is Liable for a Swimming Pool Accident?

Liability for a swimming pool accident depends on where and how the incident occurred. In most cases, property owners, managers, or product manufacturers can be held responsible under premises liability or product liability laws.

Property Owner Liability

Property owners—including homeowners, landlords, and business operators—must take reasonable steps to ensure their pools are safe. This includes maintaining fencing, securing gates, repairing hazards, and ensuring proper supervision. When an owner fails to take these precautions, they may be held liable for resulting injuries.

Lifeguard or Staff Negligence

In public or commercial pools, trained personnel are responsible for monitoring swimmers. Failure to enforce safety rules, provide timely rescue efforts, or maintain lifeguard presence can constitute negligence.

Manufacturer or Installer Liability

If a defective product—such as a malfunctioning drain cover, broken ladder, or faulty electrical component—caused the injury, the manufacturer or installer may be liable through a product liability claim.

Government Liability

If the accident occurred in a municipal or public pool, a claim may be filed against a city or government agency. These cases have strict notice deadlines, so it’s critical to consult with a San Francisco swimming pool accident attorney as soon as possible.

At Bostwick & Associates, we conduct thorough investigations, review safety records, interview witnesses, and work with experts to determine exactly who is responsible for your injuries.

Compensation in Swimming Pool Accident Cases

In a swimming pool accident case, you may be eligible for various types of compensation, including:

  • Medical Expenses: This includes current and future medical bills related to your injuries, such as surgeries, rehabilitation, and medication.
  • Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you have lost.
  • Pain and Suffering: You can seek damages for the physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by the accident.
  • Property Damage: If personal property, such as clothing or accessories, was damaged in the accident, you may be compensated for these losses.
  • Wrongful Death: If you've lost a loved one in a swimming pool accident, you may be eligible for wrongful death compensation, including funeral expenses and loss of companionship.

Our attorneys will work with you to thoroughly investigate your case and determine all liable parties. We will then fight to obtain the maximum compensation possible for your injuries.

Swimming Pool Accident Claim FAQs

What should I do after a swimming pool accident?

Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Then, report the incident to the property owner or manager, gather witness statements, take photos of the scene, and contact a lawyer right away.

How long do I have to file a claim in California?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, if a government entity is involved, you may have as little as six months to submit a notice of claim.

Can I file a claim if my child was injured in someone else’s pool?

Yes. Property owners can be held liable for failing to secure their pool or for creating unsafe conditions that attract children, under California’s attractive nuisance doctrine.

What if I signed a waiver at a public pool?

Even if you signed a waiver, it may not completely shield the pool owner or operator from liability, especially if gross negligence or safety violations occurred.

Do I need an attorney to file a swimming pool accident claim?

While not legally required, working with a skilled attorney greatly improves your chances of a successful outcome. An experienced San Francisco swimming pool accident lawyer can handle investigations, negotiations, and ensure you receive fair compensation.

Contact Our San Francisco Swimming Pool Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured in a swimming pool accident, don't hesitate to contact Bostwick & Associates . Our experienced San Francisco swimming pool accident attorneys will work tirelessly to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

Contact us online or by calling (888) 831-8448 today for your free consultation.

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED LAW FIRM

  • Inner Circle of Advocates
    Inner Circle of Advocates

    Invitation-only organization of the top 100 plaintiff trial lawyers in the U.S.

  • International Academy of Trial Lawyers
    International Academy of Trial Lawyers

    Former President of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, limited to the top 500 trial lawyers in the U.S.

  • American Board of Trial Advocates
    American Board of Trial Advocates

    Invitation-only group of the nation’s top civil lawyers and judges.

  • Super Lawyers 2024
    Super Lawyers 2024

    James S. Bostwick has been named top-rated medical malpractice attorneys in Northern California.

  • The Best Lawyers in America
    The Best Lawyers in America

    Recognized since its inception in 1983 by this peer-reviewed publication, comprised of the best legal talent in the world. Awarded Best Malpractice Lawyer in 2012 and 2013.

  • Lawdragon
    Lawdragon

    James Bostwick inducted into the Hall of Fame and featured among the Top 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers in America.

  • American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys
    American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys

    James Bostwick is a nationally certified medical malpractice specialist and founding member.

  • Best Law Firms 2026
    Best Law Firms 2026

    Recognized for professional excellence with impressive ratings from clients and peers.

  • The National Trial Lawyers
    The National Trial Lawyers

    James Bostwick is listed in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers.

  • Multi-Million Dollar Advocates
    Multi-Million Dollar Advocates

    An exclusive group limited to less than 1% of U.S. attorneys who have won multi-million dollar results.

  • America's Top 100 Med Mal Litigators
    America's Top 100 Med Mal Litigators

    James Bostwick's exceptional talents have been recognized by America’s Top 100 Medical Malpractice Litigators®, where he remains among some of the most esteemed medical malpractice litigators throughout the country.

  • Supers Lawyers 20 Years
    Supers Lawyers 20 Years
    James S. Bostwick has been named as a Super Lawyer for the past 20 years.

What Sets Bostwick & Associates Apart?

  • Since January 2018, the firm has twice broken the California record for the largest medical malpractice settlement
  • More than $1 billion recovered for our clients
  • James Bostwick was named Trial Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers® in 2012
  • Record-setting verdicts and settlements in five states for medical malpractice and motor vehicle accidents
  • James Bostwick is a member of the Inner Circle of Advocates, limited to the nation’s top 100 plaintiff lawyers
  • James Bostwick received the Trial Lawyers "Presidential Award of Merit"
  • Included in the list of "Best Lawyers in America" by U.S. News - Best Lawyers® since its inception in 1983
  • James Bostwick is a Nationally Certified Specialist by the American Board of Professional Liability

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