While swimming pools can provide hours of enjoyment and relief from the hot Georgia sun, swimming pool owners and water park, hotel and municipal pool operators have an obligation to protect guests from drowning and other injuries.

More than 3,500 fatal drownings were reported in the United States in 2005, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

One in four of those were children under 14. And for every child who drowns, another four receive emergency room care for non-fatal submersion injuries.

Swimming pool accidents often involve several areas of law, including premise and municipal liability and complex medical issues such as traumatic brain injuries and injuries caused by lack of oxygen to the body, which are not always readily apparent.

Submersion injuries can result in long-term disabilities, including memory and motor-control problems, learning disabilities and permanent loss of basic functions.

The personal injury and wrongful death lawyers at Commander+Pound recommend medical treatment for anyone involved in a near-drowning incident. While thankful for escaping a near-tragedy for yourself or a family member, you may be unaware of the long-term potential for injury related to the incident.

At Commander+Pound, we will use the medical experience earned after decades working with doctors, hospital and surgeons to examine your case and assemble the legal team best suited to winning the compensation you deserve.

Situations that can contribute to a drowning or near-drowning can include:

• Missing or weak fence or gates surrounding a pool.
• Discolored water that masks pool depth or indicates other safety hazards, such as bacteria or broken pool surfaces.
• Lack of pool depth indicators
• Lack of lifeguards or poorly trained or inattentive staff
• Lack of safety equipment, posted safety rules or other preventive safety measures.
• Defective or broken walkways around pool
• Defective pool equipment, such as pumps or drains
• Weak or broken pool ladders

If you or someone you love has been injured in a swimming pool accident, the staff at Commander+Pound offers free appointments to discuss your rights.

Serious Lawyers+Serious Injuries=Serious Results