While swimming is a fun way to stay active and cool during the summer, pool accidents happen often, and they can have serious, even deadly consequences. This is, unfortunately, especially true for young and inexperienced swimmers. In New Jersey, pool owners are required to adhere to specific safety regulations, meaning they can face liability in the event of unsafe conditions or negligence resulting in injury. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury as a result of a negligent pool owner, the following blog explores what you should know about your rights and how a Monmouth County personal injury attorney can help you fight for the justice you deserve.
Due to the number of accidents, injuries, and fatalities involving swimming pools, the state of New Jersey introduced William’s Law, which set strict regulations regarding barriers surrounding pools.
As such, key pool barrier requirements include:
Pool owners who fail to adhere to these requirements can face penalties, including fines and fees.
You should also understand that the exact requirements of your pool may vary based on the municipality where you reside.
Most pool accidents occur due to pool owner negligence. If a pool owner acts negligently and an injury occurs, they can face liability.
Understanding how these accidents happen is critical for pool owners and swimmers alike. Pool owners must be able to recognize potential hazards, while swimmers should understand the risks to avoid injury. As such, some of the most common incidents that can lead to injuries include:
As a swimmer, understanding the steps to take following an injury near a swimming pool is critical to protect your health and your claim.
Though being injured at a pool can be overwhelming and stressful, remaining calm is critical to obtain the information you need to fight for your right to compensation.
If you have suffered an injury, it’s important to understand how to prove negligence following an accident. Generally, in order to fulfill the burden of proof that a pool owner was negligent, you must show the following:
Common examples include:
In general, most personal injury cases in New Jersey must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. However, some exceptions may apply.
When a person under the age of 18 is injured, New Jersey will toll (pause) the statute of limitations until they reach their 18th birthday. This means that, if a 12-year-old child is injured at a swimming pool in New Jersey, the two-year statute of limitations will begin on their 18th birthday, giving them until they turn 20 to file a claim.
New Jersey also makes exceptions for wrongful death cases. In these instances, the statute of limitations will begin when the injured party passes away as a result of their injury, as opposed to two years from the date on which the injury occurred.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury at a swimming pool in New Jersey, understanding your legal options is critical. At Wilton Legal, our firm understands the impact these accidents can have on your life, which is why we will do everything possible to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn how we can represent you during these difficult times.
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