When summer hits in Connecticut, families head to pools to cool off and enjoy the weather. But whether it’s a private backyard pool or a community swimming center, serious injuries can happen. And when they do, the first question many families ask is: Who’s responsible?
At Mancini Law we represent people who’ve suffered life-changing injuries or lost a member of their family because a pool owner failed to make safety a priority. Let’s take a look at how pool accidents happen, who may be legally responsible, what Connecticut law says about pool safety, and how injured victims can take steps to recover medical costs, lost income, and more.
How Pool Accidents Happen
Some accidents are caused by bad luck. But most are preventable. They usually happen because someone failed to follow safety rules or didn’t keep the pool area secure.
Common causes of swimming pool injuries include:
- Slippery pool decks without warning signs or proper drainage
- Missing or broken fences or gates that let children wander into pool areas
- Diving into shallow water without signs warning against it
- Poor lighting, especially at night
- Faulty drains or suction systems that trap swimmers
- Overcrowding or lack of supervision at public pools
- Untrained or inattentive lifeguards
Injuries range from broken bones and head trauma to spinal cord damage and drowning. Even nonfatal drownings can leave victims, especially children, with permanent brain injuries.
Who’s Liable: Homeowners vs. Pool Operators
Liability depends on where the accident happened and what caused it.
Homeowners with private pools have a duty to keep the area reasonably safe for guests. That includes having the right type of fences and keeping them locked, using pool covers when not in use, and warning guests about dangerous things like slippery tiles or broken ladders. If a child wanders into a pool because the gate was left open or a lock was broken, the homeowner could be held responsible, even if the child was trespassing. Connecticut follows the “attractive nuisance” doctrine, which means homeowners can be liable when children are injured by something dangerous but tempting, like a swimming pool.
Public and commercial pool owners have higher safety responsibilities. These properties (like hotels, fitness centers, and municipal facilities) must follow strict health codes, employ trained lifeguards, post rules clearly, and maintain all equipment. When they fail to do that, and someone gets hurt, they can be held liable. If a lifeguard was on duty but distracted, or if the facility didn’t meet local inspection standards, victims have the right to bring a claim.
Determining who’s responsible often requires an investigation. Was a gate broken? Were signs missing? Was a child left unsupervised? At Mancini Law, we help families get answers to those questions and hold the right party accountable.
Pool Safety for Children: Constant Supervision is Critical
One of the most heartbreaking types of pool accidents involves children who go underwater without anyone noticing. A recent accident in Connecticut underscores this risk. In that case, a 9-year-old girl was found unresponsive in a backyard pool in Danbury. A neighbor administered CPR and saved her life. But the situation serves as a serious reminder — even in a private setting, a child can slip away in seconds.
The lesson is simple. Someone must always be watching. Not checking occasionally but actively watching. Even a few moments of distraction can lead to tragedy. It’s not enough to assume someone else is paying attention or to check on children every few minutes.
What to Do After a Pool Injury
Acting quickly helps protect your legal rights and makes it easier to prove what happened. After a pool accident, try to:
- Call 911 or other immediate medical care if someone is hurt, unresponsive, or even has minor symptoms like dizziness or shortness of breath
- Take photos of the pool area, including fences, gates, warning signs, and anything that is dangerous
- Get the names of any witnesses, especially lifeguards or employees
- Report the accident to the homeowner or property manager
- Write down exactly what happened as soon as possible
Even if everything feels like a blur, try to document anything you remember, like how the accident happened, who was there, and what conditions looked unsafe. These details can be important if you decide to file a claim, but the shock of the situation means you may not remember details as well as you normally do.
Don’t Wait to Get Help
Pool accident cases are complicated. Property owners and their insurance companies may deny wrongdoing or try to shift blame. Proving fault requires a strong legal strategy and a personal injury lawyer who understands Connecticut’s premises liability laws.
At Mancini Law, we stand up to the insurance companies after preventable pool accidents. We also take the time to learn what really happened and how the injury has affected your life. Please contact us today for a free, no-pressure consultation.
Call us at 860-325-7347 or CLICK HERE to fill out our contact form to get started.