Swimming Pool Accident Attorney Los Angeles

Supporting Clients & Counsel in Complex Claims Nationwide

Premises owners, occupiers, and property managers must address dangers associated with swimming pools, as these facilities involve significant liability exposure. When pool owners neglect their duties, serious injuries and deaths often follow.

Like other premises liability claims, swimming pool cases require meticulous investigation, strategic legal arguments, and compelling storytelling tailored to each case.

Athea Trial Lawyers, we develop strong cases by leveraging experience, detailed insight, and creative storytelling. Our attorneys offer dedicated representation to clients and collaborate with counsel in prominent cases to pursue the largest recoveries possible.

Each year in California, public and private pool accidents lead to hundreds of emergency visits, with Los Angeles County reporting some of the state’s highest rates of pool-related injuries. Our local presence and knowledge of Los Angeles municipal codes and property standards enable us to identify issues unique to this area, from unpermitted pool structures to noncompliance with fencing requirements. By understanding the nuances of L.A. pool regulations, we deliver comprehensive legal support for victims throughout the region.

Understanding Common Injuries & Their Long-Term Impact

Swimming pool accidents often result in severe, life-changing injuries that may require extensive medical treatment for years to come. Victims frequently experience traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, serious lacerations, or even burn injuries in cases involving faulty electrical systems. 

Near-drowning incidents can lead to permanent neurological deficits, particularly in young children, with the effects impacting families far beyond the initial trauma. In Los Angeles, trauma centers and rehabilitation facilities routinely care for victims suffering from an array of pool-related injuries, underlining the significant community burden these incidents can create. Our firm recognizes that recovery from these injuries involves both immediate and long-term considerations, including ongoing therapy, adaptive equipment, and shifts in daily living. 

We take these long-term needs into account and help ensure every facet of injury and loss is appropriately evaluated as part of any claim. By partnering with respected medical professionals, we help document the connection between swimming pool accidents and lasting health challenges, offering clients a comprehensive view of their potential path forward.

Key Los Angeles Laws & Regulations Affecting Pool Safety

California and Los Angeles have enacted strict laws designed to protect residents and visitors from preventable swimming pool accidents. The City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety enforces requirements for all new and existing pools, including mandatory fencing, self-latching gates, anti-entrapment drain covers to comply with the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act, and clearly posted depth markers. 

These guidelines exist to reduce the risk of tragic injuries, especially for children. Los Angeles property owners who ignore or violate these standards may face enhanced liability if an injury occurs on their property. For example, failing to install a compliant safety barrier is a key factor in many claims involving child trespassers or guests. Our attorneys closely follow updates to state and municipal codes, helping identify whether noncompliance contributed to a particular injury. 

By understanding the intersection of local ordinances and state law, we present a clearer case for clients seeking accountability and reform. If you or your family has suffered due to a pool owner’s disregard for these important safety requirements, you may have grounds to pursue a claim under California law.

What to Do After a Swimming Pool Accident in Los Angeles

Immediate action after a swimming pool accident can help protect your rights and strengthen your case. First, always call for emergency medical help, even if injuries seem minor. Reporting the accident to local authorities creates important records that may help later in the legal process. If safe to do so, document the scene with photos of the pool area, broken safety measures, warning signs, and any visible injuries. Gather contact information for witnesses and the property owner or manager. 

Residents of Los Angeles and L.A. County should be aware that property owners have certain responsibilities under city ordinances, and a detailed record can show where those responsibilities may have been ignored. Even if you do not require immediate hospitalization, seek a medical evaluation as soon as possible—certain injuries may not become apparent right away. Consulting with a knowledgeable swimming pool accident attorney in Los Angeles who understands the nuances of local pool accident cases can help clarify your options and ensure you pursue the most effective course forward.

Why Athea Trial Lawyers?

• Billions in compensation recovered for clients.
• Record-setting results in premises cases across the country.
• Deep bench of nationally recognized trial lawyers.

Athea Trial Lawyers is a powerhouse trial practice united by six of the most accomplished plaintiffs’ attorneys in the nation. Our results have earned us the trust of clients and colleagues to handle the most significant cases.

If you have a case to discuss, call (800) 664-0161 or contact us online.

Cases We Handle

Athea Trial Lawyers litigates a range of swimming pool accident cases, including those involving issues such as:

• Failure to adequately fence pools or hot tubs to prevent unsupervised access
• Negligent maintenance of pools, pool areas, and pool equipment
• Pool sanitation issues and improper pool chemistry
• Excessively dirty or littered pools that hinder supervision
• Electrocution and electric shock injuries caused by damaged or defective equipment
• Damaged or defective pool drains or jets that create entrapment risks
• Fatal drowning / wrongful death
• Near-drowning events resulting in permanent injuries
• Failure to provide rescue equipment, AEDs, and trained lifeguards
• Multiple defendants, short-term rentals / Airbnb, and contested liability
• Building code violations involving location, structure, and other issues
• Trespassing, child injuries, and attractive nuisances

The types of injuries resulting from pool accidents can vary widely and often have devastating consequences. Victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries due to near-drownings, spinal cord injuries from diving accidents, severe lacerations from broken tiles, or infections from unsanitary pool conditions. Children face particular risk of lasting harm. 

Our team works with medical professionals and safety consultants to fully document injuries, helping clients present thorough claims for both immediate and long-term needs. Short-term rental properties, common in greater Los Angeles, can pose increased risks due to inconsistent safety protocols and lack of regular maintenance. We address these unique challenges by staying abreast of local trends and evolving regulations, ensuring every claim reflects the reality of pool usage and accident risks in this region.

Liability for Swimming Pool Injuries

Generally, parties that own, lease, occupy, or control property have a duty to exercise reasonable care in its maintenance—a duty that cannot be delegated to third parties or independent contractors. 

Examples of defendants named in swimming pool cases include:

• Residential homeowners or landlords
• HOAs or property management companies
• Summer camps, community centers, and aquatic centers
• Local / county government responsible for public pools

While proving a defendant’s legal duty is a foundational element of premises cases, the scope and specifics of this duty can vary based on the unique facts involved and whether the property owner’s actions were reasonable or negligent. 

For instance:

• Reasonable safety measures may include routine pool inspections to identify unsafe conditions such as damaged drains or lights that create entrapment and electrocution risks. Additional measures include creating safety plans, supervision policies, and erecting fences that comply with local regulations to prevent unauthorized access.
• Negligent swimming pool maintenance may include failing to inspect or properly maintain pools, omitting proper barriers, neglecting the creation of safety policies or emergency plans, insufficient supervision or lack of lifeguards, and not providing staff training.

Since the duty of care premises owners owe to guests is well established, the scope of that duty becomes the main focus in swimming pool accident cases. Proving fault and liability depends on clearly defining what responsibilities property owners had regarding the construction, maintenance, and upkeep of their pools.

As trial lawyers, we explain these concepts clearly to juries and present arguments in a compelling manner. We consider the same factors jurors use when evaluating whether premises owners acted reasonably to ensure pool safety, including:

• Location and type of pool (residential home, hotel, HOA, or public facility)
• Likelihood people would visit the property to use the pool and potential injury risks
• Foreseeability of injuries and likely severity of harm
• Whether owners knew or should have known about a dangerous condition
• How challenging it was to protect against risks created by unsafe conditions
• The extent of a defendant’s control over the condition that caused harm

Liability in Los Angeles pool accident cases often depends on compliance with local and state safety codes. For example, California law—along with Los Angeles city ordinances—mandates specific requirements for pool fencing, self-closing gates, and visible depth warnings. Lack of adherence to these laws may strengthen a claim against negligent owners, especially where injuries could have been prevented through straightforward safety measures. Our deep familiarity with regulatory standards helps pinpoint instances of noncompliance that impact the outcome of a claim. We also stay current on updates to the California Building Code and public health orders, both of which can affect liability in pool accident cases citywide.

In addition to building sound legal arguments, our attorneys draw from detailed insight, a network of connections, and trial technology tools like our slide girl service to strengthen our cases. We are available to discuss how we assist victims and support counsel during a consultation.

Proven Experience in High-Profile Litigation

Athea Trial Lawyers has significant experience litigating premises liability and swimming pool accident cases. Most recently, we represented the family of a 6-year-old girl who suffered irreparable brain damage due to an unsafe hotel hot tub.

In our lawsuit, we alleged the hotel negligently installed an unpermitted, unapproved water park next to the hot tub, failed to barricade the tub from a nearby water slide, overheated the hot tub water to unsafe levels, and lacked a rescue plan. We also uncovered over 50 code violations and evidence indicating the hotel left the existing hot tub to classify its water park as a renovation, not new construction.

We frequently handle swimming pool accident claims involving hotels, apartment complexes, and private homes across Southern California, each with its own unique liability issues. Our team pays close attention to factors that commonly arise in Los Angeles-area cases, such as a property's history of code violations or a pattern of previous incidents. 

By analyzing all available evidence—including official inspection records and maintenance logs—we develop a thorough understanding of what went wrong and how to clearly present that narrative for our clients. Our comprehensive case development process reflects our commitment to uncovering the truth and achieving meaningful results for victims and their families.

Free & Confidential Consultations: (800) 664-0161

Pool accident cases require ample resources and knowledgeable attorneys with proven success representing victims harmed by unsafe property conditions.

If you have questions about a potential pool injury in Los Angeles or need information about premises liability, we offer initial consultations at no cost. Our team can review your situation, explain local and state regulations that could impact your claim, and outline possible approaches to your case. Whether you are a resident, visitor, or attorney seeking support on complex claims, we provide guidance based on up-to-date legal knowledge and direct experience handling cases throughout Southern California.

If you have questions about a potential case involving injuries sustained by you or a loved one, or wish to speak with a member of our team about trial support services, contact us for a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What rules must Los Angeles pool owners follow to prevent accidents?

Los Angeles requires pool owners to install fencing, self-closing and self-latching gates, anti-entrapment drain covers, and clearly visible depth markers. Failure to meet these standards may increase the owner's liability if an accident occurs on their property.

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

California gives most injured parties two years from the date of the incident to bring a personal injury claim. Exceptions can apply, so contacting a swimming pool accident lawyer in Los Angeles soon after an accident helps preserve your options.

Who can be held responsible for a swimming pool injury in Los Angeles?

Depending on the case, responsibility may fall on residential property owners, landlords, HOAs or property managers, or public entities such as local or county government. Identifying all parties who contributed to unsafe conditions can strengthen your claim.