Though parents are aware of obvious dangers at a pool—shallow diving, slip and fall, or drowning—one of the most overlooked potential hazards at a pool is electrocution. In several recent cases, pools have become electrically charged, leaving children unable to get out and parents unable to rescue them without getting shocked themselves. Fox News has posted a surveillance video of an apartment complex pool the moment that a young girl grabs a handrail and gets shocked. She froze in the water and was unable to get out. The video also shows a man going to rescue her who also gets shocked as he is trying to pull her out of the water. Several other children in the pool were shocked during the three-minute ordeal.
According to investigators, the pool was charged by unconnected ground wires to the pool’s pump house. Since the accident, the pool has been drained and closed. Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers are experienced in representing individuals who have been impacted by an accidental injury or death. We are committed to investigating the cause of the accident and in identifying responsible parties. By holding individuals and entities accountable and raising awareness, our objective is to prevent future accidents and injuries.
The Florida pool electrocutions were not the first this season. Nationwide, there have been other instances of electrically charged pools. This recent case trapped the children underwater and electrocuted those nearby. According to inspectors, the pool pump was not properly grounded. When it malfunctioned, it electrified the water. While pool electrocutions are rare, they can be deadly. Whether you are a pool owner, visiting a friend, at a hotel, or public pool, be aware of the potential risks and signs of an electrically charged pool. Some experts say that up to 90% of pools are not properly equipped to prevent electrocution.
Though pools can become electrically charged, it is more common with Jacuzzis. It may feel like a tingling sensation or an outright shock, but an electrically charged pool can be deadly. If you suspect that your pool has an electrical charge, you should stay away from the water as well as puddles, hoses and other potential conduits for the electricity. You should call a technician or other professional to turn off electricity and inspect the property until the area has been cleared.
Pool owners should inspect their property for cracked concrete around the pool, broken conduits, and lose or high voltage wires. Remember that most licensed pool contractors or electricians will come out for an inspection without charge. In these cases, it is always better to be safe than sorry. An electrically charged pool can cause serious injury or death if unattended. Pool owners should also be aware that they can be held liable in the event of an accident or injury. Proper maintenance of a pool is necessary and failure to ensure safety could be grounds for a premises liability lawsuit. In the event that you or your child was injured in a pool accident, an experienced advocate can investigate your case and claim.
Call Freeman Injury Law — 1-800-561-7777 for a free appointment to discuss your rights.
More Blog Entries:
Swimming Pool Owners Have Legal Duty to Safeguard, May 6, 2014, Palm Beach Injury Lawyer Blog
Beauty Salon Lawsuits in Broward Require Thorough Investigation, April 20, 2014, Palm Beach Injury Lawyer Blog