Private Pool Owners May Be Liable For Pool Injuries

When a friend or neighbor invites you to their home for some pool time, it usually means there will be a day of fun. Sadly, this scenario sometimes leads to injuries. Just because your injuries took place at a private residence, do not assume that it means you will be left to handle the cost of medical bills or other injury-related expenses on your own. Private pool owners can sometimes be found liable. 

Pool Waiver

Some homeowners require that their pool guests sign a liability waiver before they can swim. It sounds like a great way to protect themselves on the surface, but there is a gray area people do not think about. The problem with these waivers is that in some scenarios if the pool owner is the person that invited the guests to come to the pool, the waiver is considered null and void. 

When you invite someone to do something, you essentially assume all the risks that come along with the invitation. If you signed a waiver, it does not mean that the pool owner cannot be found liable.

Unsafe Conditions

The condition a private owner chooses to keep their pool in is their business until they allow someone outside of their household to swim. Poor lighting, a failure to secure the pool, such as with a fence, or damaged decking that causes a slip hazard are all issues that must be addressed before a homeowner allows a non-household member to swim.

As a result, if a guest is injured because the condition of the pool was unsafe, and the guests had permission from the homeowner to be at the pool — the homeowner could be found liable for the injuries, at least in part. 

Improper Supervision

A common gathering for children and teens is backyard pool parties. From a legal standpoint, when a parent hosts a party and invites other children to swim, they also agree to properly supervise the guests. If a homeowner does not supervise the children and someone is hurt, the liability typically rests on them, especially if the child's parents are not present.

In fact, some states require that any child in a pool be supervised at all times. So, if your child was injured at a gathering, you do have options. 

If you, or a loved one, were injured and you have questions about the pool owner's responsibility, do not hesitate to speak with an attorney for help.

Contact a personal injury attorney for more information.