According to the Center for Disease Control, there were over 3,300 deaths caused by drowning or submersion in 2000. This rate is particularly high for children under 16, which represent almost 25% of all drowning victims. About 350 children under 5 drown in pools each year. Drowning is the second leading cause of death for this age group after motor vehicle incidents.

Adding to the tragedy are approximately 5,000 more children who experienced near-drowning emergencies. Many of those suffer permanent neurological disability.

The vast majority of these accidents happen in backyard pools.

• Safety recommendations include:
• Four-sided isolation fencing at last five feet high
• Self-closing and self-latching gates
• Fencing should enclose the pool and spa entirely, preventing direct access

Accidents in and around pools present a very special set of circumstances. Injuries are usually more serious and involve an intricate set of laws. You may be able to file a "PREMISES LIABILITY" claim against a negligent pool owner for not complying with certain regulations. For example not having a fence around the pool.

You may be able to file a "PRODUCT LIABILITY" claim against a manufacturer or designer of a pool or spa or any substandard part used in its manufacture. For example several faulty spa drain cover have been recalled in the past because of there responsibility for causing "body entrapment" resulting in serious injury and death.

You may also be able to file a claim against the pool owner for other forms of "NEGLIGENCE". For example leaving small children unattended in the pool.

Proving someone's negligence is often difficult and sometimes impossible. Early investigation is essential in handling these cases. Our knowledge of the law coupled with our investigative skills gives Wilson-Goodman & Fong the competitive edge you need on your side.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a swimming pool accident, contact us today at 480.503.9217 for a FREE consultation.

The law office of Wilson-Goodman & Fong, P.C., provides a wide range of legal services to meet the varied needs of individuals and families in Phoenix, Arizona. We serve clients in Maricopa County and Pinal County, and the communities of the East Valley, including Gilbert, Chandler, Chandler Heights, Mesa, Tempe, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, Casa Grande, Florence, Gold Canyon, Eloy, Maricopa, and Coolidge.