Young Boy Dies from Electrocution in Swimming Pool Accident
Our Atlanta personal injury attorneys at Montlick and Associates are committed to promoting public safety. Our law firm participates in many programs designed to prevent injury to children and teenagers, such as our Child Passenger Safety Program, our Positively Georgia Family Safety Program and our Don't Drink and Drive Campaign among many other programs.
Our experience seeing friends, neighbors and community members injured in preventable accidents provides a constant reminder of the need to work together as a community to prevent injuries and loss of life. With summer upon us, small children and teens alike will be flocking to swimming pools to beat the heat. While swimming pools offer a welcome escape from blistering summer temperatures, swimming pool accidents also spike during the summer months.
There are many types of potential accidents that can occur in and around swimming pools, including drowning, drain entrapment, slip and falls and diving accidents. One risk that most people do not consider is the risk of electrocution while swimming. However, a Florida boy recently was electrocuted by the light in the family's swimming pool.
A media report regarding the tragedy reported that a contractor who investigated the pool after the incident had an explanation for the unusual accident. The contractor discovered that an important ground wire to the pool light was not connected, which could have directed the full 120 volts to the light fixture rather than just 12 volts. The report suggests that the high voltage may have accelerated corrosion of the fixture around the light, which caused the seal to fail. Once the waterproof seal failed, water penetrated the light, and the entire body of water was electrified. Tragically, the contractor indicated that the cost to repair the problem would have been a mere $400.
There have been 60 swimming pool electrocution deaths and 50 serious shocks during a recent 13 year period according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). While drowning and near-drowning incidents are the most common type of swimming pool accident, this tragedy demonstrates the potential risk when pool contractors do not comply with building and safety codes or when pools are not properly maintained. When swimming pool and spa injuries are caused by inadequate maintenance or substandard workmanship during installation, these types of negligence may constitute a basis for a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Similarly, when pool accidents are caused by defective equipment, the defects might provide a basis for a product liability claim or lawsuit.
Put Our Law Firm's Over 39 Years of Experience to Work For Your Case
If you or a family member has suffered injury or a loved one has died in a pool accident, you may have a right to compensation for your injuries or loss. Our Atlanta attorneys at Montlick and Associates have been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast for over thirty years, including but not limited to all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.