What Are Spring and Summer Slip and Fall Hazards?
With the spring season fully upon us, the slips and falls normally associated with the fall and winter are thought to be finally behind us. However, that is simply not the case, as the spring can bring its own slippery hazards that businesses and homeowners must be aware of:
- Slippery surfaces: The snow and ice may be gone, but the spring and summer introduction of sprinkler systems and garden hoses have increased slippery surfaces. This includes sidewalks, parking lots, driveways, roads, and walkways. As the temperatures get warmer, more people tend to spend their time outdoors. If they are outside walking in puddles or on wet surfaces, they can track in water into businesses and homes, causing a slippery hazard in itself.
- Outdoors: A study from the University of Utah found that there are hundreds of emergency department visits between May and September from slip and fall injuries outdoors. Many people may not be wearing the correct shoes or are just not careful when hiking, jogging, on a camping trip, or doing any activity outdoors. It may also be because that spring weather brings a significant amount of rain, which can make any surface slick enough to fall. Be cautious around the pool or ocean as well. Where there is water, there are slipping hazards that can cause a fall, especially for children or the elderly.
- Property maintenance: Property owners need to be aware of cracked sidewalks or broken staircases, things that can happen after a harsh winter. Potholes in parking lots are caused by water seeping into cracked pavement and when the temperatures drop, the water freezes and expands. Potholes are a common trip hazard that occur as spring transitions from winter.
How to Prevent Spring Slip and Fall Injuries?
Slip and fall injuries happen more in the spring and summer than people may realize, so it is important to do what you can to help prevent any injuries:
- If you are a property owner or business owner, be on a lookout for hazards that winter may have caused, such as potholes or cracked walkways and have them repaired immediately. Make sure that handrails are secure, and carpets are secured if they are torn or frayed.
- When at a pool, remind everyone not to run, and to keep the traffic areas free of any debris.
- Take care of any spills or liquids on the ground as quickly as possible, whether you are at home or own a business. If you do own a business, put out caution signs if there is a slippery surface.
Slip and Fall Injuries in Delaware
If you suffer a slip and fall injury in Delaware, know the law before pursuing a lawsuit. The statute of limitations to file an injury lawsuit in Delaware is two years. Not only is this for seeking compensation for an injury from a slip and fall, but also if you are seeking compensation for property damage from the slip or fall as well, such as breaking an expensive watch. The statute of limitations begins on the date of the accident. Should you attempt to file a lawsuit after the deadline, your case would most likely be dismissed.
Another term in Delaware to be aware of is “comparative negligence”. This means that the plaintiff in an injury case does not receive any compensation if they share any responsibility for the accident than the defendant. However, Delaware has a “modified comparative negligence” law, which means that the plaintiff could still receive compensation if they share some responsibility in the accident, just as long as it is not more than the defendant.
The Delaware Personal Injury Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Help Those Injured in Slip and Fall Accidents
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident because of the negligence of another, then you could be entitled to compensation. Call our experienced Delaware personal injury lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. immediately. Call us today at 302-656-5445 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. With our offices located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we proudly serve all communities of Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
What Injuries are Common in the Fall Months?
A Personal injury can happen at any time of the year. However, some accidents tend to occur more frequently in certain months or seasons. Below is a list of some types of injuries most associated with fall.
Back, Neck, and Shoulder Problems
Many people take advantage of the warm autumn days to take care of lawn duties, especially during the weekends. This can mean anything from raking for a couple of hours to preparing garden beds for the colder winter months. Some statistics suggest that more than 75,000 injury cases each year are attributed to raking or working outside in the yard. There are many reasons for this. Leaning over to rake leaves and picking up loose branches can cause muscle, ligament, and tendon irritation, and straining. These strains can lead to more chronic aches and pains, especially if someone has a pre-existing injury or condition, like arthritis.
A good way to lessen the chances of developing a repetitive motion stress injury is to stretch before doing any activity. Stretching warms up the body and helps reduce problems related to sudden, jarring movement. Individuals should use proper lifting and carrying motions.
Slip and Fall Injuries
Although winter is associated with injuries related to slip and fall accidents, leaf-laden sidewalks in autumn are very hazardous. Leaves can hide issues, like uneven sidewalks or deep sidewalk cracks.
Other types of fall-related slip and fall incidents include falling from ladders while cleaning house gutters or putting up holiday decorations, tripping over lawn and garden equipment, and slipping while shoveling early snow or sleet events.
One situation that can lead to falls is reduced lighting. Fall brings shorter amounts of sunlight each day, which means people may be walking in the dark more often than during the summer. Walking in a poorly lit area can lead to falling, which can end up in lacerations, broken bones, bruises, strains, and even head injuries.
Preventing slip and fall accidents can be easy. Some of the best ways to avoid slipping include creating leaf piles that are not located on sidewalks or walkways, clearing leaves off driveways and sidewalks, and picking up tools and lawn equipment on a routine basis.
Do Car Accident Rates Increase in Fall?
As the weather pattern begins to change, fog becomes a major hazard for drivers. Foggy mornings and evenings can make it difficult for people to navigate on roadways, even if they know the streets well. For this reason, car accidents may be more prevalent over the fall months, particularly collisions that happen during morning or evening commutes.
To prevent collisions, drivers should prepare themselves accordingly before getting behind the wheel. Their headlights and tail lights should be in proper working order, and they should make certain their car windows are not fogged over or icy before driving. Motorists should also be aware that wet leaves on roads can cause tires to lose traction with the street. Therefore, drivers must practice defensive driving measures when they travel over streets with leaves.
Sun glare can be an issue for some commuters, depending upon when they begin and end their workdays. The sun changes position during the autumn months and may shine strongly through a windshield, limiting the driver’s view temporarily. Drivers can mitigate sun glare by wearing proper sunglasses, using their windshield visors appropriately, and potentially switching their commuting routines.
How Can I Avoid an Accidents in the Fall?
In addition to practicing basic preventive measures, individuals can improve their safety during the fall by acknowledging and anticipating potential problems that could lead to accidents and injuries. For instance, a homeowner may decide to hire a professional tree trimmer rather than try to cut down limbs by climbing a ladder and maneuvering handheld equipment. A motorist should take extra time while running errands and drive at the speed limit or below the limit if it is appropriate.
To avoid accidents, homeowners, landlords, and business owners should make sure they take care of their properties. This can involve raking up leaves, properly discarding any large branches, trimming trees with questionable limbs, repairing large sidewalk gaps and cracks, and keeping all walkways well-lit.
Although accidents may not be entirely avoidable, their frequency can be reduced with planning.
What Should I Do After an Accident in Autumn?
Anyone who gets hurt in an accident, whether it is at home, at a commercial location, or in the car, should seek medical attention. Some types of accidents, such as car crashes, can leave to hidden injuries or injuries that show up later. A good example is a motorist who experiences whiplash or a concussion days after a collision. It is always better to get seen by a medical professional right after the accident to eliminate the possibility of serious injuries.
If the fall-related accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, as in the case of a poorly lit and maintained business parking lot, the injured person might want to explore the possibility of filing a personal injury claim. In this situation, a lawyer can be a helpful resource.
Delaware Personal Injury Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Offer Legal Advice to Injured Accident Victims
In autumn, there are many hazards. If you were hurt in an accident, our Delaware personal injury lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. can help. We help victims get the maximum amount of compensation that they deserve. Contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445 for a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
What Happens if I Slip and Fall at a Resort?
Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere. Depending on where the accident happened, you may be able to obtain compensation for any injuries. If you were hurt while staying at a resort, you may be wondering if management can be held responsible for your injuries.
When is Hotel Management Responsible for Slip and Fall Accidents?
A duty of care is the obligation to keep others safe. If guests are injured while on a hotel manager’s property, management can be held responsible for any injuries sustained if the injuries were caused by negligence. Hotel management is responsible for keeping guests safe. If the slip and fall accident could have easily been prevented, the management could be responsible, such as failing to post warning signs or maintaining the property.
What Are Common Hotel Management Duties?
Hotel management duties normally include the following:
- Maintaining stairs and elevators.
- Controlling insect infestation.
- Maintaining adequate lighting.
- Repairing hotel defects.
- Making sure any spills are promptly cleaned.
Hotel management may be held responsible for accidents and injuries when management fails to perform these duties.
How Can I Prove Negligence?
In order for a hotel to be held responsible for your injuries, you must be able to prove that the hotel breached a duty that was owed to you while you were on the property.
This breach of duty must have led to your injuries. Taking pictures at the accident scene or obtaining information from witnesses can be helpful. If your accident was filmed on a security camera, this could possibly be used as evidence.
What if I am Responsible?
If you are planning to sue for your slip and fall injuries, you should prepare yourself to hear the property owner’s side of the story in court. The property owner will most likely argue that you are partially responsible for your accident. In most cases, a guest has a responsibility to maintain his or her own safety. Failure to do this may result in deduction of compensation.
Should I Seek a Lawyer After I Slip and Fall at a Resort?
If you slip and fall at a resort, it could be hard to determine who is responsible for the accident and your injuries. Slip and fall cases can be tricky, so it is best to obtain legal representation right away.
Hiring a lawyer that will help you with receiving compensation is crucial. A lawyer will evaluate your case, help you collect evidence, and will guide you through the legal process. Determining liability can be difficult. If you are partially responsible, you could receive little or no compensation, depending on the accident and the laws of the state. For these reasons, it is vital to hire a lawyer.
Dover Slip and Fall Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Represent Clients Injured in Slip and Fall Accidents
If you have injuries from a slip and fall accident that happened at a resort, contact us today. Our Dover slip and fall lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. will fight hard for your rights and will get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries. For a free consultation, complete our online form or call us at 302-656-5445. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Personal Injury Claims
Many people every year are injured in car accidents, work accidents, or by slipping and falling. There are many types of accidental injuries. However, some are more common than others. If you or someone you know has sustained a personal injury, you may be wondering if you are eligible for compensation.
Common Types of Personal Injury Claims
There are several different types of personal injury claims, but the following list contains the most common claims:
- Slip and fall accidents: Slip and falls happen every day and can cause minor or more severe injuries of the back, head, arms, legs, and neck. These types of injuries can be caused by slippery or uneven floors, loose cords, and dim lighting. Slip and falls can result in serious, long-lasting brain injuries.
- Car accidents: Car accident claims are the most common personal injury claims within the United States. Car accidents can be caused by many factors, including distracted driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It is important to seek legal counsel if you were involved in a car accident because it can be difficult to prove who is responsible for causing the accident.
- Work injuries: If you were injured on the job, you may be eligible for Workers’ Compensation. Workers’ Compensation will pay for your medical treatment and missed income. Sustaining an injury while on the job usually occurs due to unsafe working conditions, equipment that has malfunctioned, or insufficient training. If you were injured on the job, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. You should also report the accident to your supervisor in addition to taking photos of the area and getting statements from anyone who witnessed your accident. You should then seek legal counsel.
- Product liability: There are many products recalled every year. Malfunctioning products can result in injuries that include poisoning, suffocation, drowning, and falls.
- Assault: Assault injuries are usually a result of someone deciding to hurt someone else. Assaults are usually intentional which separates these injuries from other personal injuries.
- Medical Malpractice: Medical malpractice occurs when doctors, nurses, or other medical professionals cause severe injuries to their patients whether it was intentional or not. Examples of medical malpractice include surgical errors, a misdiagnosis, medication errors, and anesthesia errors.
Delaware Personal Injury Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Represent Clients Who Have Sustained a Personal Injury
Personal injuries are common and can happen to anyone. If you have sustained a personal injury, you may be entitled to compensation. Our skilled Delaware personal injury lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and will help get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445 to schedule a free consultation today. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we also serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Slip and Fall Accidents with Snow and Ice
With the upcoming winter months, we must remind ourselves to take proper precautions while traveling. Chances of suffering a slip and fall accidents are high due to snow and ice covered surfaces. It is important that property and business owners maintain the areas where people walk. If you slip or fall because of the negligence of a property owner, you may be eligible for compensation for your sufferings.
Laws Regarding Slip and Fall Accidents
Properly building a case is essential when trying to receive compensation for slip and fall injuries. Questions about your circumstances and injuries may arise, especially if it was on someone else’s property. Before trying to seek out compensation yourself, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of slip and fall lawyer. The following are some laws regarding slip and fall accidents:
- Statute of Limitations: In the state of Delaware, there are few laws that apply to slip and fall accidents. The statute of limitations law gives you two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit against the property owner. This also applies if you were uninjured in the accident, but your property was damaged. If you miss the deadline and decide to file, your case will likely be dismissed.
- Negligence: A property owner can be held negligible for your injury if they fail to fulfill their duty of care; it is their responsibility to make their property safe for travel. Reasonable maintenance and natural accumulation will be considered. Property owners must prove their snow and ice removal was reasonable considering their location and the natural accumulation of weather.
- Comparative Negligence Rule: Another law to consider, particularly in Delaware, is the comparative negligence rule. This is often combative. Both you and the plaintiff hold some responsibility in the accident. Each parties’ actions will be reviewed by the jury. If you hold over 50% responsibility of the accident, then you cannot recover compensation.
Evidence of Accident
It is important to build a strong case for compensation; gathering all evidence of the accident is essential. Information that should be collected includes medical summaries and bills, contacts with insurance companies, and photos of the locations that include the snow and ice. In some cases, property owners may reach a settlement with the plaintiff if they fear a public lawsuit; having a strong case in your favor is vital for recovering potential losses.
Dover Slip and Fall Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Defend Those Injured in Slip and Fall Accidents
If you or someone you know was injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be eligible for compensation. It is important to be safe when you travel during the winter months. Even with extra precautions, accidents can happen. Our slip and fall lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. will protect your rights and determine negligence. Contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445 for a free consultation regarding your potential case. Located in Wilmington and Georgetown, Delaware; we also serve the communities of Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Slip and Falls on Wet Leaves
Although Autumn leaves can be a beautiful sight to behold, they can also be dangerous and cause injuries. Wet leaves can be just as slippery as ice. Slip and falls on wet leaves can cause victims to sustain serious injuries, which can leave them out of work for a prolonged period. If you or someone you know was injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be eligible for compensation.
Slip and fall injuries can range from minor bruises to serious brain injuries. Property owners may only be held responsible for slip and falls if they knew of a possible problem. However, property owners have a legal duty to keep their property reasonably free from safety hazards. Walkways, entryways, and sidewalks must be kept free of hazards, which include wet leaves.
Statute of Limitations for Slip and Fall Accidents
In Delaware, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is two years. There is also a two-year deadline for filing a lawsuit for any damaged personal belongings. If you file a claim after the two-year deadline passes, the defendant may ask the court to dismiss the case and there is a high possibility that the court may do so.
Comparative Negligence
If you are filing a personal injury claim, you should be prepared for the defendant to argue that you are partly responsible for your injuries. If you are unable to counter this claim, a huge part of your settlement could be taken away.
What to Do If You are Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident that included wet leaves, the first thing you want to do is write down everything that happened. You will also want to take photos of the accident scene, if possible. Afterward, you should take down the names and contact information of the property owner and any witnesses who saw the accident. You should also seek medical attention as soon as possible so that your injuries can be treated and documented. You will need to keep track of all medical treatment, lost wages, and medical bills.
Wilmington Personal Injury Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Represent Victims Injured in Slip and Fall Accidents
If you or someone you know was injured in a slip and fall accident, contact a Wilmington personal injury lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Our experienced lawyers will fight for your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we proudly serve clients throughout the state, including Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Halloween Slip and Fall Dangers
Halloween is intended to be one of the most fun nights of the year. Adults and children alike get into the spirit with fun costumes and festivities. Drivers are always told to be extra cautious, but homeowners should also be aware of any surprises as well. Just because it is Halloween and trick-or-treaters are expected at your doorstep, this does not mean that homeowners are entitled to be negligent in keeping up with their property. If a slip and fall accident happens on a walkway or elsewhere on the property of any homeowner on Halloween, the homeowner can be held liable for any injuries or damages.
Homeowners must be especially mindful on Halloween, since the people who are most likely to enter the property are children. Although a homeowner could argue that they did not necessarily invite that specific child onto their property, it is understood that many children are expected to enter the property on that night, or on a town’s designated night for trick or treating.
Homeowner Responsibility
It is of utmost importance to make sure walkways are kept free of debris and other potentially harmful objects that could be an attractive nuisance to children, especially since children could be wearing masks or cumbersome costumes, which impedes their movements. Homeowners should also be aware that trick-or-treaters may opt not to use paved walkways and they could enter the property on grassy areas. If there are dangerous holes or other areas on the property where you do not want people to go, homeowners should rope it off with caution tape or create another type of barrier.
Even if homeowners turn out the porch light to signal that they are not participating in Halloween, walkways should still be cleared of debris and any dangers since children could still come to the front door. Homeowners should be up to date on their property insurance bill and they should ensure that they have enough homeowner’s insurance coverage in case of a slip and fall accident on their property. Although homeowners and landlords are usually liable for any injuries occurring on the property, tenants should check their lease for any clauses, which could give rise to their own liability if a slip and fall accident occurs on the premises.
Parents Can Help Avoid Accidents
To reduce the possibility of slip and fall accidents, parents should ensure that children’s costumes do not obstruct the child’s vision or physical movement in a way that increases the likelihood of an accident. Additionally, trick-or-treaters and their guardians should carry a flashlight in case they encounter a dimly lit area, and parents should encourage children to use walkways and only go to homes where there is adequate lighting on the property.
Dover Slip and Fall Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Help Victims of Halloween Slip and Fall Accidents
If you experienced a slip and fall accident on Halloween or any other time of year, the Dover slip and fall lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. can help. We will hold the negligent party liable for your injuries so you can focus on your recovery. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients throughout the state, including Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County. Call us today at 302-656-5445 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Keeping Halloween Safe
Whether you are a ghost, vampire, or cartoon character, October 31st is a time across the United States for anticipation of tricks, treats, and excitement. Yet this traditional night of fun for kids can be a big worry for parents of trick-or-treaters everywhere, so good Halloween preparation is the key.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that on Halloween night, children ages 14 and under have a four-times greater risk of being hit by a car. These accidents can happen from the combination of higher numbers of distracted pedestrians and drivers who do not react in a timely manner on dark roads.
Another hazard is slips and falls. Falls can happen due to long trailing costumes, masks and wigs getting in the way when the child may be carrying everything from a lightsaber to large candy containers.
Here are some safety tips on how to keep it a spooky and fun All Hallows’ Eve this year, and every year, while avoiding injury.
Tips for Safe Trick-or-Treating
Talking to kids in advance is as much a part of good Halloween planning as the costume and makeup. If older kids are going out together, make sure that all in the group have an adult emergency contact, and an established area to visit.
Advise children to never enter a stranger’s home or car, no matter the reason, and set a specific time to return home.
Staying on a designated route and going only to homes with lights on is important. Remember that at night, drivers may not see a child walking until it is too late.
To reduce the chance of pedestrian and car accidents, only cross in a group at crosswalks or lights, and remind younger children never to cut out between cars. Fluorescent tape and flashlights are a good tip to help pedestrians be more visible to drivers.
Taking a neighborhood shortcut may be common in the daytime, but cutting through dark yards at night can mean falls, injuries, run-ins with animals and dog bites, and a sudden end to trick-or-treating fun.
Finally, adults should check all candy upon return, and discard unsealed treats from unknown sources.
Fire Safety
Many traditionally lighted Jack O’ Lanterns have been replaced by LED lighting. Yet fire hazards with candles and decorations are still something to be prepared for.
As with all youth attire, check the label first on purchased costumes and wigs, to ensure that they are certified flame resistant. The risk of potential for hazards presented by costume materials is something to be especially mindful of.
For homemade Halloween outfits, be careful about loose fabric. It is not a bad idea for small children in particular to rehearse the stop-drop-and-roll routine, in case of fire.
Delaware Personal Injury Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Assist Those Injured by the Negligence of Others
The Delaware personal injury lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. have the experience you need if you have been injured in an accident due to another’s negligence. From our offices in Wilmington and Georgetown, we serve clients in Wilmington, Dover, Georgetown, and throughout Delaware. If you or someone you know has been injured, contact us online or call 302-656-5445 for a free consultation.
What is Comparative Negligence?
If you are seeking compensation in a personal injury case in Delaware, then it is important to understand the state laws regarding liability for an injury. Delaware Code Title 10 section 8132 is the statute that defines how liability is assigned in a personal injury case. Delaware follows what is known as “modified comparative negligence.” This means that even if you share some of the blame for what happened, you may still be able to recover compensation for your injuries, albeit a slightly lesser amount, depending on how much liability may be assigned to you.
How Comparative Negligence Works
In a personal injury case, damages will be awarded to the plaintiff if the defendant can be proven negligent in a way that harmed the plaintiff. If the plaintiff was also partly at fault, as long as their share of liability for what happened does not exceed 50 percent, they can still receive damages. The amount of the award will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to the plaintiff.
An example of how comparative negligence works is as follows:
Suppose you slip and fall outside a store and suffer head and neck injuries. In your suit against the owner of the property, the jury finds the owner liable for your injuries, but also finds circumstances that make you 20 percent responsible as well. The jury awards you a total sum of $20,000 to cover the cost of your medical treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The actual amount will be $16,000, or $20,000 minus 20 percent – your percentage of liability.
While not all personal injury cases make it to court, it is still important to understand the concept of comparative negligence. This is because when it comes to settling out of court, the defendant’s insurance company and their lawyers will almost certainly try to assign some of the blame to you in an effort to reduce the sum they have to pay.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Delaware law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in civil court seeking damages for your injuries. If you miss this deadline, it is highly unlikely the court will hear your case. The defendant will certainly file a motion asking the court to dismiss the case, and there are only very rare exceptions to the two-year statute of limitations.
It is advisable to seek experienced legal counsel when considering a personal injury lawsuit so that you do not miss important deadlines. The defendant will likely attempt to use comparative negligence to deny total responsibility for your injuries. A knowledgeable attorney will work to preserve your maximum award and minimize such deflection.
Wilmington Slip and Fall Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Have a Proven Record of Success in Personal Injury Cases
A slip and fall can happen to anyone at any time of year, leaving behind lasting injuries. Contact the dedicated Wilmington slip and fall lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. for assistance with your personal injury case. Our knowledge and experience can make the difference in recovering maximum compensation for your injuries. Call us today at 302-656-5445 or contact us online. We have convenient locations in Wilmington and Georgetown to serve clients throughout Delaware.
Prevent Swimming Pool Electric Shock
As summer begins, families across the country will retreat to their backyards and community swimming pools to have fun and cool off. Swimmers need to know that drowning is not the only danger when it comes to swimming pools. When a body of water becomes charged with electricity, swimmers are at risk of serious injury and even death.
Swimmers can, at the very least, experience electric shock. In more severe cases, electric shock can lead to drowning, and thus be fatal.
Learn to recognize the signs that the water has been electrically charged, and how to prevent electrocution in the lake or swimming pool.
How water becomes energized
The risk of electric charged water exists wherever an electrical device is close enough to fall or be pulled into the water. When an electrical component near the water is faulty or damaged, electricity can enter the water, creating an invisible and potentially fatal electric current.
When the human body comes in contact with energized water, they can suffer symptoms ranging from tingling to paralysis and cardiac arrest. The risk to swimmers really depends upon the level of the current in the water.
Signs that water may be electrified
The physical signs a swimmer may experience, telling them that water may be electrically charged, include:
- Muscle cramps
- Tingling sensation
- Skeletal muscular paralysis
When electric shock causes the inability to move, swimmers are unable to help themselves and are at risk of drowning. The American Red Cross recommends keeping a fiberglass rescue hook near your swimming pool to rescue swimmers. In many cases, swimmers may not immediately feel an electric current when they enter the water. Electricity can often be intermittent, occurring as an electrical device cycles on and off.
Preventing swimming pool electrocution
There are several ways to prevent swimming pool electric shock and electrocution. The first step is to have a certified electrician install, maintain, and repair any electric components in and around your swimming pool.
Once installed, inspect all electric devices, including pool lights and pumps, on a routine basis for wear and tear, frayed wires, or any signs of damage that may cause electricity to come in contact with water.
Your certified electrician will install Ground-fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI), special safety devices installed directly on your outlets that shut off electricity anytime a change in current is detected in water.
If you do see damage to electric devices, assume there may be an electrical current in the water, and stay out of the pool until you call an electrician.
Wilmington Personal Injury Lawyers of Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Fight for Victims Injured in Swimming Pool Accidents
Summer is a time for fun, relaxation, and outdoor adventures. The risk of injuries caused by a swimming pool accident, slip and fall, or motor vehicle crash is an unfortunate reality. If you or a family member has been injured in a preventable accident caused by a negligent property owner or defective product, the Wilmington personal injury lawyers of Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. are here to help.
Contact us online or call 302-656-5445 to schedule a free consultation today. Our offices are located in Wilmington and Georgetown, and our attorneys serve clients throughout Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.