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Public swimming pools and beaches can be expected to be held liable if someone is injured or suffers a fatality due to a distracted or otherwise ineffective lifeguard staff. The same is true for private swimming areas connected with schools, the hospitality industry or fitness centers. A personal injury attorney in Gig Harbor represents clients who are dealing with the aftermath of a terrible incident at a swimming area.

People who choose to swim in a pool or at a beach with lifeguard staff on duty expect those workers to provide emergency assistance if something goes wrong. Sometimes, however, a lifeguard isn’t paying close attention and misses signs of trouble. The insurance company for the pool or property owner may dispute a lifeguard’s responsibility if other people who were at the pool say there were no signs until it was too late.

Nevertheless, a personal injury attorney in Gig Harbor understands that these workers are held to high standards and are supposed to be diligent at all times during their hours on duty. They have been set in place by the pool or property owner only for safety. Injury and wrongful death cases involving swimming pools and beaches are related to the legal realm of premises liability, in which a property owner must keep the area safe for employees, guests and customers. Cases become even more complex if only one lifeguard is working and must take a break. A sign can alert everyone, but that doesn’t necessarily eliminate premises liability if an accident happens.

The insurance company will most likely be expected to pay compensation for all relevant expenses, including medical bills and therapy. Swimming accidents may result in permanent disability, such as paralysis or changes in mental or physical ability due to lengthy oxygen deprivation. The individual may need adaptive equipment such as a wheelchair, or ongoing occupational or physical therapy. In the worst case scenario, the insurer will need to compensate the family for funeral expenses. Compensation for emotional pain and suffering should be included in a settlement as negotiated by a firm such as Otto Law Offices.