The Law Offices of William F. Underwood - July/August 2025

The Real Cost of a Poolside Accident

How a Day at the Pool Can Lead to a Legal Battle

A sunny afternoon by the pool is supposed to be one of life’s simple pleasures — until it isn’t. Whether it’s a faulty drain causing serious injury or an unsupervised pool party that takes a tragic turn, poolside accidents happen more often than people think. And when they do, the consequences can be life- changing. Understanding who’s responsible in the aftermath is key to getting the help and the justice you deserve.

At public or commercial pools, the stakes are even higher. Hotels, apartment complexes, and fitness centers are expected to follow strict regulations, from posting warning signs to providing lifeguards when necessary. A missing “no diving” sign or malfunctioning filtration system might seem minor until someone gets hurt. It’s not always the pool owner’s fault. Sometimes, the issue lies beneath the surface. The manufacturer or installer might bear responsibility if your injury was caused by faulty pool equipment, such as a defective ladder, broken tile, or a dangerous drain system. Poor design or improper installation can turn a fun day into a nightmare. From slips to submersion: Here are the most common pool injuries. Pool-related injuries vary in severity but are often more serious than they first appear. These can include:

• Drowning or near-drowning incidents • Spinal injuries from diving accidents • Head trauma from slips or falls • Infections or illnesses due to contaminated water • Entrapment injuries caused by faulty drains Hold negligent parties accountable. If you’ve been injured in a poolside accident, you may have the right to pursue a premises liability claim. You’ll need to show that the property owner (or another responsible party) failed to maintain a safe environment, that their negligence directly caused your injury, and that you suffered measurable damages, like medical bills, lost income, or long-term pain. When a day at the pool leaves you or a loved one hurt, don’t assume it was just bad luck. Reach out to our firm for experienced, compassionate guidance. We’re here to help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Property owners may be held accountable.

In Georgia, property owners are lawfully required to keep their spaces safe for invited guests. That includes pools. If you’re swimming in someone’s backyard, the homeowner is responsible for maintaining a secure and hazard-free environment — think secured gates, safe surfaces, and properly functioning equipment. Ignoring those responsibilities could make them liable for any resulting injuries.

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Golden Summer Squash and Corn Soup Inspired by EatingWell.com

Ingredients • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 1 medium shallot, chopped • 2 medium summer squash (about 1 lb), diced • 3 tsp chopped fresh thyme or oregano, divided • 1 14-oz can reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

• 1/4 tsp salt • 1 cup corn kernels (from 1 large ear) • 1 tsp lemon juice • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Kaitlin Carr Star Dantley Sabrina Gaston

Linda Harris Otha Hopkins Andrew McDowell

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Directions 1. In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add shallot and cook for 1 minute. 2. Add squash and 1 tsp herbs; cook 3–5 minutes until the squash softens; stir occasionally. 3. Add broth and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 5 more minutes until squash is soft. 4. In a blender, purée soup until smooth. Return the soup to the pan and stir in corn. 5. Simmer over medium heat and cook 3–5 minutes until corn is tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in lemon juice. 6. Serve garnished with remaining 2 tsp herbs and feta.

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