Featuring Attorneys Charles James Williams III and Kimberly Raab of Burnett & Williams
As the heat of summer settles across Central Virginia, pools become an essential escape for families looking to cool down and relax. From private pools in Midlothian and Chesterfield to public aquatic centers in Henrico and hotels in Petersburg, swimming offers a fun and refreshing break from the sun. But behind the enjoyment lies a critical need for safety.
At Burnett & Williams, one of the oldest and most experienced personal injury law firms in Virginia, we understand how quickly a pleasant afternoon at the pool can turn into a life-altering tragedy. If someone is injured due to unsafe conditions or negligence, legal action may be necessary to seek justice and compensation.
Swimming Pool Accidents: A Hidden Danger in the Summer Sun
Each summer, swimming pool accidents account for thousands of emergency room visits nationwide — many of which involve children. In Virginia alone, there are alarming numbers of incidents involving drownings, slip and falls, chemical burns, and electrocution, all of which can have long-term medical consequences.
Attorney Kimberly Raab explains, “The types of injuries we see from swimming pool accidents aren’t minor. These often involve serious trauma to the spine, brain, eyes, or musculoskeletal system. These types of injuries can threaten someone’s ability to work, live independently, or even survive.”
Injuries can occur under various circumstances:
- Diving into shallow water
- Slipping on a wet deck
- Coming into contact with faulty pool lighting or electrical systems
- Ingesting harmful bacteria or chemicals
- Lack of supervision or failure to use safety barriers
Such incidents can happen in private homes, hotels, motels, apartment complexes, fitness centers, and public recreational facilities — and liability can vary based on the property’s ownership and the victim’s status as a guest.
Common Types of Swimming Pool Injuries in Virginia
Serious injuries stemming from pool-related incidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from diving or near-drowning
- Spinal cord damage, resulting in partial or full paralysis
- Fractures, dislocations, and torn ligaments due to falls
- Eye and ear infections or skin conditions from improperly treated water
- Electric shock or burns from exposed wiring or malfunctioning equipment
- Wrongful death, especially in child drowning cases
These types of injuries often require not only emergency care but also ongoing rehabilitation, therapy, and long-term support services. That’s where experienced legal representation becomes essential.
Legal Grounds for a Personal Injury Claim: Premises Liability
Swimming pool accidents usually fall under premises liability law in Virginia. This legal principle holds property owners accountable when their negligence leads to injuries on their premises. For example, failure to:
- Install or repair fences and gates
- Address known hazards (like slippery surfaces)
- Maintain proper chemical levels in the water
- Warn guests of potential dangers
- Ensure safe use of electrical components near water
“If you’re hurt because a property owner failed to take simple precautions, that’s negligence,” says Attorney Charles James Williams III. “And under Virginia law, negligence can be grounds for compensation.”
Pools and Children: The ‘Attractive Nuisance’ Doctrine
Virginia law takes pool safety for children very seriously. Swimming pools are considered “attractive nuisances” — meaning they are inherently appealing but dangerous to children, including those who may wander onto a property unsupervised.
This means property owners must take extra steps to prevent children from accessing pools, even if those children are technically trespassing. These steps include:
- Lockable gates and fences at least four feet high
- Audible pool alarms and motion detectors
- Child-proof locks and latches
- Clearly posted warning signs and safety rules
Attorney Raab emphasizes, “In many cases we’ve handled, the absence of a lock or a missing latch was the difference between a child being safe and a devastating accident. These are preventable tragedies.”
Why Prompt Medical Care Matters
If you or your child suffers a serious injury near or in a pool, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial. Injuries to the brain, spine, or limbs can worsen without early diagnosis and treatment. Even injuries that appear minor at first can develop into chronic conditions, including:
- Cognitive impairments from near-drowning incidents
- Chronic pain or loss of function from joint or muscle damage
- PTSD and emotional trauma, especially in children
At Burnett & Williams, we combine deep legal knowledge with a thorough understanding of medical implications. We ensure our clients’ injuries are properly assessed by professionals and that the full impact — physical, emotional, and financial — is considered when pursuing a claim.
Safety Tips for Pool Owners in Richmond and Surrounding Areas
Prevention is always better than litigation. Whether you own a pool in your backyard or oversee a shared facility in a residential complex, take these steps to protect guests and reduce legal risk:
- Fence the pool completely with a self-locking gate
- Install alarms and motion sensors for added protection
- Post safety rules visibly and enforce them
- Provide adult supervision at all times, especially for children
- Keep safety gear like a life ring or pole easily accessible
- Repair any trip hazards, such as cracked decks or loose tiles
- Maintain chemical balance to prevent infections
- Inspect electrical equipment regularly for corrosion or fraying
Even a moment’s negligence can lead to a lifetime of consequences. These precautions show good faith and protect both your visitors and your liability.
Filing a Personal Injury or Wrongful Death Claim
If you or a loved one has been injured due to another’s negligence in maintaining a safe pool environment, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Current and future medical bills
- Physical therapy and long-term care
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma and psychological therapy
- Lost wages or diminished earning capacity
- Funeral and burial costs (in wrongful death claims)
Burnett & Williams attorneys Charles James Williams III and Kimberly Raab have handled a wide range of premises liability and catastrophic injury cases. Their approach is thorough, compassionate, and tailored to the needs of each client and their family.
Why Choose Burnett & Williams?
Founded over a century ago, Burnett & Williams has earned a reputation as one of Virginia’s most trusted personal injury law firms. With decades of combined trial experience, a deep understanding of insurance practices, and strong connections with the medical community, our attorneys are equipped to handle even the most complex injury cases.
Attorneys Williams and Raab are committed to helping injury victims across the Richmond metro area, including Chesterfield, Henrico, Hopewell, and Petersburg, secure the compensation and peace of mind they deserve.
Let Us Help You Get Justice
Call Burnett & Williams today at (804)-794-0080 for a free consultation
Serving Richmond, Midlothian, Chesterfield, Henrico, and the Tri-Cities
Visit us online at https://burnettwilliams.com/
