At the Law Office of Michael J. Redenburg, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating swimming pool accidents can be—especially when they involve children. Whether the incident occurs at a private residence in Brooklyn, a hotel pool in Manhattan, or a public recreation center in Queens, the consequences are often severe and long-lasting.
Swimming pool accidents in New York commonly involve drowning, near-drowning, diving injuries, slips and falls, or exposure to harmful chemicals. Many of these tragedies are preventable and occur because of someone else’s negligence. In legal terms, these cases fall under premises liability law, which means the pool owner or operator may be responsible if they failed to keep the area safe.
According to national data, drowning is the second-leading cause of preventable death for children aged 0–15. Even more alarming, 74% of fatal swimming pool accidents occur at residential locations. That means everyday settings—backyards, apartment complexes, and local community pools—are often where the greatest dangers lie.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a swimming pool accident in New York City, understanding your legal rights is critical. You may be entitled to compensation, and we’re here to help you pursue it.
Establishing Liability in Pool Accident Claims
To hold someone legally accountable for a swimming pool accident in New York, you must prove negligence—a failure to act with reasonable care. At our firm, we help clients build strong cases by thoroughly investigating how and why the accident occurred, and identifying who may be responsible.
Here’s what’s typically required to prove liability:
- Duty of Care
The pool owner—whether private, commercial, or municipal—had a legal responsibility to maintain a reasonably safe environment for guests, visitors, or tenants. - Breach of Duty
The owner failed to fix or warn about known hazards, such as broken pool gates, slippery tile, malfunctioning drains, or lack of lifeguard supervision. - Causation
The dangerous condition directly led to the injury or drowning. For example, if a child slipped due to algae buildup on a pool deck that hadn’t been cleaned, this could establish causation. - Damages
The accident must have resulted in real harm—such as medical bills, missed work, physical pain, or emotional trauma. In the most tragic cases, this includes the loss of a loved one due to drowning.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
- Homeowners and Landlords
In residential pool cases, property owners may be liable if they failed to secure the pool area, neglected safety features, or didn’t comply with local building codes. - Business or Commercial Properties
Hotels, gyms, and recreational facilities must meet higher standards of care. If the injury happened on commercial premises, their insurance coverage may apply. - Government Entities
Claims involving public pools often involve strict procedures and shorter deadlines under municipal liability laws. - Manufacturers or Installers
If defective pool equipment (like a faulty drain or broken ladder) contributed to the injury, the company responsible for its design, installation, or maintenance could also be named in the lawsuit.
At our office, we dig deep into the facts. We gather maintenance records, inspect the scene, interview witnesses, and work with experts when necessary. We understand what’s at stake—and we fight to hold negligent parties accountable.
Types of Compensation Available for Swimming Pool Injuries
If you or your child suffered injuries in a swimming pool accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation—not just for what you’ve already lost, but for the challenges you may face in the future. At the Law Office of Michael J. Redenburg, we pursue the full scope of damages allowed under New York law.
Economic Damages
These are the measurable, out-of-pocket losses you’ve incurred:
- Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and future treatment needs.
- Lost wages: If the injury kept you from working or reduced your ability to earn a living.
- Rehabilitation and long-term care: Especially important in cases involving traumatic brain injury, near-drowning, or spinal cord damage.
Non-Economic Damages
These reflect the pain and emotional suffering you or your loved one has endured:
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, mental anguish, and reduced quality of life.
- Emotional distress: Often seen in near-drowning cases, particularly with child victims who may experience PTSD, anxiety, or depression.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to engage in activities or relationships that once brought fulfillment.
Wrongful Death Claims
If a loved one tragically drowned due to another party’s negligence, New York allows surviving family members to pursue a wrongful death claim. Compensation may cover:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of future income and support
- Loss of companionship and parental guidance
Note: The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in New York is typically two years from the date of death—so time is of the essence.
Every case is unique. When you work with our firm, we assess the full impact of the accident, not just on paper—but on your life. Our goal is to help you move forward with the financial resources you need to heal.
Steps to Take After a Swimming Pool Accident in New York
What you do in the moments and days after a swimming pool accident can make a significant difference in your recovery—and in the strength of your legal claim. At our firm, we guide clients through every step, starting with the essentials.
1. Get Immediate Medical Attention
Even if injuries seem minor, symptoms can develop or worsen over time—especially in cases involving head trauma, oxygen deprivation, or internal injuries. Getting prompt treatment protects your health and creates a medical record that supports your case.
2. Document the Scene
If possible, take photos or videos of the pool area, including any hazards like broken fences, slippery surfaces, or missing warning signs. Note the weather conditions, lighting, and whether lifeguards were on duty. If there are any witnesses, get their names and contact information.
3. Report the Incident
Notify the property owner, manager, or lifeguard on duty right away. If the accident occurred at a commercial or public facility, ask to file an incident report and request a copy.
4. Preserve Evidence
Avoid discussing the accident with the property owner’s insurance company until you’ve spoken with a lawyer. Keep records of your medical care, accident reports, and any communication related to the incident.
5. Speak with a Personal Injury Attorney
New York generally gives injured victims three years to file a personal injury lawsuit—but that window can be shorter if a government entity is involved. The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner an investigation can begin—and the stronger your claim will be.
At the Law Office of Michael J. Redenburg, we understand how overwhelming this process can feel. That’s why we take on the legal burden while you focus on recovery. Let us help you protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Why Hire a Specialized Attorney for a Swimming Pool Accident?
Swimming pool accident cases are rarely straightforward. They often involve multiple parties, complex liability questions, and serious injuries—especially when children are involved. That’s why working with an experienced New York swimming pool accident lawyer is essential.
At the Law Office of Michael J. Redenburg, we’ve spent over 15 years helping injured New Yorkers navigate cases like these. We understand the nuances of premises liability law and know how to uncover the kind of evidence that can make or break your case.
Here’s How We Can Help:
- Investigate Negligence Thoroughly
From inspecting pool safety features to analyzing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses, we work to establish exactly how the accident happened—and who should be held accountable. - Deal with Insurance Companies
Insurers often try to shift blame or offer lowball settlements. We step in to protect your rights, handle all communications, and negotiate aggressively on your behalf. - Build a Case That Reflects the Full Impact
We don’t just calculate your immediate losses—we work with medical experts, economists, and life-care planners to understand the long-term effects of your injury or your loved one’s death. - Take Your Case to Court, If Needed
While many cases settle out of court, we are always prepared to litigate. Our trial experience means insurance companies know we’re serious—and that often leads to better outcomes for our clients.
You don’t have to go through this alone. When you work with us, you’re not passed off to junior staff—you work directly with Attorney Michael J. Redenburg from start to finish.