Chemical Burns and Inhalation Injuries from Pool Maintenance Mistakes

Swimming pools require routine maintenance in order to remain safe. This often includes the use of chemicals. Unfortunately, though, these chemicals may lead to serious injury if they are used incorrectly. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Pool chemical injuries led to an estimated 4,535 U.S. emergency department visits annually during 2008-2017, according to a report published today in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.” If you or a loved one has been injured by pool chemicals, understanding your legal rights is key to protecting them.

Common Causes of Pool Maintenance Injuries

Pools can become a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria if they are not properly maintained and treated. Chemicals are routinely used in pool maintenance, including chlorine, bromine, and acid-based cleaners. If these chemicals are mishandled in any way, they can result in serious injuries. There are several common causes of maintenance mistakes that may lead to injuries.

• Improper Chemical Mixing: Improperly mixing pool chemicals can cause unpredictable reactions and may lead to the release of noxious fumes.
• Improper Chemical Storage: Pool chemicals may be stored in inappropriate containers that may lead to leaks or spills.
• Overuse of Pool Chemicals: An improper balance of pool chemicals may lead to skin irritation or respiratory issues.
• Underuse of Pool Chemicals: Failing to add enough pool chemicals may allow dangerous bacteria to multiply and cause infections.
• Faulty Pool Equipment: Pool equipment must be routinely maintained to operate safely. A malfunctioning pump could potentially lead to unsafe levels of chemicals being released into a pool.

Property owners should always follow best practices when it comes to maintaining a pool. Unless a person knows exactly what they are doing, they should leave pool maintenance to professionals. 

Types of Injuries from Pool Maintenance Errors

Pool maintenance errors can lead to numerous injuries. These injuries can range from mild to severe and depend largely on the length of time a person is exposed to hazardous substances.

• Chemical Burns: Any direct contact with pool chemicals can cause irritation to a person’s skin. Symptoms may range from redness to severe pain. Long-term exposure may lead to permanent tissue damage.
• Respiratory Issues: Inhaling toxic fumes from overly concentrated or improperly mixed pool chemicals can cause numerous respiratory issues. Symptoms mainly include coughing and shortness of breath. In severe cases, a person could develop chemical pneumonia.
• Eye Irritation and Damage: The fumes from pool chemicals can irritate a person’s eyes and cause redness or watering. Long-term exposure may even result in permanent vision loss.

It is important to seek medical help as soon as possible after any exposure to harsh pool chemicals. The damage from these products may worsen if left untreated.

Liability for Pool Injuries

Determining liability for any pool maintenance mistakes requires a careful review of the specific facts of any incident. Depending on the case, there could be numerous sources of liability for any accident.

• Pool Maintenance Companies: A company responsible for providing maintenance services for pools could potentially be liable for any injuries if they failed to follow safety protocols.
• Property Owners or Managers: Apartments, hotels, resorts, and property owners could potentially be liable for injuries caused by pool maintenance negligence. Property owners have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition.
• Chemical Manufacturers: In some cases, a defect with a pool chemical may contribute to an injury. Were this to happen, the company that manufactured the chemicals could potentially be held at fault.

It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any injury. There could be several sources of liability. This is why it is so important for accident victims to seek legal support as early as possible.

Getting Legal Help for Swimming Pool Injuries

The vast majority of accidents related to chemical exposure from swimming pools are highly preventable. They tend to occur when companies skip out on needed maintenance. In other situations, unqualified or untrained people may try to perform these tasks on their own. It is therefore not a surprise that pool chemical injuries are relatively common.

If you or someone that you care about has been injured by pool maintenance mistakes, you may have legal recourse. Our team of New Jersey swimming pool accident attorneys at Beninato & Matrafajlo are here for you. We care deeply that accident victims get the medical and financial support that they need in order to recover. Whether you just have legal questions or would like an attorney to review your case, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 908-355-7100.