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A pool should be a place for fun, not fear. But when electrical systems are ignored or installed incorrectly, they create the risk of pool electrocution, a silent and often deadly hazard. Families in Atlanta have faced heartbreaking outcomes after what began as a typical afternoon by the water ended in tragedy.
At The Stoddard Firm, we help families across Georgia with electrical injuries in or near pools. If you or someone you care about has been harmed, we are here to listen, explain your legal options, and guide you forward.
The greatest danger of pool electrocution is how silently it can strike. Electrical currents in water often go unnoticed until it’s too late. Once present, the water conducts electricity directly through the body, offering no visible sign of danger. Even a brief exposure can result in serious injuries such as burns, muscle paralysis, or cardiac arrest, particularly when the skin is wet and more conductive.
Families in the Atlanta area, especially those with young children, should stay alert around older pools that are not regularly inspected.
Electrical injuries can happen in or around a pool when someone unknowingly comes into contact with a live current. Common causes include faulty wiring, damaged equipment, or poor grounding.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that currents around pools can come from sources like underwater lights, pumps, filters, vacuums, extension cords, outlets, and switches. Electronics such as radios or televisions also pose risks near water. In some cases, overhead power lines create dangerous conditions.
Swimmers may feel tingling, muscle cramps, or sudden paralysis before realizing something is wrong. Observers might notice panic in the water, flickering lights, or people moving away from a certain area, which can signal electrical danger.
Knowing what causes these tragedies can help you protect your family and understand your legal rights. Some of the most frequent causes of pool electrocution injuries include:
When negligent property maintenance or defective equipment is to blame, victims or their families may have the right to pursue legal action.
Exposure to electricity in or near water can cause anything from mild symptoms to life-threatening harm, sometimes without visible signs. In the worst cases, it can lead to cardiac arrest or drowning.
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of electrical shock injuries include:
If you witness someone exhibiting these signs after spending time in or around a pool, call 911 immediately and follow basic electrical shock first aid protocols.
If someone else’s negligence caused a pool electrocution injury, you may be entitled to pursue legal compensation. Georgia law provides several legal theories under which victims may file claims, depending on the details of the incident.
Property owners are legally responsible for maintaining a safe environment for guests and residents. When a homeowner, hotel, apartment complex, or public facility fails to inspect and repair hazardous electrical systems, they can be held accountable for resulting injuries.
Manufacturers and distributors may be liable if defective pool electrical equipment causes harm. This includes faulty lighting, malfunctioning pumps, or poorly insulated wiring. Product liability claims help victims hold corporations accountable for unsafe products.
Anyone who fails to act reasonably, such as an electrician, pool installer, or maintenance crew, may be liable under Georgia’s negligence laws. To prove negligence, your legal team must show there was a duty of care, that duty was breached, and the breach caused your injuries.
Proving fault in pool electrocution claims often requires a detailed investigation. This might involve:
We gather detailed evidence to build a strong case for every client. Our firm holds all responsible parties accountable, including negligent property owners, careless installers, or manufacturers who release dangerous products into the market.
Many pool electrocution cases are preventable with proper maintenance and safety procedures. Below are essential safety tips for pool owners and operators:
Prevention starts with awareness and responsibility. Owners who neglect these steps may put lives at risk and could be held liable for the consequences.
When a pool electrocution occurs, victims and their families face more than physical pain. Emotional trauma, medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about the future often follow.
As a personal injury law firm in Atlanta, we help clients identify who is responsible, determine if negligence played a role, file legal claims under Georgia law, and pursue compensation. We hold negligent parties accountable through settlement or litigation.
Legal cases involving electrical injuries are complex. Under Georgia law, personal injury claims generally must be filed within two years of the incident. However, there are exceptions based on specific case details, so it’s important to speak with an attorney to understand your exact timeframe.
Suffered harm from a pool electrocution? Time is critical in building a strong legal case. The Stoddard Firm provides compassionate, effective legal representation for personal injury victims throughout Atlanta, Georgia.
Call 470-467-2200 today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you find answers and pursue accountability.
A dedicated, ethical advocate who takes on major corporations and global insurers with virtually unlimited resources. Known for high-profile cases featured on Courtroom Viewing Network, this attorney is also a sought-after legal educator, teaching at seminars for top bar associations. Trusted by clients and media alike, they work tirelessly to secure justice and deliver results.
Member of the Atlanta Bar Association, the Georgia Bar Association, and the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
Licensed in Georgia since: 2008
Education: University of Georgia School of Law
Personal injury compensation enables an injured individual to regain the same quality of life they had before the incident. This may entail funds for modifying a home for wheelchair accessibility or offering vocational training for those unable to return to their previous job. It is crucial for compensation to cover lost earnings and cover both past and anticipated medical costs.
We conduct interviews with colleagues, consult with attending healthcare professionals, and engage specialists to ensure we secure comprehensive compensation that aids our clients in re-establishing their life trajectories.
When deciding to hire an Atlanta personal injury lawyer, you need to consider:
1. Who’s at Fault
If you’re in an accident and it’s unclear who’s responsible, seeking advice from an attorney is wise. Insurance companies may attempt to attribute damages to you in such scenarios. An attorney can shield you from counterclaims and cross-claims, safeguarding your rights.
2. The Severity of Injuries Sustained
When facing a lifetime of pain, suffering, and mounting bills, taking chances is not an option. A personal injury attorney is entrusted with averting lifelong financial strain.
3. If You’re Facing Insurance Company Denial or Delay
The intricate laws and procedures surrounding personal injury claims are areas where insurance companies capitalize on individuals’ lack of expertise. A lawyer can provide invaluable assistance in this regard.
It’s possible but not necessarily probable and will likely depend on whether you want your case to go to trial. The majority of cases end in a settlement. Going to trial typically occurs when there are intricate, contentious matters regarding the accident’s cause or the severity of your injuries. Occasionally, defendants may simply be unyielding and unwilling to settle or you may just want more than the insurer believes is reasonable.
It shouldn’t be a shock if your attorney diligently pursues a settlement while also readying your witnesses for trial. A proficient lawyer must be equipped for any scenario. Demonstrating to the opposing party that we’re gearing up for a trial indicates that we’re resolute and not inclined to back down.
Determining all potential parties who could be held liable for a personal injury involves a thorough investigation of various factors. If someone else neglected to exercise reasonable care, they can be held accountable for the resulting injuries, as outlined in Title 51 of Georgia Code of Laws or as outlined in Georgia’s common law.
The individual directly involved in the accident may not be the sole party at fault. For instance, in the case of a drunk driving accident, while the driver may bear responsibility, the person who knowingly provided additional alcohol to an obviously intoxicated individual could also be deemed liable. In other circumstances, an at fault party’s employer is responsible for its employees actions.
Following a personal injury accident, there are critical steps you should take. First and foremost, seek prompt medical attention. Visit the emergency room or call for an ambulance at the accident site. Any delay in receiving medical care could impact your health and the outcome of your personal injury case.
Refrain from discussing your case with the insurance company representing the at-fault party. They may deny your settlement or offer a significantly lower amount than you deserve.
Additionally, it’s crucial for both you and your personal injury attorney to gather as much evidence and documentation as possible. This is vital in establishing that your injuries resulted from someone else’s negligence. Make an effort to collect records and documents related to your case, including medical records, police reports, photographs, witness contact information, and similar items. Once you’ve received medical attention, contact The Stoddard Firm.
Do not say anything! If an insurance company contacts you, refrain from providing any information until you have consulted with your attorney. Insurance companies typically contact accident victims in an attempt to elicit a statement about the incident, which they may use to devalue the settlement.
While you may eventually need to converse with them, seeking guidance from a seasoned legal team is crucial. They will provide clear instructions on what you should and should not disclose to protect the value of your case.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was revised and approved by Attorney Matthew B. Stoddard, who has more than 16 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help. Fill out the form below, and one of our experienced Atlanta personal injury attorneys will contact you shortly to discuss your case. Call us 678-RESULTS.
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