Swimming Pool Light Causes Death of Citrus Heights Child
A young girl died in Citrus Heights on July 14 when she was reportedly electrocuted by a malfunctioning light in a swimming pool. The Citrus Heights Police Department reported that the accident happened in a residential neighborhood close to Interstate 80 and Antelope Road. The child, age 9, was pronounced dead at a hospital after attempts to save her using CPR by rescue personnel with the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Crew and other adults. Police reported that the light was being repaired at the time the death happened. I would like to extend my sympathy and prayers to the family and friends of the child.
Liability in a Swimming Pool Accident
Whether in a public or private setting, it is the owner or manager’s duty to maintain a pool in a safe condition to avoid fatalities or injuries. When negligence occurs, and the death of a loved one is the result, the family may claim fair compensation. A seasoned personal injury lawyer can help by dealing with the insurance company on your behalf. If the compensation offered is insufficient, the lawyer can investigate to build a strong wrongful death lawsuit. Our investigative team will examine the accident site to determine what caused the individual’s death. Gathering this evidence, along with checking the accuracy of the police report and interviewing witnesses, can be used to support a wrongful death claim. Evidence can disappear, and witness memories can fade, so it is important to contact us as soon as possible.
Light Fixture Malfunction
The light fixture in question that is believed to have caused the swimming pool accident is one that is underneath the waterline, according to a local businessman in the area. Deon Nesson has operated All Clear Pool and Spa Supply for the past 30 years. Nesson said that electrical parts of the swimming pool are interconnected but where the light was connected to the pool fixture was a weak spot. He said that when a short in the system occurs, a person would feel a small tingle when entering the pool, which indicates a problem. He advises if this happens to not touch the fixture and shut the power off immediately.
Pool Safety
Swimming pools that are up to code include a circuit breaker and are attached to the ground fault interrupter such as those in electrical sockets in bathrooms. The lighting panels for a pool are also wired into the system for added protection. The electrical circuits for a swimming pool should be reviewed each month or two for safety. Failure to properly maintain the electrical system of a swimming pool can result in serious injuries or lead to a fatality.
Causes of Swimming Pool Accidents
There are a number of ways a swimming pool accident can occur, and many of them are due to negligence. Some of the ways injuries and fatalities can result are:
- Insufficient warning signs
- Poor maintenance such as in pool drains
- Broken glass
- Malfunction in pool lights
- Negligent lifeguards
- Slippery surfaces
- Negligent repair services
Related Articles by Citrus Heights Wrongful Death Lawyer Ed Smith
Citrus Heights Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Citrus Heights wrongful death lawyer. Tragic swimming pool accidents can be avoided through proper maintenance, caution, and design. If you lost a loved one because of negligence, I have free and friendly advice to offer you. Contact me today at (916) 921-6400. Outside the area code, I offer a toll-free line at (800) 404-5400. An online contact form is also available at AutoAccident.com.
For more than 37 years, I’ve helped Citrus Heights residents get fair compensation for their accident injuries. In addition to wrongful deaths, I handle many kinds of traffic accidents, traumatic injury cases, and others.
The National Association of Distinguished Counsel, of which I am a member, invites only those attorneys who uphold the highest legal standards of excellence. In addition, I belong to the Million Dollar Forum, established to recognize attorneys who have won more than $1 million for a client.
Find out more about my law practice by reading client reviews and looking over cases my firm has handled at:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/condolences-trauerkarte-letters-3991589/
:cd llo [cs 703]