Washington DC Swimming Accident Attorney

Serious injuries deserve experienced attorneys

At Cohen & Cohen, we’ve represented families and individuals after serious swimming-related injuries. We understand the emotional toll that comes with these accidents—especially when they happen at places that are supposed to be safe. Whether it’s a public pool, a private facility, or a hotel, victims deserve accountability when safety measures fail. That’s where we come in.

Swimming Accident Lawyer Washington DC

Swimming accidents can range from minor slip-and-fall incidents to life-threatening injuries and drowning. These cases often involve multiple parties, and the conditions around the pool or water area matter just as much as the incident itself. People often assume they’re at fault for a swimming injury when, in fact, it may have resulted from poor maintenance, a lack of warning signs, or inattentive supervision.

Some common causes that lead to swimming injuries include:

• Slippery pool decks or unmarked hazards
• Unsecured or broken pool gates
• Missing lifeguards or poorly trained staff
• Defective diving boards or pool equipment
• Unclear depth markings or lack of posted rules

These conditions are often preventable and are subject to property owner responsibilities. Pool owners and operators must meet certain safety standards—when they don’t, and someone is injured, they may be held accountable under premises liability or wrongful death law.

The consequences of these injuries go beyond initial trauma. Brain damage from near-drowning events, spinal cord injuries from diving, and severe infections due to unclean water are just a few examples of long-term outcomes.

As a Washington DC swimming accident lawyer, we investigate the environment, gather physical evidence, and review regulations that apply to the location—whether it’s a hotel, apartment complex, water park, or a city-operated pool.

Why Our Legal Team Stands Out

What sets us apart is how we handle sensitive and complicated injury cases. At Cohen & Cohen, we don’t just assess your case; we build it from the ground up. That includes:

• Collecting medical records and incident reports
• Consulting pool safety professionals and engineers
• Interviewing witnesses or employees who were present
• Working with your medical team to understand prognosis and future care

Our experience includes successfully handling claims involving hotel negligence, school pool liability, and unmonitored access to private residential pools. We work to recover damages for medical bills, long-term care, missed work, and emotional distress.

Clients have turned to us when insurers offered unfair settlements or tried to deny responsibility altogether. In one instance, a client injured after slipping on an unmarked wet surface at a spa was initially blamed for the fall. We uncovered that the facility had failed prior inspections and used that evidence to negotiate a settlement that covered all medical and recovery costs.

Let Us Help You Move Forward

Injuries sustained in or around a swimming pool often require more than physical healing—they require financial and legal support to get back on your feet. As a trusted Washington DC swimming accident lawyer, Cohen & Cohen is here to help you understand your rights and take action if someone else’s carelessness caused your harm. Call us today to talk about your case and get the help you need to move forward.

Types Of Swimming Accident Cases We Handle

Swimming pools are meant to be places of fun and relaxation, but accidents happen far too often—and sometimes they lead to life-altering outcomes. At Cohen & Cohen, we work with individuals and families who have suffered serious harm in swimming-related incidents. These injuries are often preventable and stem from unsafe conditions, negligence, or improper supervision. We help our clients identify the source of the problem and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Whether the incident occurred in a private backyard, public pool, hotel, or fitness center, the aftermath can be devastating. Our job is to determine exactly what went wrong and to pursue compensation for the injuries caused.

Drowning And Near-Drowning Incidents

Drowning is one of the most tragic outcomes of a swimming accident. In many cases, it’s not a matter of someone being a poor swimmer—it’s about a lack of supervision, absence of lifeguards, or broken safety equipment. Near-drowning events can also result in brain damage due to lack of oxygen, requiring long-term care and significant medical support.

We’ve seen cases where children wandered into unsecured pool areas or were left unsupervised at summer camps. These situations often involve failures in access control or poor safety practices, and they’re preventable with the right precautions.

Slip And Fall Injuries On Pool Decks

Wet surfaces around pools are common, but they can become dangerous when the area isn’t properly maintained. Broken tiles, unmarked wet areas, and poor drainage can lead to serious injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, or back injuries. Property owners are responsible for keeping walkways around pools safe and dry.

Diving Accidents And Spinal Injuries

Improperly labeled pool depths or defective diving boards can cause catastrophic injuries. We handle cases where individuals have suffered spinal cord damage or paralysis from diving into shallow water or colliding with pool surfaces. These accidents often stem from a lack of signage or failure to meet safety design standards.

Defective Pool Equipment

Faulty pool components like broken ladders, malfunctioning pumps, or defective drain covers pose hidden dangers. In some cases, equipment failures have caused entrapment injuries or contributed to drowning. We investigate whether manufacturers or installers may be liable for defects that created unsafe conditions.

Chemical Exposure Or Poor Sanitation

Improper pool maintenance can lead to excessive chlorine exposure or the spread of bacteria, causing respiratory issues, rashes, or severe infections. Pool operators have a duty to monitor chemical levels and maintain cleanliness, especially in public or commercial facilities.

Lack Of Proper Supervision

Lifeguards are not just there for show—they play a critical role in preventing emergencies. If a lifeguard is absent, distracted, or untrained, and an injury occurs, the facility may be liable. We’ve handled cases where lifeguard negligence contributed to preventable accidents.

Our Commitment To Helping Clients Recover

At Cohen & Cohen, we understand how overwhelming a swimming accident can be—especially when it involves a child or results in long-term injuries. As a trusted Washington DC swimming accident lawyer, we work closely with our clients to investigate what happened, gather evidence, and pursue financial recovery through insurance claims or litigation.

Our legal team is committed to handling the legal side so families can focus on healing. If you or someone you love has been injured in a swimming accident, contact us to discuss your options and find out how we can support you during the recovery process.

6 Steps Our Lawyer Recommends After a Swimming Accident

A swimming accident can be a frightening and traumatic experience, especially when it happens suddenly or involves serious injury. Whether it occurs at a private pool, hotel, or public facility, it’s crucial to take the right steps in the moments and days that follow. How you respond can affect your physical recovery and your ability to pursue legal action later. At Cohen & Cohen, we help individuals and families understand their rights and responsibilities after these incidents, so they can take control of their situation.

If you or someone close to you was hurt in a swimming-related incident, here are the key actions to take immediately and in the aftermath.

Get Medical Attention Right Away

Your first concern should be health and safety. Even if injuries don’t seem serious, symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, or fatigue can appear later. In cases of near-drowning or suspected spinal trauma, it’s especially important to have a doctor evaluate the individual immediately. Delaying care can not only worsen injuries but also complicate future legal claims.

Notify Pool Management Or Property Owner

It’s important to report the incident to the facility manager or property owner as soon as possible. Whether the accident occurred at a hotel, private residence, or community pool, make sure there is an official report. Request a written copy or confirmation of the incident report, and avoid signing anything without reading it carefully.

Document The Scene Thoroughly

Photographs can be a vital part of building a claim. If possible, take pictures of the accident location, including broken tiles, missing signage, or unsafe surfaces. Also, note the presence (or absence) of lifeguards, warning signs, or pool safety equipment. Collect names and contact information of any witnesses who may have seen what happened.

Preserve Any Related Evidence

Keep records of everything related to the incident. This includes medical reports, hospital bills, prescriptions, emails or messages from facility managers, and photos of the injury. If any personal belongings (like swimwear, goggles, or flotation devices) were damaged or contributed to the accident, store them safely and avoid discarding anything.

Avoid Giving Recorded Statements

Be cautious when contacted by insurance companies or pool representatives. They may request recorded statements that could later be used to limit your claim. It’s best to speak with a legal representative before providing detailed comments about the incident. This is especially important if someone else may be at fault.

Speak With Legal Counsel As Soon As You Can

These accidents can involve multiple parties—from property owners and staff to manufacturers of faulty equipment. A qualified attorney can help determine who is liable and what damages you may be entitled to. If you’re searching for our Washington DC swimming accident lawyer, it’s important to choose someone familiar with premises liability and injury law specific to these cases.

At Cohen & Cohen, we have worked with clients who’ve faced the trauma of pool-related injuries. Whether the accident involved a child, a maintenance failure, or a lack of supervision, our team is here to help you sort through the legal side while you focus on recovery. Contact us today to discuss your case with an experienced attorney who knows what matters most to you.