Bradshaw & Bryant

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Minnesota Swimming Pool Accident Lawyers

Compassionate representation after you or a loved one suffers injury in a pool

Swimming is a great way to enjoy the summer, get exercise, and cool off, especially in Minnesota, where warm weather is treasured. From backyard pools and neighborhood swim clubs to hotel pools and city water parks, families all across the state take advantage of swimming facilities when the sun is out. But while pools can be a lot of fun, they can also be dangerous. Drownings, slips, and diving accidents happen far more often than most people think. At Bradshaw & Bryant, we represent Minnesotans who have suffered injuries or lost loved ones because of unsafe swimming pool conditions. As experienced Minnesota swimming pool accident lawyers, we know the emotional and financial toll these accidents can take. We’re here to help you understand your rights, uncover what went wrong, and hold the responsible parties accountable.

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Why are swimming pools so dangerous?

Swimming pools might look harmless, but they present real risks to people of all ages. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury death for children aged one through four years old. For every child who drowns, many more are treated in emergency rooms for near-drowning incidents, traumatic injuries, or other pool-related accidents.

However, it’s not just young children who are at risk. Teens and adults can also be injured, or even killed, while using a pool. These accidents often occur because of unsafe conditions, poor supervision, or property owner negligence.

What are some common causes of Minnesota swimming pool accidents?

At Bradshaw & Bryant, we’ve worked on many pool injury cases throughout Minnesota. While every case is different, we often see the same dangerous conditions that put people in harm’s way:

  • Lifeguards play a critical role in pool safety. When they are distracted, poorly trained, or absent altogether, the risk of drowning increases dramatically, especially in public or hotel pools where kids may not be closely watched by parents.
  • Pool decks, ladders, and steps can become slippery from water, sunscreen, or algae buildup. If not properly maintained or marked with warning signs, these areas can lead to painful slip-and-fall accidents.
  • Suction from defective pool drains can trap swimmers underwater, especially young children. The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act, passed in 2007, requires anti-entrapment drain covers in public pools and spas, though not all facilities are up to date or in compliance.
  • Backyard and apartment complex pools should be secured with fences and self-closing gates to prevent young children from accessing the water unsupervised. Property owners can be held liable if they fail to provide proper barriers.
  • Improper use of diving boards or pool slides, or using them in pools that are too shallow, can cause catastrophic spinal cord injuries, including paralysis or traumatic brain injuries.
  • Pools must be cleaned with the proper mix of chlorine and other chemicals. If improperly treated, swimmers can suffer skin burns, eye damage, or respiratory issues. In some cases, dirty pools can spread illnesses like cryptosporidium or E. coli.

What types of injuries are common in pool accidents?

Swimming pool injuries can range from mild to life-threatening. These are some of the most common injuries we see in our cases:

  • Drowning or near-drowning
  • Spinal cord injuries (often from diving)
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Broken bones from falls
  • Concussions
  • Lacerations and cuts from sharp edges or broken tiles
  • Burns from pool chemicals
  • Illnesses from contaminated water

Near-drowning incidents are particularly concerning because they can lead to long-term brain damage if the victim is deprived of oxygen for too long. In some cases, children who survive may need lifelong medical care.

Who can be held responsible for a Minnesota swimming pool accident?

If a swimming pool injury was caused by unsafe conditions, someone may be legally responsible for what happened. Determining who is liable depends on where the pool is located and how the accident occurred.

Possible liable parties include:

  • If a pool accident occurs in someone’s backyard and they failed to secure the area or maintain the pool, they may be held accountable.
  • Hotels and resorts have a duty to provide safe facilities for guests, including lifeguards when appropriate, signage, and well-maintained equipment.
  • Public pools operated by local governments must meet safety codes. While they may have some legal protections under Minnesota law, they can still be held liable in certain cases.
  • Many school districts and YMCA-style centers have pools. These facilities must follow strict safety protocols.
  • If a company was hired to clean or maintain a pool and failed to do its job properly, they could be responsible.
  • If a drain cover, filter, or ladder was defective, the product maker may be held liable under Minnesota product liability.

At Bradshaw & Bryant, we carefully investigate every accident to identify the root cause and the responsible party. Our goal is to make sure that negligence doesn’t go unpunished and that victims get the help they need.

Minnesota premises liability and pool accidents

Under Minnesota premises liability law, property owners have a legal obligation to keep their property reasonably safe for visitors. This applies to private homes, public pools, apartment complexes, hotels, and more. The level of care owed depends on the type of visitor:

  • Invitees (e.g., guests at a hotel pool or public pool): Property owners must regularly inspect the premises, fix hazards, and warn about dangers.
  • Licensees (e.g., social guests at a private home): Owners still have a duty to warn of known dangers that the guest might not notice.
  • Trespassers: Generally, property owners owe less duty, but there is an exception for children under the “attractive nuisance doctrine.” Pools are considered attractive nuisances, meaning homeowners must secure them to prevent access by children, even if they weren’t invited.

If the property owner fails to take reasonable steps to keep the pool safe, they may be held legally responsible for injuries.

What is the value of my Minnesota swimming pool accident claim?

If you or your child was injured in a swimming pool accident, Minnesota law allows you to seek compensation through a personal injury claim. The amount you can recover depends on the severity of the injury and the details of your case, but may include:

  • Medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgeries, therapy, and long-term care
  • Lost wages, if you missed work due to your injuries
  • Loss of future earnings, in cases involving permanent disability
  • Pain and suffering, for both your physical and emotional distress
  • Scarring or disfigurement, especially from facial injuries or burns
  • If you lost a loved one in a drowning, you may be able to seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and more in a wrongful death action

Our team at Bradshaw & Bryant works with medical experts and economists to determine the full value of your claim, so you can focus on healing while we focus on fighting for your rights.

What should I do after a Minnesota swimming pool accident?

Taking the right steps after a pool accident can help protect your health and your legal rights. Here’s what to do:

  • Seek medical attention immediately. Even if the injuries seem minor, it’s important to get checked by a doctor.
  • Notify the property owner, lifeguard, manager, or pool staff. Ask for a written report if possible.
  • If you can, take pictures of the pool area, any hazards, and your injuries. Get contact information from witnesses.
  • Don’t sign anything without legal advice. Insurance companies may pressure you to settle early. Talk to an attorney first.

Next, call our Minnesota pool accident attorneys. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better chance you have of building a strong case.

Why choose your Minnesota swimming pool accident lawyers for my case?

For decades, Bradshaw & Bryant has been a trusted name in Minnesota personal injury law. We understand how traumatic pool accidents can be, especially when children are involved. That’s why we treat every case with care, compassion, and aggressive legal strategy. When you choose us, you get the following:

  • You’ll work directly with an experienced attorney, not just a paralegal.
  • We investigate every angle to determine what went wrong and who’s responsible.
  • We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
  • We’ve recovered millions of dollars for injury victims throughout Minnesota.

Do you have a Minnesota swimming pool accident lawyer near me?

Bradshaw & Bryant proudly serves clients throughout the state from our offices located at 1505 Division St, Waite Park, MN 56387, and 701 Xenia Ave. S., Suite 565, Golden Valley, MN 55416. We also offer virtual consultations or travel to meet with seriously injured clients if needed. If you’re in Minnesota and injured, reach out to us.

Contact an experienced Minnesota swimming pool accident lawyer now

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a swimming pool accident, don’t wait. The clock is ticking, and evidence can disappear quickly. Our team at Bradshaw & Bryant is here to help you get answers and the justice you deserve. We’re prepared to listen to your story, explain your legal options, and fight for you every step of the way. Call or fill out our contact form to schedule your case evaluation today.