As summer approaches, having a pool located on your property is the perfect way to cool off at the peak of a hot day. When cooler nights arrive, slipping into your very own hot tub can be relaxing and just the thing you need after a long and stressful day at work. While the addition of a pool and accompanying hot tub in your backyard has an endless list of obvious pros, it can also be the source of unfortunate accidents that lead to costly lawsuits.
No one desires that their property would ever be the site of a disaster, but those who have experienced one on their land no doubt wish they'd been prepared in advance. If you have a pool or hot tub on your property, consider the following tips to avoid an accident or lawsuit:
You May Be Responsible for Pool Hopping
You and your family may not be the only people enjoying your pool. In fact, teenagers seeking fun and adventure have begun a trend called "pool hopping," which is essentially just what it sounds like: when the owner isn't home or not looking, it's time for the teens to swim in the private pool.
In general situations, any injury that occurs while people have trespassed on your property without your permission is not your responsibility-- but that's not always a sure thing. If you suspect or have any knowledge that any individual is using your pool when you're not around (even if you haven't given permission for them to be there), a court could find you liable for injuries that occurred there.
Your Pool May be Considered an Attractive Nuisance
While teenagers are old enough to make responsible (or stupid) decisions, younger children are considered influenced by things around them and cannot be held liable for some of their actions. Because of this, your pool could be considered an "attractive nuisance" to a neighboring child, who could drown or suffer injury as a result of their natural curiosity.
Guarding Against Lawsuit or Accident
If your backyard is currently wide open, consider simply placing a fence around your property (with a latch high enough that it will be out of a child's reach). Doing so will immediately eliminate the possibility of your pool becoming an attractive nuisance to a child, and it will prove to a court that you're taking active steps to make your property safe in the case that an accident would occur.
As your family and guests enjoy your pool and hot tub this season, remember to keep surfaces dry and the pool area clear of any electrical wires. By investing in the safety of your property today, you'll ensure a healthy and lawsuit-free tomorrow. To learn more, contact a personal injury attorney for more information and help.
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