Hold the Responsible Party Financially Accountable

Swimming pool accidents are shockingly common and often deadly. In the United States alone, there are an estimated 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths each year, averaging about 11 per day from drowning, not including non-fatal incidents that still cause lifelong harm. In fact, nearly 87% of young child drownings occur in home pools or hot tubs.

A swimming pool accident refers to any injury or death resulting from hazards in or around a pool, including drownings, slip-and-falls, or equipment defects. Pool owners and operators have a duty to maintain safe conditions under premises liability law; they can be held liable for injuries caused by unsafe conditions, inadequate fencing, poor supervision, or failure to warn of hidden dangers. South Carolina also applies the attractive nuisance doctrine, meaning negligent pool security that attracts children can create liability even if the child was trespassing.

Types of Swimming Pool Accident Injuries

Drowning and Near-Drowning Injuries

Drowning incidents can lead to death or catastrophic brain damage within minutes. Even near-drowning events often cause permanent cognitive impairment, respiratory complications, and long-term neurological deficits that affect memory and mobility.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Head injuries commonly occur from diving accidents, falls on slick surfaces, or striking pool walls. These injuries can result in concussions, memory loss, mood changes, and permanent cognitive limitations that disrupt work, school, and daily functioning.

Spinal Cord and Neck Injuries

Diving into shallow water or slipping near a pool edge can cause devastating spinal trauma. These injuries may result in partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, and lifelong medical needs that permanently alter a person’s independence and quality of life.

Broken Bones and Orthopedic Injuries

Slips, falls, and collisions around pool areas frequently lead to fractures, torn ligaments, and joint injuries. Recovery often requires surgery, physical therapy, and extended time away from work or school, with some victims never fully regaining strength or mobility.

Electrical and Chemical-Related Injuries

Faulty wiring, defective lighting, or improperly balanced pool chemicals can cause electrical shocks, burns, or respiratory damage. These injuries are often sudden and severe, posing life-threatening risks and long-term health complications that require ongoing medical care.

swimming pool

Common Reasons for Swimming Pool Accidents

Swimming pool accidents rarely happen without warning. In most cases, they’re the direct result of safety shortcuts, poor maintenance, or ignored responsibilities. When owners fail to take basic precautions, serious injuries become inevitable. Common causes include:

  • Lack of adult supervision, especially around children
  • Missing or broken fencing, gates, or pool covers
  • Slippery pool decks and walkways without proper traction
  • Defective drains, pumps, lights, or filtration systems
  • Improperly balanced or mishandled pool chemicals
  • Inadequate warning signs or safety instructions
  • Failure to comply with state or local safety codes

Why Choose Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm for Swimming Pool Accidents?

When a swimming pool accident occurs, you need a law firm that knows how to take control early and keep the pressure on. Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm has one guiding principle: stay on the offense. We don’t wait for answers, we demand them. From securing maintenance records to exposing safety violations, we dig in fast while the insurers scramble to protect themselves.

Gus Anastopoulo built this firm the hard way, starting with nothing but grit and a refusal to back down. That mentality drives how we handle swimming pool accident cases. We understand how devastating these injuries are, especially when children are involved, and we treat every case with urgency. If negligence caused your injury, we make sure the responsible party pays fully.

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Who Can Be Held Liable for Swimming Pool Accidents?

Establishing liability in a swimming pool accident requires deliberate, detailed investigation. We look at who owned the pool, who controlled it, who maintained it, and who ignored known risks. That means reviewing safety policies, maintenance logs, inspection records, and surveillance footage to identify every failure that contributed to the injury and assign responsibility where it belongs. From there, we apply the right legal theory to hold them accountable.

Negligence

Negligence applies when someone fails to act with reasonable care, and that failure directly causes an injury. In swimming pool cases, this often involves ignored safety risks, poor oversight, or dangerous shortcuts that put swimmers at risk. Depending on the specific circumstances, negligent parties may include:

  • Private homeowners
  • Pool managers or operators
  • Lifeguards or supervisory staff
  • Property management companies

Premises Liability

Premises liability focuses on unsafe conditions on a property that cause injury. Pool owners and operators are required to keep their premises reasonably safe and address known hazards in a timely manner. When they don’t, liability may extend to:

  • Hotels and resorts
  • Apartment complexes and HOAs
  • Municipalities and public pool operators
  • Commercial property owners

Product Liability

Product liability applies when a defective pool-related product causes harm, even if the pool itself was otherwise maintained. These cases focus on design flaws, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warnings. Responsible parties may include:

  • Pool equipment manufacturers
  • Drain, pump, or filter designers
  • Electrical or lighting manufacturers
  • Distributors or installers

Attractive Nuisance

Under South Carolina’s attractive nuisance doctrine, property owners can be held responsible for injuries to children who are drawn to a pool, even if they were not invited onto the property. When pools aren’t properly secured, liability may fall on:

  • Homeowners with unfenced or unlocked pools
  • Property owners who failed to install safety barriers
  • Landlords who ignored known child safety risks

What Are the Types of Compensation Available for Swimming Pool Accidents?

A serious swimming pool accident doesn’t just cause immediate injuries: it can derail your health, finances, and future. Medical bills pile up fast, time away from work creates financial strain, and the emotional toll can linger long after the physical injuries heal.

When an accident is caused by negligence, South Carolina law allows victims to pursue compensation that reflects the full scope of what they’ve lost, not just what’s obvious on day one. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, compensation may include:

  • Emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, and ongoing medical treatment
  • Rehabilitation, physical therapy, and long-term care needs
  • Lost income and reduced earning capacity
  • Physical pain and emotional distress
  • Permanent disability or loss of enjoyment of life
  • Wrongful death damages, including funeral expenses and loss of companionship

Steps to Take Immediately After Swimming Pool Accidents

The moments after a swimming pool accident are critical. What you do next can protect your health, preserve evidence, and strengthen any future claim. If you or a loved one is injured, take these steps as soon as possible:

  • Seek emergency medical care and follow all treatment instructions
  • Remove the injured person from further danger if it can be done safely
  • Report the incident to the property owner, manager, or operator
  • Document the scene, conditions, and visible injuries with photos or video
  • Obtain contact information from witnesses
  • Avoid making statements to insurance companies or property representatives
  • Preserve clothing, equipment, or items involved in the incident
  • Contact an experienced swimming pool accident lawyer in Charleston promptly
attorney signing a document

Why Hire a Swimming Pool Accident Lawyer in Charleston

Swimming pool accident cases move fast, and so do insurers looking to limit what they pay. A skilled swimming pool accident lawyer in Charleston knows how to lock down evidence, uncover safety violations, and stop blame-shifting. At Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm, we understand South Carolina pool safety laws, premises liability rules, and how these cases are actually defended. As a dedicated swimming pool accident attorney in Charleston, we push early, apply pressure, and pursue the full value of what negligence cost you.

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Client Testimonials

"Working with this law firm was an absolute breeze. They run their business efficiently, communicate clearly, and make every step quick and easy. The team is professional, reliable...

"Working with this law firm was an absolute breeze. They run their business efficiently, communicate clearly, and make every step quick and easy. The team is professional, reliable, and genuinely focused on helping their clients. I definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a smooth and stress-free legal experience."

—Tyana Canty

Gus Law Firm did an outstanding job handling my case! Jotavia was amazing; she went above and beyond to make sure everything was taken care of and kept me informed every step of th...

Gus Law Firm did an outstanding job handling my case! Jotavia was amazing; she went above and beyond to make sure everything was taken care of and kept me informed every step of the way. I truly appreciate her dedication and professionalism. Highly recommended!

—SaNya Grant Paul

Gus and his team kept me informed every step of the way. They truly take the time to understand your case and what you’re going through. Every team member was professional an...

Gus and his team kept me informed every step of the way. They truly take the time to understand your case and what you’re going through. Every team member was professional and responsive, and made the process simple and stress-free. If you’re looking for a personal injury law firm in Charleston that actually listens and delivers results, this is the one.

—Rebecca Gates

Gus and his team were excellent. My family was affected by a horrible accident, and his firm stood beside me every step of the way. He and his team went above and beyond expectatio...

Gus and his team were excellent. My family was affected by a horrible accident, and his firm stood beside me every step of the way. He and his team went above and beyond expectations. He and his team were very supportive and sympathetic to what this accident did to me and my family. He fought for me till the end, which was a successful end. I would strongly recommend him and his team for your needs.

—Kathy

My experience was a good one. Everyone was kind and professional, and they handled my case in a timely manner. A great team, and I thank everyone! Highly recommended.

—DN

It was truly an honor for your law firm to represent me in this case. I will be forever grateful to your team for all the hard work they did for me. Thanks and happy holidays!...

It was truly an honor for your law firm to represent me in this case. I will be forever grateful to your team for all the hard work they did for me. Thanks and happy holidays!

—Shawn Davis

I’ve gotten such a good impression of Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm from Jotavia Myers. She’s kind, helpful, and genuine, and it’s easy to see she represents the firm ...

I’ve gotten such a good impression of Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm from Jotavia Myers. She’s kind, helpful, and genuine, and it’s easy to see she represents the firm with real care and professionalism.

—Deanna Marie

Gus and the entire team were so efficient and professional! I appreciate every effort! They absolutely know what they are doing, and I’m so glad they were representing me! Hi...

Gus and the entire team were so efficient and professional! I appreciate every effort! They absolutely know what they are doing, and I’m so glad they were representing me! Highly recommend to all!

—Pam Toledano

Jo has truly done an amazing job helping me with my case to the fullest extent and has made certain that I understand every aspect of my case. She was truly committed to ensuring t...

Jo has truly done an amazing job helping me with my case to the fullest extent and has made certain that I understand every aspect of my case. She was truly committed to ensuring that her job was done to the fullest. Thank you.

—Jason Williams

This was by far the best experience I had with a law firm! Jotavia was amazing! They handled everything for me, making it seamless. I was out of the country, and they helped me so ...

This was by far the best experience I had with a law firm! Jotavia was amazing! They handled everything for me, making it seamless. I was out of the country, and they helped me so much, and I didn’t have to worry about anything! JP Walker & Jotavia, you guys are chef’s kiss!

—Kia Major

I was recently injured in a serious car accident and didn’t know where to turn. After researching personal injury law firms near me, I found Gus's law firm, and I’m so ...

I was recently injured in a serious car accident and didn’t know where to turn. After researching personal injury law firms near me, I found Gus's law firm, and I’m so grateful I did. From the very first consultation, their team was professional, compassionate, and incredibly knowledgeable about car accident and injury law.

My attorney walked me through every step of the process—from dealing with the insurance company to securing top-notch medical care. They fought hard to get me the maximum compensation for my injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. What stood out most was how responsive and dedicated they were—I always felt heard and supported.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident and need a personal injury lawyer who truly cares and delivers results, I highly recommend Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm. They turned a stressful situation into a manageable one and helped me get the justice I deserved.

—Michael

The lawyers at Gus’s are AMAZING! They went above & beyond for us. My fiancé and I were in a car accident in February, which left us without that car. By the grace...

The lawyers at Gus’s are AMAZING!

They went above & beyond for us. My fiancé and I were in a car accident in February, which left us without that car. By the grace of God, we were not injured and therefore had no medical bills, however deeply distressed. I had to quit my job, which I loved dearly, due to this accident. We called other law firms, and no one would take our case due to the lack of medical bills. When we called Gus, we got a lawyer who took our case right away and was able to win us $30,000 for emotional distress. I couldn’t be more thankful for this law firm fighting for us.

I could not recommend anyone better to fight for you!

—Carly McGee

Gus Anastopoulo and his firm were EXTREMELY AMAZING. From start to finish, this law firm was very helpful, professional, and knowledgeable. They assist me step by step, making sure...

Gus Anastopoulo and his firm were EXTREMELY AMAZING.

From start to finish, this law firm was very helpful, professional, and knowledgeable. They assist me step by step, making sure I understand everything. They made me feel at ease. I was so relaxed and comfortable once talking to him and his assistant. I had nothing to worry about. Everything was taken care of by his firm.

Mr. Gus will go above and beyond for his clients, and that’s what I loved about him during my case. His compassion for his firm and clients makes you feel secure and confident. He will not settle for anything. He will make sure you get what you deserve.

I will utilize Gus Law firm for any legal justification.

Thank you, Mr. Anastopoulo and your firm!

—Tamika Moore

I was very pleased with Gus representing me for something that happened suddenly. It was definitely a situation that had me stressed and not knowing what to do, but they were there...

I was very pleased with Gus representing me for something that happened suddenly. It was definitely a situation that had me stressed and not knowing what to do, but they were there for me every step of the way. Very happy with the outcome and would definitely highly recommend. Thank you for all the help!

—Tiffany Bredenkamp

I wish I could give this firm a 10-star review! They are extremely responsive, maintain great communication, and care about their clients! The attorneys here not only fight for you...

I wish I could give this firm a 10-star review! They are extremely responsive, maintain great communication, and care about their clients! The attorneys here not only fight for you, but they also listen to your needs. Jotavia is always willing to share knowledge with you and listen. I would recommend anyone to call Gus!

—Ricardo Prizzie

They took care of all my problems. JP was amazing, very transparent with all the cost upfront and fought hard for my case to go through and win.

— Jovanny Castano

I'm very pleased with Gus and his representation. He definitely dotted all the I's and crossed all T's in my case. He's very kind and Hannah is the sweetest assistant as well. I wo...

I'm very pleased with Gus and his representation. He definitely dotted all the I's and crossed all T's in my case. He's very kind and Hannah is the sweetest assistant as well. I would highly recommend his law firm to anyone seeking representation.

—Lora Edwards

Outstanding Car Accident Representation – Highly Recommend! I was recently injured in a serious car accident and didn’t know where to turn. After researching personal i...

Outstanding Car Accident Representation – Highly Recommend!

I was recently injured in a serious car accident and didn’t know where to turn. After researching personal injury law firms near me, I found Gus's law firm, and I’m so grateful I did. From the very first consultation, their team was professional, compassionate, and incredibly knowledgeable about car accident and injury law.

My attorney walked me through every step of the process — from dealing with the insurance company to securing top-notch medical care. They fought hard to get me the maximum compensation for my injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. What stood out most was how responsive and dedicated they were — I always felt heard and supported.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident and need a personal injury lawyer who truly cares and delivers results, I highly recommend Gus Anastopoulo Law firm. They turned a stressful situation into a manageable one and helped me get the justice I deserved.

—Michael

Swimming Pool Accidents Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a swimming pool accident claim in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, most swimming pool accident claims fall under the state’s three-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. That clock usually starts on the date of the accident. If the claim involves a government-owned pool, shorter notice deadlines may apply. Waiting too long can permanently bar your case, which is why early action matters.

What if my child was injured while trespassing?

South Carolina follows the attractive nuisance doctrine, which can hold property owners responsible for injuries to children even if they were not invited onto the property. Pools are considered inherently dangerous and highly attractive to children. If a pool was not properly secured, the property owner may still be held liable for your child’s injuries.

What if the accident happened at an apartment complex or hotel pool?

Apartment complexes, hotels, and resorts owe guests and residents a duty to maintain reasonably safe pool areas. That includes using proper fencing, signage, maintenance, and supervision when required. If management ignored known hazards or failed to follow safety codes, they can be held financially responsible for resulting injuries.

Can a property owner be liable if no one was supervising?

Absolutely. Lack of supervision is one of the most common causes of serious pool injuries. Hotels, apartment complexes, HOAs, and public facilities often have specific supervision needs. When owners fail to provide adequate oversight or allow unsafe conditions to exist, they can be held accountable under negligence and premises liability laws.

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