Swimming Pool Accidents

San Francisco Swimming Pool Accident Attorney

Legal Help For Life‑Changing Pool Incidents

Swimming pool accidents can change a family’s life in a single moment. Near drownings, brain injuries, and tragic drowning deaths often happen in places that should feel safe, such as homes, apartment pools, hotels, and community facilities. If your family is facing the aftermath of a serious pool incident, you may be wondering where to turn.

At Peterson Injury Law, we represent people whose lives have been reshaped by catastrophic injuries and medical failures. For more than 30 years, we have focused our practice on high stakes injury and medical malpractice cases, including matters that involve severe brain damage and pediatric harm after pool incidents. Our history includes over $200 million recovered for clients and the largest medical malpractice recovery in California history.

Contact our San Francisco swimming pool accident lawyer by calling (415) 630-2913 today!

Swimming Pool Dangers & Liability

Many swimming pool accidents are not random events. They often trace back to preventable safety failures. In a dense city like San Francisco, pools are commonly found at apartment buildings, condominium complexes, hotels, fitness clubs, schools, and short term rental properties, as well as in private backyards. Each of these settings carries specific responsibilities for keeping guests and residents safe.

Common hazards include inadequate fencing or gates, broken or propped open latches, missing or unclear depth markers, cloudy water that hides a struggling swimmer, lack of lifeguards where they are required, or lifeguards who are distracted or poorly trained. Other cases involve defective pool drains, broken ladders, unsafe diving areas, or lighting problems that make it hard to see the bottom of the pool.

California premises liability law generally requires property owners and those who control property to take reasonable steps to maintain safe conditions. For pools, that can involve compliance with state and local building codes, adherence to safety standards, and appropriate supervision when the public or children are invited to swim. When these responsibilities are ignored, serious injuries and deaths can occur.

Potentially responsible parties in a pool accident may include homeowners, landlords, property management companies, hotel and resort operators, homeowners’ associations, schools, camps, private clubs, lifeguard staffing agencies, maintenance contractors, and in some situations, manufacturers of defective pool equipment. In a complex case, more than one party may share fault. Our team works to identify every source of responsibility and insurance coverage so that families are not left bearing costs that should have been prevented.

As a swimming pool accident attorney San Francisco families can turn to for serious cases, we examine how the incident happened, what safety rules applied, and where those rules may have been broken. Our investigation is designed to uncover not only what went wrong on the surface, but also the systemic problems that allowed an unsafe pool environment to exist.

Medical Impact Of Near Drowning

The true impact of a pool accident is often medical and long term. When a person is deprived of oxygen, even for a short time, the brain and other organs can suffer significant damage. Children are especially vulnerable because their brains are still developing. Some survivors recover fully, but many face lasting challenges.

In near drowning cases, families may see changes in memory, attention, movement, speech, or behavior. Some people need wheelchairs or assistive devices, ongoing physical, occupational, or speech therapy, and help with everyday tasks. Others may develop seizures, cognitive disabilities, or emotional and behavioral issues that affect school, work, and relationships. These injuries can require care and supervision for the rest of a person’s life.

Our firm has long experience with medical malpractice and pediatric harm, which helps us understand the medical side of swimming related injuries. We review hospital records, imaging, and specialist reports with clinical precision, beginning with our RN led intake process. When appropriate, we consult with neurologists, rehabilitation physicians, and life care planners to understand how the injury will affect your loved one in the years ahead.

Financially, the costs of serious brain injury are enormous. Families may face ongoing therapy, home modifications, mobility equipment, specialized technology, and the loss of a parent’s income if someone must leave work to provide care. We work to build a clear, evidence based picture of these needs so that any resolution reflects not just today’s bills, but the true lifetime impact of the injury.

By combining our medical knowledge with our experience in high value litigation, we aim to pursue recoveries that support recovery, independence where possible, and long term stability. When you work with our team, you can expect straightforward conversations about prognosis, damages, and the legal tools available to seek accountability.

What To Do After A Pool Accident

In the hours and days after a pool accident, it can be hard to think clearly. You may be at the hospital, fielding calls from relatives, or trying to understand what the doctors are saying. At the same time, property owners and insurance companies may already be gathering information to protect themselves. A few practical steps can help protect your loved one’s rights.

Helpful steps to take after a swimming pool incident:

Prioritize emergency medical care and follow up with appropriate specialists recommended by the treating physicians.
Preserve evidence by taking photos or video of the pool, gates, fencing, signage, lighting, and any safety equipment such as life rings or ladders.
Save contact information for witnesses, staff, lifeguards, and anyone who responded, along with any written incident reports or emails from the property owner.
Avoid giving detailed written or recorded statements to insurance representatives before you have spoken with a lawyer about your rights.
Contact a swimming pool accident lawyer to discuss what happened, the injuries involved, and how to move forward.

We understand that some of these steps may feel overwhelming, especially when you are focused on a family member’s condition. When you reach out to our firm, we walk through what you have already done, explain what additional information might be helpful, and start outlining a plan. We return calls promptly and keep you informed so that you are not left wondering what is happening with your case.

How We Handle Pool Accident Cases

When you contact Peterson Injury Law about a swimming pool accident in San Francisco, our work begins with a free consultation. We listen to your story, ask focused questions about where and how the incident occurred, and discuss the medical issues you are seeing. If we believe we can help, our team then takes a structured approach to investigating and pursuing the claim.

A Registered Nurse reviews the medical information from the outset, which helps us understand the nature of the injury and whether there may also have been medical negligence in the emergency or hospital setting. We gather records, incident reports, photographs, and other available evidence, and when necessary, we visit the property to evaluate the pool environment and safety features.

Depending on the facts, we may work with pool safety professionals to analyze compliance with relevant standards and laws, and with medical experts to describe the full extent of the injury. Our attorneys handle communications with insurance companies and defense counsel, and we guide you through each stage of the litigation process. This can include filing in courts such as the San Francisco County Superior Court when that is appropriate for your case.

Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay us upfront, and our fee is collected only if there is a financial recovery. We explain this arrangement clearly during the consultation so you understand how costs and fees are handled. Throughout the case, we remain honest about timelines, risks, and potential outcomes, and we work to secure results that can support your family’s future.

If you are looking for a swimming pool accident lawyer San Francisco families can rely on for serious, complex cases, our team is prepared to stand with you. We combine clinical insight, seasoned advocacy, and careful preparation to confront property owners, corporations, and institutions that failed to keep people safe.

$3.75 Million Anesthesia Error
$6.25 Million Anoxic Brain Injury, Anesthesia Error
Record-Setting $17 Million Birth Injury Settlement

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Erik and his team were incredibly helpful.
“Erik and his team were incredibly helpful. They consistently helped me through the unfamiliar and uncertain legal processes, which were all new to me. I trusted Erik always had my best interests in mind and was fighting on my behalf. I deeply appreciate all they did for me and my family.”

- Peter M.
I truly appreciate everything they did for us.
“Erik and his paralegal, Kate, were incredible throughout our case. Erik is an amazing attorney, he was open with us from the very beginning, attentive, and always made sure we understood every step of the process. His honesty and professionalism gave us so”

- Joyce D.
We cannot recommend Erik and his team highly enough.
“Working with Erik Peterson was an exceptional experience during one of the most difficult times in our lives. As we faced shock and a maze of medical decisions, Erik seamlessly took on our medical malpractice case with professionalism, compassion, and deep expertise. From our very first conversation, it was clear that Erik had both the knowledge and the sensitivity to guide us through the process with integrity. Erik ultimately secured a settlement that protected our financial future and gave us peace of mind to focus our energy on healing and recovery. We are profoundly grateful for his guidance and advocacy, and we cannot recommend Erik and his team highly enough.”

- Jennifer B.
I am so very grateful to my lawyer, Erik
“I am so very grateful to my lawyer, Erik and his team for his unwavering support, dedication and commitment. Thank you for all your hard work leading us to a victorious outcome in court!”

- Quia K.
He was always truthful and honest but also caring.
“My wife and I are forever grateful to Erik and his team for putting the effort and care for our son and his needs. We chose Erik over another lawyer because they took the time to FaceTime with us and speak to us on a personal level which made us feel safe and heard. Throughout the process Erik was very communicative and detailed in explaining how all the legal things worked and how long things took. He was always truthful and honest but also caring. At the end Erik and his team were able to help us and now our son will have his needs met and a more comfortable life. Thank you.”

- Adrian B.
Erik, I'm incredibly grateful that [husband stroke victim] continues to improve - long after it was thought to be possible.
“He couldn't have managed independence to this extent, his current level of physical activity, or the complexity of his recent social interactions 6 months ago. None of it would have happened without ongoing therapeutic support - which has only been possible with the financial settlement.”

- Former Client
Thank you Erik for winning our case!
“Thank you Erik for winning our case! Erik and his team are superb. If you are in need of his attorney services, it is likely, like myself, that you are experiencing one of the most traumatic and painful times of your life. Of course you want an excellent lawyer - and he is it. The bonus: he is also a genuinely real and kind human being. I am so grateful to him and his team.”

- Margaret C.
Erik Peterson handled my case with care and compassion.
“His knowledge and attention to detail was stellar, making me feel secure during a difficult case. Unlike most people in life, he was always upfront with me and kept me updated every step of the way, which is truly not what I was expecting from a lawyer. Although it was determined my case could take several years, especially during a pandemic, due to his dedication it was over in only 2yrs and made the process as easy for me as possible. I would absolutely recommend this firm and use him again if I ever need to, although I hope I don't.”

- Kristy N.
This whole experience can be overwhelming but Erik kept me in the loop on everything.
“My husband passed due to medical malpractice and I didn't know what to do or who to call. All I knew was I needed to get him justice. I researched and found Erik Peterson on google and reviewed various reviews on various sites. He was very patient and fought for me and my late husband. Erik told me what to expect ahead of time so I could prepare myself mentally. All in all, I HIGHLY recommend them to anyone who may need legal assistance in personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death. They are excellent and I can't say enough good things about them.”

- Kiki A.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need A Lawyer After A Pool Accident?

Legal help is often very important after a serious pool accident. Liability can involve multiple parties, insurance companies, and complex medical issues. A lawyer can evaluate what happened, protect evidence, and work to ensure that any resolution accounts for both current and future needs.

Who Can Be Held Responsible For A Pool Drowning?

Responsibility may rest with homeowners, landlords, property managers, hotels, clubs, schools, camps, lifeguard companies, or product manufacturers, depending on what went wrong. We investigate how the incident occurred, which safety rules applied, and who had control over the property or equipment to determine who may be held accountable.

What If My Child Has A Brain Injury From Near Drowning?

A pediatric brain injury can affect every part of a child’s life. We review medical records with our RN led team, consult appropriate specialists when needed, and work to understand future care, therapy, and educational needs. Our goal is to pursue compensation that supports your child’s long term stability and opportunities.

How Long Will A Pool Accident Case Take?

The length of a case depends on factors such as how disputed liability is, the seriousness of the injuries, and whether the matter settles or goes to trial. We outline expected stages early on, keep you updated, and discuss timing as the case progresses so you are not left guessing.

WE'RE HERE FOR YOU

Talk With Our Team About Your Next Steps

After a catastrophic swimming pool accident in San Francisco, it can be hard to see a path forward. You do not have to figure it out alone. Our firm can review what happened, explain your legal options, and help you decide whether pursuing a claim is the right step for your family.

When you contact us, you will speak with a team that understands both complex medicine and serious litigation and that is committed to clear communication. Consultations are free, and you do not pay us upfront. We are here to provide straightforward guidance so you can make informed choices during a very difficult time.

Call (415) 630-2913 to speak with our team today.

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