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Whenever we leave our homes, most of us have an expectation that any location we visit will be maintained in a reasonably safe condition. If we encounter a hazard on a property that causes us harm, we may seek to hold the property owner or occupier responsible for resulting damages in a premises liability lawsuit.
There are many types of general premises liability claims. Slip and fall cases, for instance, may involve a home or business owner who failed to clean up a spill, causing fall injuries. Similarly, claims for dog attack injuries can be made against owners who keep dangerous animals. Negligent security is also a kind of premises liability action that can be initiated against a property owner who did not adequately protect those on their property from criminal activity.
These are only some of the many types of legal claims that can arise out of unsafe conditions on the property – Massachusetts premises liability attorneys have secured millions for injured plaintiffs in these and similar situations. But, one particular claim from the Boston area involving a swimming pool accident has recently garnered a great deal of attention.
Swimming pools have certain inherent dangers, and pool mishaps are a relatively common source of premises liability claims. Failure to warn divers of shallow water, the lack of a fence to prevent young children from drowning, or inadequate supervision may all lead to a claim.
One recently-concluded Massachusetts swimming pool lawsuit resulted in the largest personal injury jury verdict in the state thus far in 2011. While visiting family in Massachusetts, 29-year old Robin Aleo broke her neck when the pool slide she was using collapsed. Ultimately, she was taken off life support, and her family filed a wrongful death action.
In mid-October, a Salem Superior Court jury returned a verdict in excess of $20 million for Robin Aleo’s husband. The award included both compensatory and punitive damages.
Pool and spa safety is extremely important, and holding negligent property owners accountable is one way to discourage dangerous oversights. Righteous lawsuits not only encourage safety. When successful, they can provide the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and other injury-related damages.
If you or a family member has been injured in a swimming pool or by some other dangerous condition on the property of another, you should contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney can help investigate your claim and pursue the compensation you deserve.
