Wrongful death lawsuit filed following electrocution in pool

Californians have the opportunity to go swimming at most times of year, but summer is an especially popular time. If you own a backyard pool and have kids, this is probably where they spend most of their time during the hot summer months.

Pools are fun and relaxing, but they are also dangerous if not installed, inspected and maintained properly. A wrongful death lawsuit filed late last month was a scary reminder to parents and pool owners everywhere.

A Florida couple has filed a lawsuit against four companies following the electrocution death of their young son in April. While swimming in his family’s pool, a 7-year-old boy was fatally electrocuted by a faulty pool light. The four parties named in the lawsuit include

• The manufacturer and designer of the pool light
• A company that periodically inspected, cleaned and maintained the pool
• An electrician who installed some of the home’s or pool’s electrical wiring
• The company that inspected the home around the time that the family purchased it

It is fairly common to name several parties as defendants when a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit is first filed. There are instances in which certain parties will ask a judge to have claims against them thrown out. If a judge determines that the claims against said defendant are baseless, the lawsuit can still proceed against other defendants.

It is hard to imagine the grief these parents are feeling at losing their young son in such a tragic and preventable accident. This case is a reminder about the importance of regular and thorough pool inspections as well as competent electrical work.

Source: CBS Miami, " Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed In Calder Sloan’s Pool Electrocution," Cynthia Demos, June 24, 2014