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Posted by Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner
As recently reported by the Associated Press, another child’s death has been caused by the powerful suction of a swimming pool. Parents claim that pool industry officials are trying to weaken pool safety standards, “It’s not something we’ll ever get over, but we’re hoping to make a difference so other families don’t have to suffer the same fate. The laws are trying to be rolled back by the pool industry and we really want to make sure that we’re there to protect the children.” Pool officials deny those claims and advocate for the best approach for the prevention of such tragedies.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, an annual average of 385 pool – or spa-related deaths occurred from 2005-2007. Another 4,200 children are treated in emergency rooms each year for pool-associated injuries. Laws have been enacted and debated in some jurisdictions regarding the necessity of anti-entrapment devices or covers for pools.
Scott Wolfson, director of public affairs for the Consumer Product Safety Commission, said the agency is committed to working with the families on education campaigns and other efforts to ensure pool safety.
“We certainly understand their position,” Wolfson said. “We want this law to save lives. We care deeply about what happened to the families.”
Until laws are powerful and consistent enough to prevent such pool tragedies for children, raising awareness of pool safety is the goal of advocates, similar to earlier efforts regarding bicycle helmet requirements. Compared to the cost of a life, entrapment hazard drain covers are inexpensive.
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About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a board-certified civil trial attorney by the National Board of Trial Advocates and a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. He has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a “Big Gun” and among the “top 1%” of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as “one of Washington’s best–most honest and effective lawyers” who specializes in personal injury matters, including automobile accident claims, premises liability, product liability, medical malpractice, and work-accident claims. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. Mr. Zambri has been named one of the “Best Lawyers in America” by Best Lawyers (2011 edition), as well as a “Super Lawyer” by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2010)–national publications that honor the top lawyers in America.
If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at [email protected] or call him at 202-822-1899.
