For many South Carolina families, a day at the pool is a way to cool off, relax, and enjoy time together. But beneath the surface, hidden dangers can turn these moments into life-threatening emergencies. One of the most overlooked hazards involves drain entrapment and pool equipment defects—silent risks that can lead to catastrophic injuries or death, especially for children.
Here, our David W. Martin Accident & Injury Lawyers explain.
What Is Drain Entrapment?
Drain entrapment occurs when a swimmer becomes trapped by the powerful suction of a pool or spa drain. Hair, limbs, clothing, or a person’s torso can be pulled toward the drain with enough force to prevent escape. In severe cases, this can result in drowning or other traumatic injuries.
Children are especially vulnerable due to their smaller size and strength. The risk increases significantly if a drain cover is broken, missing, or improperly installed. Even well-maintained pools can be hazardous if older equipment is not compliant with modern safety standards.
Pool Equipment Defects: More Common Than You Think
In addition to drain-related incidents, equipment malfunctions also contribute to swimming pool-related injuries. Faulty pumps, poor electrical wiring, defective heaters, and malfunctioning filtration systems can all create conditions for serious accidents.
Some common examples include:
- Electrocution due to defective grounding or exposed wiring.
- Suction injuries caused by broken or poorly designed drain covers.
- Burns or scalding from overheated pool heaters.
- Chemical exposure due to improperly calibrated filtration systems.
These are not just freak accidents – they often stem from design, manufacturing, installation, or maintenance negligence. Unfortunately, when something goes wrong, the consequences can be irreversible.
Who Is Liable in a Drain Entrapment or Equipment Defect Case?
Determining liability in a pool injury case requires a thorough investigation.
Depending on the circumstances, one or more parties may be held responsible, including:
- Property owners or managers for failing to inspect or maintain the pool properly.
- Product manufacturers, if the equipment was defectively designed or assembled.
- Installation or service companies for improper installation or maintenance.
- Pool builders or contractors for failing to comply with safety codes or using substandard parts.
South Carolina premises liability and product liability laws allow victims and their families to pursue compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, and, in tragic cases, wrongful death.
How Our South Carolina Law Firm Can Help
At David W. Martin Injury Lawyers, we understand that pool injury cases are rarely simple. We work with investigators, safety experts, and medical professionals to uncover the cause of the injury and build a case against the responsible party.
Our team is prepared to handle complex claims involving:
- Drain entrapment injuries or fatalities.
- Defective pool equipment or structural failures.
- Negligent pool supervision or code violations.
- Claims against hotels, resorts, landlords, or product manufacturers.
We fight to hold negligent parties accountable and help families recover the compensation they need to heal and move forward.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our South Carolina Personal Injury Attorneys Today
If you or someone you love has suffered a pool-related injury in South Carolina, do not wait. Time is critical in gathering evidence and preserving your legal rights.
Call David W. Martin Injury Lawyers today at (803) 302-3989 for a free consultation. Let us help you uncover the truth and pursue the justice you deserve. We provide free consultations for all South Carolina personal injury cases. We only collect fees when we secure compensation for you – your success is our success.