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A major recall involving approximately 5 million above-ground pools has been announced following reports of nine child drowning deaths over a 15-year period. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in collaboration with several pool manufacturers, made the announcement Monday, warning that a design flaw in the pools could allow unsupervised access to the water.
The recalled pools target those manufactured in China and sold under the brands Bestway, Coleman, Intex, and Polygroup. These pools, all with sides measuring 48 inches or taller, were widely distributed through major retailers such as Walmart, Amazon, Target, The Home Depot, and Costco, among others.
The CPSC’s alert highlights a specific safety concern: an external strap designed to wrap around the pool’s supports. This compression strap, according to the agency, can function as a foothold, enabling children to climb into the pool—even when the ladder is removed.
An image included in the alert further demonstrates the risk, showing a child standing on the strap to gain access to the water. Between 2007 and 2022, nine children between the ages of 22 months and 3 years lost their lives in such incidents across California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri.
In addition to these fatal cases, the CPSC cited three other similar incidents during the same period, though it did not specify whether they resulted in injuries or deaths.
Consumers who own these pools are encouraged to contact Bestway, Intex, or Polygroup for a free repair kit. The kit replaces the problematic compression straps with a rope positioned closer to the ground, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
Until the repair is installed, the CPSC advises pool owners to take immediate precautions, such as preventing children from approaching the pool unsupervised or draining the water entirely.
Information regarding specific pool models included in the recall, as well as contact details for obtaining the repair kit, is available through the CPSC’s official alert.
This nationwide recall underscores the importance of addressing potential hazards in pool designs to ensure the safety of children. Families are urged to review their pool setup and act promptly to mitigate risks.
The recall of millions of above-ground pools, including popular brands like Bestway and Intex, has drawn attention to the devastating consequences of defective products. These pools have been linked to numerous child drownings and drowning accidents, raising critical concerns about product safety and accountability.
Liability law plays a key role in cases like these. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their designs are safe and for warning consumers about potential risks. When a failure to meet these obligations results in preventable harm, families may have the right to seek compensation through legal action.
Brands such as Bestway and Intex have a duty to reduce access to the pools while addressing design flaws that contribute to these tragedies. For victims and their families, pursuing product liability claims can provide financial relief while holding companies accountable for prioritizing profits over safety. These claims can also lead to greater transparency and stricter safety standards, helping to prevent future accidents.
Millions of above-ground pools are being recalled after a tragic series of child drowning incidents linked to a design flaw. Families affected by these preventable tragedies are left facing unimaginable loss and unanswered questions in light of known drowning hazards. To address the legal pathways available to victims, attorney Michael Haggard, a seasoned advocate for product safety cases, shares his perspective on holding manufacturers accountable and securing justice for those impacted by the pools recalled following drowning deaths.
Editor Darla Medina: The recall of five million above-ground pools has left many families grappling with tragedy. For those affected by incidents involving these pools, what legal options might be available?
Attorney Michael Haggard: Families dealing with injuries or loss due to these recalled pools may have the right to pursue legal claims against the manufacturers. These cases typically fall under product liability law, which holds companies accountable for defective designs or failure to warn about potential hazards.
Medina: How can families determine if their case is eligible for legal action?
Haggard: The first step is gathering documentation—proof of purchase, photographs of the pool, and any records related to the incident. Consulting with an experienced attorney is key. They can investigate whether the pool in question is part of the recall and determine if the manufacturer acted negligently.
Medina: What kinds of outcomes can families seek through legal action?
Haggard: Compensation can cover medical costs, emotional damages, or funeral expenses in tragic cases. Beyond that, these lawsuits can send a powerful message, encouraging manufacturers to take greater responsibility for product safety.
Medina: For families who’ve experienced near-drowning incidents, is there still a case to be made?
Haggard: Absolutely. Near-drowning can lead to lifelong complications, including brain injuries or developmental delays. If the incident was preventable and tied to the recalled product, families may still have grounds for a claim.
If your family has been affected by a tragic drowning or near-drowning accident involving a recalled above-ground pool, you don’t have to face this alone. Legal action can provide the support and answers you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with personal injury attorney Michael Haggard, to discuss product liability, your case, and explore the path forward. Your story matters, and we are here to help.
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