- Dec 18, 2024 - Hot Tubs - Written by Cloward Trial Lawyers, reviewed by Ben Cloward
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call or text us 702-605-5000Yes, hot tubs can pose several risks, such as germs, heat-related dangers, chemical exposure, skin issues, downing and problems for pregnant women, even can cause serious injuries or even death if proper precautions are not taken. While they are often associated with relaxation and health benefits, they also pose significant risks that many people are unaware of. At Cloward Trial Lawyers, we’ve witnessed firsthand how quickly these incidents can occur and how devastating their consequences are. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a hot tub accident, we’re here to help guide you through the legal aftermath.
Injured in an Accident in Las Vegas?
Hot tubs can pose significant dangers, presenting various serious risks that may result in injury or even death. Typical incidents include drowning, burns, infections, and chemical exposure. Below, we highlight some of the most prevalent hazards linked to hot tubs.
Children and adults can be pulled underwater by the suction of a pump, leading to grave injuries or drowning. Suction entrapment happens when the body, hair, or clothing gets caught in the drain, preventing the person from resurfacing. This is especially unsafe for young individuals who may not have the strength to free themselves. In some cases, disembowelment has occurred due to the intense pressure exerted by the suction. According to the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), ensuring the hot tub has compliant drain covers and proper maintenance can significantly reduce the likelihood of entrapment accidents.
One tragic aspect of these events is that they are often preventable. By making sure that the drain covers are compliant with safety standards and regularly checking for any defects, you can help mitigate this risk.
While they are designed for relaxation, the water can be dangerously hot, leading to severe burns, especially for individuals with sensitive skin or preexisting conditions. The ideal temperature is around 100-104°F, but even temperatures within this range can lead to damage if the skin is exposed for too long. Children, the elderly, and individuals with medical conditions are especially vulnerable to burns from prolonged hot water exposure.
In more extreme cases, excessively high temperatures can result in third-degree burns that require medical treatment. It’s important to always check the water temperature before entering and verifying it remains within a safe range.
Maintaining the chemical balance is critical for safe use, but if the levels are too high, users can suffer from chemical burns and other side effects. The use of sanitizers like chlorine and bromine helps keep the water free from harmful bacteria, but improper levels can produce skin irritation, burns, and even respiratory distress.
For example, inhaling chemical fumes in poorly ventilated areas can lead to poisoning. This type of exposure can be hazardous for those with pre-existing respiratory afflictions such as asthma. Regularly testing the water’s chemical balance is essential to avoid these situations.
Injured in an Accident in Las Vegas?
Many people find the heat incredibly soothing, but it can also cause users to become drowsy, leading to potentially disastrous consequences. When someone falls asleep in a tub, they risk slipping underwater and drowning. Consuming alcohol in these circumstances further heightens this threat, as it increases fatigue and blurs judgment.
If you are using a hot tub alone or after drinking alcohol, it’s important to be cautious and remain alert. Drowning is a serious risk, especially when it impairs a person’s ability to stay above water.
It can create an environment where dangerous bacteria thrive, presenting considerable health complications to users. The warm, moist conditions are ideal for the growth of bacteria such as Legionella, which can lead to Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), infections from hot tubs can cause a range of symptoms, from minor skin rashes to serious respiratory issues, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems.
To reduce the possibility of bacterial infections, owners must maintain proper chemical levels and clean their hot tubs regularly. If poorly maintained, it can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria, endangering everyone who uses it.
Individuals with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or diabetes are at a heightened risk when using tubs. The high temperatures can pose a severe spike in blood pressure, leading to a stroke or other serious medical incidents. People with pre-existing medical conditions should always consult a doctor before using one, as the combination of heat and extended exposure can put significant strain on the cardiovascular system.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, those with health afflictions must limit their time in the hot tub and avoid exposure to temperatures above 100°F.
One particularly critical accident involved a person who suffered a seizure after prolonged exposure to excessively high temperatures. The individual’s body temperature reached 104.7°F, resulting in extreme brain damage after being transferred between hospitals. While this is an extreme case, it highlights how prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to serious, life-altering injuries.
In addition to seizure risks, overheating can also impair brain function, causing confusion, dizziness, or unconsciousness. In some situations, victims suffer from hypoxia (lack of oxygen), leading to permanent brain damage.
Related content: Hot Tub Safety Tips
If you or someone you care about has sustained injuries from a hot tub accident, you may have the right to seek compensation. At Cloward Trial Lawyers, we focus on personal injury cases and are committed to assisting you in navigating the complexities of your situation. Our experienced team is ready to advocate for your rights and make sure you receive the support necessary for your recovery. Contact us today for a free case review.
In 2016, at the age of 37, Benjamin P. Cloward became the youngest lawyer in the history of the State of Nevada to be awarded the prestigious “Trial Lawyer of the Year” by the Nevada Justice Association. That same year, he became the youngest member of the Nevada, Las Vegas Chapter of ABOTA (American Board of Trial Advocates), and at the time was also the youngest person in the State of Nevada to be Board Certified as a Personal Injury Specialist.
Practice areas: personal injury, car accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, Greyhound bus accidents, and walk-in tub accidents.
Location: Las Vegas, NV
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