During the summer months, swimming pools become a popular place for people to gather and have fun. However, accidents can happen, especially slip and fall incidents around the pool area. If you or someone close to you has been injured in a slip and fall at a swimming pool, you should try to recover compensation for your injuries. This article provides an overview of determining liability and seeking compensation in swimming pool slip and fall cases.
Causes of Swimming Pool Slip and Falls
There are several common causes of slip and falls around swimming pools:
Wet Surfaces
Pool decks can become very slippery when wet. Other wet surfaces like showers, locker rooms, and restrooms near the pool area can also lead to falls. Property owners must take proper precautions like installing non-slip surfaces, providing mats, and posting warning signs. Areas around the pool like steps into the water and ladders can also become slippery and hazardous.
Uneven Surfaces
Cracked or uneven concrete around the pool, damaged tiles, and popped-up deck boards can cause people to trip and fall. Routine maintenance and inspection of the area is key to preventing hazards. Surfaces need to be kept level and any damage promptly repaired.
Poor Lighting
Pools that do not have adequate lighting can contribute to slips and falls, especially at night. Low visibility makes it difficult to see wet surfaces, depth changes, or obstructions. Proper lighting must be installed both in the pool water and around the deck.
Clutter and Debris
Items left around the pool deck like toys, floats, chairs, and towels can create tripping hazards. Regular cleaning and proper storage is important. Pool staff should monitor and clear the area of any clutter or debris.
Determining Liability in Swimming Pool Falls
To receive compensation for your swimming pool slip and fall injuries, you must prove that another party was legally liable due to negligence. Key factors in determining liability include:
Location of Accident
The liability depends on whether the fall happened in a public, community, or private residential pool. Different laws apply. Public pools are generally owned by municipalities, while community pools may be run by a homeowners association.
Dangerous Condition
You must show that a dangerous condition like a wet surface or uneven decking caused the fall. The hazardous condition must have been reasonably foreseeable. Evidence like photos can document the condition.
Notice of Hazard
The property owner must have known or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to remedy it or provide adequate warning. Prior similar incidents may help establish notice.
Noncompliance with Codes
Violations of building codes and pool safety regulations related to the accident can help establish negligence. An expert may be needed to identify violations.
With a public pool, you may need to file a claim against the local government entity that owns it. For community pools, the homeowners association would likely be responsible. With a private home pool, the homeowner’s insurance may cover premises liability claims.
Seeking Compensation for Your Injuries
If another party is liable for your swimming pool slip and fall, you can seek compensation for your damages through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Some of the damages you may be able to recover include:
- Medical expenses, both current and future treatment
- Lost income due to missing work during recovery
- Cost of rehabilitation services and assistive equipment
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium damages for your spouse
To pursue compensation, speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident. An attorney can help you gather evidence, determine the liable parties, negotiate an insurance settlement or file a lawsuit if needed, and advocate for full and fair compensation for your injuries and other damages suffered. With an experienced lawyer on your side, you can focus on healing while they handle the legal process.
Don’t Delay, Contact an Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a family member has suffered an injury in a swimming pool slip and fall accident that was caused by negligence, you may have a right to receive compensation for your damages. Contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t have to pay anything unless we win compensation for you. Don’t wait – call today to get the compensation you deserve.
Visit our offices at:
- Tampa – 2504 W Crest Ave, Tampa, FL 33614
- Petersburg – 520 2nd Ave South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
- New Port Richey – 5703 Main Street, New Port Richey, FL 34652
- Brooksville – 1790 E Jefferson St., Brooksville, FL 34601
- Seminole – 5290 Seminole Blvd. Suite D, St. Petersburg, FL 33708
Or call now for a free consultation on (800) 800-4300.