What Should I Do if I Fell at the Pool This Summer?
Summer swimming pools are hubs of activity, but there are certain risks involved, even when you are being careful. Serious slip and fall accidents can happen, turning a fun day into a catastrophe. If you experience a fall at a pool, knowing the proper steps to take to protect your health and legal rights is important.
What Are Common Injuries Associated With Falls at Swimming Pools?
Common injuries from swimming pool falls include slips on wet surfaces, which can lead to bruises, cuts, and abrasions. More severe incidents can result in sprains, fractures, or head injuries. Children are particularly vulnerable to these injuries due to their size, inexperience, and tendency to walk quickly and run around pools.
How Do I Determine Who Is Responsible for My Fall?
Determining responsibility for a pool fall can be complicated and depends on different factors. To start, property owners and managers have a duty to maintain safe premises for visitors. This includes regular inspection and maintenance of pool areas, proper signage for potential hazards, and following safety regulations.
Here are a few examples of situations that might be linked to property owner negligence:
- Slippery surfaces without proper warning signs
- Broken or damaged pool equipment
- Inadequate lighting in pool areas
- Lack of proper safety equipment
- Failure to address known hazards
Keep in mind that pool visitors are also responsible for exercising reasonable care for their safety. If your actions contributed to the fall, it could affect any potential claims.
What Evidence Should I Gather to Support My Case?
The priority after a fall is your health and safety, so assess your injuries and seek medical attention. It is advisable to have a doctor examine you to rule out any hidden injuries that may not be immediately apparent.
Collecting evidence is a key step in building a strong case for a pool injury. Useful evidence includes photographs of the accident scene and any visible injuries, incident reports filed with the pool management, and medical records and bills related to your injuries.
Witness statements, communication with the property owner or insurance company, and records of any lost wages due to the incident can also help. Keep all this information organized and easily accessible.
What Compensation Might I Be Entitled to for a Slip and Fall?
If your fall resulted from another party's negligence, you might be entitled to compensation for various damages. These could include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Rehabilitation costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury
The specific compensation you may receive depends on the circumstances of your case and the extent of your injuries.
Should I Talk to The Property Owner's Insurance Company?
Insurance companies often contact injured parties soon after an incident. While it is important to report what happened, be very careful about giving detailed statements or agreeing to settlements without legal advice. Insurance companies aim to minimize their payouts, and early settlement offers may not fully account for the extent of your injuries or long-term consequences.
Consider consulting with a legal professional before engaging in detailed discussions or negotiations with insurance representatives. This can help protect your rights and interests throughout the process.
The time limit for filing a legal claim, known as the statute of limitations, varies by state. In New Jersey, you generally have two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Remember that the wheels of justice can move slowly, so the sooner you take action, the better.
Our Monmouth County Slip and Fall Lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. Represent Clients Injured at Swimming Pools
Our experienced Monmouth County slip and fall lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. can provide legal guidance and fight to protect your rights after a pool injury. Call 732-906-1500 or complete our online form for a free consultation. We work with clients throughout New Jersey from our offices in Brick, Freehold, Point Pleasant, and Edison.
