Slip and Falls Occurring at Swimming Pools
This summer season is winding up, but you should still be aware of the dangers happening in or around pools. As the weather is still warm, you may be making trips to a local swimming pool or heading to your neighbor’s house for some fun. You should be aware of the very real risks associated with pools. For instance, you may not have known that thousands of victims gain injuries every year when an accident takes place in or around a pool. These accidents can turn deadly quite quickly, so it is important to understand what you can do in the event of an accident and prevention methods. Many accidents happen because of lack of supervision as well as people running around pools, or accidents related to diving.
Under premises liability law, if you were welcomed onto a property with a pool and were injured as a result, the owner of the pool may be liable for your injuries. However, as with any case, you will have to prove duty, breach, causation, and damages. Here are each of these elements, further explained:
Duty: Pool owners have a responsibility (or duty) to keep a pool safe, especially for invitees who know they can be on the property. They must warn guests of known dangers at the pool.
Breach: In slip and fall cases, a big issue sometimes pops up where owners did not put down mats to keep wet surfaces from becoming slippery. They may also have failed to erect fences to keep children out, who could easily slip and fall into a pool without proper supervision.
Causation: Let’s say that there were no mats at the pool and you slipped and broke your leg. In this case, the owner is responsible for your injury.
Damages: You must be able to show that there were damages in your case. Did you need medical treatment or missed work because of your injuries? You may be able to receive compensation for your injuries.
Homeowner Liability in Slip and Fall Cases
Homeowner liability always stems from negligent actions or inactions. Would a reasonable person have done what a homeowner did under the same circumstances? Homeowner liability may result from a lack of security around the pool or failure to properly maintain the pool in good condition. Those who own pools should do anything they can to protect visitors and also keep those who are not welcome off of the property. Many states and cities also have rules and regulations regarding swimming pools and how to prevent falls. Preventative measures are always a good idea when you have known visitors.
If you have been injured in a slip and fall around a pool, you may have a personal injury claim. This is why it is a good idea to have an attorney on your side who can help you with the complex process of filing a lawsuit. Call us today for more information on how to move forth with your case.