People enjoy a day in the pool to get away from the heat of summer. But still, some individuals remain oblivious to possible pool hazards that could cause a slip and fall. There is a significant risk to your safety when tripping hazards are in the pool’s surrounding area. Property owners must keep an eye out for dangers and work on fixing them immediately.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every year, slips and falls result in over 800,000 hospitalizations. Pools are a very likely scene of  a slip-and-fall accident. If you slip and fall in a public pool, you may be entitled to compensation. Consulting with a knowledgeable fall accident lawyer is the ideal approach to maximize your compensation from a personal injury case. Contact our slip and fall attorneys at The Clark Law Office today for a free consultation.

What Can Cause Swimming Pool Slip and Fall Accidents?

The following are things that cause slip and fall victims to suffer injuries:

Growth of Algae or Moss in Pool Surroundings

Swimming pools become very slippery due to algae development. They can grow quickly on many surfaces, including pool ladders, diving boards, and pool decks. This increases the possibility of slip and fall incidents. Regular maintenance, frequent cleaning, and proper pool care are needed to avoid algae-related fall risks.

Uneven Ground, Damaged Floors, or Slippery Tiles

People may slip and fall due to uneven surfaces, slippery materials, or damaged floors, which could lead to serious injury. This dangerous condition could easily be fixed through regular maintenance or tile replacement.

Defective Steps or Pool Ladders

Poorly installed or broken pool ladders can result in slip and fall incidents in swimming pools. People may slip and fall when getting in or out of the pool stairs if the pool ladder is faulty. If a person slips forward, they can easily hit their head on the pool’s surroundings.

Inadequately lit areas around the pool

The number of accidents involving slips and falls can be greatly increased by inadequate lighting surrounding swimming pools. People may be unable to avoid a slip and fall hazard in dimly lit locations around the pool.

Wet Surfaces and Spills in the Pool Area

Conditions can become unsafe when substances, such as water or oily suntan lotion, are spilled around the pool. Slippery surfaces raise the possibility of slip and fall incidents. Accidents can be caused by the lack of upkeep or a delay in cleaning messes.

Common Injuries From a Swimming Pool Slip

Slip and fall accidents are relatively common in swimming pools and water parks. These may result in a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to significant, such as:

  • Broken bones
  • Bruising and soft tissue injuries
  • Chronic pain
  • Head injuries
  • Joint dislocations
  • Neck and spinal cord injuries
  • Sprains and strains

Who Is Liable for a Swimming Pool Slip and Fall Accident?

Property owners have a legal obligation to take reasonable steps to keep everyone on their property safe. When pool-related slip and fall accidents happen on their property, pool owners may be liable under premises liability laws. The pool owners or managers are basically responsible for maintaining the safety of their pool and its surroundings.

Nevertheless, negligence must be established first before property owners can be held liable for dangerous situations that result in accidents. Proving liability is necessary to make sure your personal injury claim is effective. If the victim’s injuries were caused by a purposeful act – which is quite distinct from negligence – premises liability is no longer applicable.

How Can Management Keep Swimming Pool Areas Safe?

Here are some strategies management can take to keep slips and fall accidents from happening in swimming pool areas:

  • Put up safety signs warning visitors to avoid running in the vicinity of the pool.
  • Immediately mop puddles or other slippery substances when they appear around the pool to avoid slips and falls.
  • Always check that the pool area is free of clutter that could pose trip or fall hazards. Stuff left around the pool can lead to fall injuries.
  • Keep slippery algae and dirt from forming through regular upkeep of things like diving boards and ladders in the pool.
  • Encourage guests to wear footwear made with slip-resistant materials around the pool.
  • Add handrails to your pool ladder for extra safety. Additionally, incorporate slip-resistant materials in the pool design itself.

What Are Some Rules That Guests Should Follow?

One of the best ways to maintain pool safety is to have rules. With a well-defined set of guidelines, property owners could easily preserve the safety of their guests.

  • Make sure to follow the rules posted around the pool area.
  • Avoid running around the swimming pool.
  • Avoid rowdy behavior in the pool area.
  • Get out of the pool during bad weather.

What to Do After a Swimming Pool Slip and Fall Accident?

It’s critical to get immediate medical attention as soon as possible if someone is hurt in a slip and fall accident at a swimming pool. Quick medical responses can prevent an injury from getting worse. Medical professionals can help immensely in beginning a personal injury case as well. They can take note of your injuries,, which you can use to support your claim.

Next, documenting the slip and fall is extremely crucial. File an incident report if you can in the pool you are at. Remember to document everything you can and gather witness information. Try to take pictures of the scene. This will be important in seeking damages for injuries sustained in the slip and fall accident.

Lastly, if someone slips and falls in a swimming pool, property owners may be held accountable. This would be considered a premises liability case. Premises liability cases involve an individual getting injured due to a dangerous condition on someone else’s property. A lawyer can help you make a claim with pool owner’s insurance company.

Contact a Fall Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation.

If you or a loved one was hurt while in or around a pool in Michigan, get an appointment with a Lansing personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. The Clark Law Office’s premise liability experts can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. For over thirty years, we have successfully represented Michigan victims of slip and fall accidents. Call us at +1 (517) 347-6900 to discuss how we may assist you in a slip and fall case. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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