Public pools can be risky places for slips and falls, especially when surfaces get wet. Areas like pool decks, changing rooms, and showers are all places where such accidents are likely to occur. These accidents can lead to potentially devastating injuries.
If you slipped and fell at a public pool in Philadelphia, then you may be able to recover damages in a claim against the pool operator or property owner. There are several forms of negligence that can lead to poolside accidents. Our legal team is prepared to review your case and identify the appropriate course of action.
Seek guidance and support from our Philadelphia slip and fall attorneys at The Reiff Law Firm by calling (215) 709-6940 today.
Recovering Damages After a Slip and Fall at a Public Pool in Philadelphia
As previously discussed, if you suffered a slip and fall at a public pool, then you may be able to sue the at-fault party for the injuries you sustained. There are certain steps you may take in the aftermath of your accident that will help your potential case:
Gather Evidence
First, if possible, you should attempt to gather evidence in support of your potential claim. This may involve taking photographs of the accident scene, including any hazardous conditions such as wet surfaces or lack of warning signs. You should also collect contact information from any witnesses who saw your accident occur.
Seek Medical Attention
It is also important to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor. Prompt medical care not only ensures your well-being but also creates a record of your injuries, which can be essential for your legal case.
Notify the Pool Management
Inform the management or staff of the public pool about your accident. Request that they document the accident in their records and obtain a copy of any accident report they generate. This step helps establish that the accident occurred and may provide additional evidence of negligence on the part of the pool owner or operator.
Contact Our Attorneys
Next, you should contact our Philadelphia slip and fall lawyers. We can assess the circumstances of your accident, determine liability, and advise you on your legal options.
Our team will handle all communications with insurance companies and other parties on your behalf. Further, if our negotiations do not result in a satisfactory settlement offer, then we will represent your interests at trial. We will not rest until we recover the full extent of payment you are owed.
What Happens if You Share Fault for Your Slip and Fall at a Public Pool in Philadelphia?
In slip and fall cases, comparative negligence can significantly impact the outcome and potential compensation. Comparative negligence laws in Pennsylvania allow for proportionate fault to be assigned to each party involved in an accident. If the victim is found to have contributed to their own injuries in any way, such as by ignoring warning signs or wearing improper footwear, their compensation may be reduced accordingly.
For example, if the victim is deemed 20% at fault for not paying attention to a wet floor sign, their compensation may be reduced by 20%. It is essential to note that even if the victim is partially at fault, they may still be eligible to receive compensation, albeit potentially reduced. However, if their share of fault exceeds 50%, then they will be restricted from suing another party for their slip and fall injuries.
What Compensation May Be Available After a Slip and Fall at a Public Pool in Philadelphia, PA?
There are several forms of economic and non-economic losses that may be compensated after a slip and fall at a public pool. For example, any of the following may be available in your case:
Medical Expenses
After a slip and fall at a public pool, you may be entitled to compensation for all medical expenses incurred as a result of your injuries. This includes hospital bills, doctor’s visits, prescription medications, physical therapy, and any other necessary medical treatments. It’s essential to keep detailed records of all medical expenses to ensure you receive full reimbursement.
Lost Income
If your slip and fall injuries prevent you from working, you may be eligible to recover lost income. This compensation can include wages lost during your recovery period, as well as any future income you’re unable to earn because of long-term disabilities or impairments caused by the accident. Documentation of your employment status, including pay stubs and employment contracts, will be important in determining the amount of lost income compensation you’re entitled to receive.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
In addition to medical expenses and lost income, you may be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses related to your slip and fall accident. These expenses can include transportation costs for medical appointments, medical equipment or supplies, home modifications to accommodate disabilities, and other miscellaneous costs directly resulting from your injuries. Be sure to keep receipts and records of these expenses to include them in your claim for damages.
Pain and Suffering
You may also be entitled to compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve experienced because of your slip and fall injuries. Pain and suffering damages seek to compensate you for the physical discomfort, limitations, and mental anguish caused by the accident and your resulting injuries. While it’s challenging to assign a monetary value to pain and suffering, your personal injury lawyer will work to ensure that you receive fair compensation based on the severity and impact of your injuries.
Common Causes of Poolside Slip and Fall Accidents You Can Sue for in Philadelphia, PA
Slip and fall accidents at public pools can stem from various hazards. For instance, one frequent cause of such accidents is wet surfaces, such as pool decks or changing room floors, which can become slippery and pose significant dangers. Inadequate maintenance of pool facilities, including failure to promptly clean up spills or address broken tiles or uneven surfaces, can also contribute to slip and fall accidents.
Additionally, insufficient lighting in certain areas, especially around pool decks or stairwells, may obscure hazards and increase the likelihood of accidents, especially during evening hours.
Further, the lack of proper warning signs or barriers to indicate potential dangers, such as wet floors or steps, further exacerbates the risk of slip and fall incidents.
Legal support can be highly valuable when investigating your accident and determining who is to blame.
Call Our Attorneys for Help with Your Slip and Fall Case in Philadelphia
Get help from our Allentown, PA slip and fall lawyers by calling The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940.
