With summer right around the corner, residents of Aquidneck Island may be getting ready to open up their swimming pools so they are prepared to beat the heat for upcoming hot weather. Although by their very nature swimming pools are full of water, some homeowners and pool visitors forget the safety risks that may arise outside of the pool.
The wet decks surrounding a pool can get very slick, and are a very common place for slip and falls to occur. In addition, at either a public or private homeowner’s pool where guests are consuming food or drink, the decks can become littered with messes and other hazards. In light of these dangers, it is important to exercise caution at the pool.
Thousands of people are injured each year due to accidents occurring in or around swimming pools. While swimming pools may be a great place for exercise, leisure, and recreation where accidents occur relatively infrequently – any accident that does occur can have serious consequences.
Premises Liability at a Pool
It is the pool owner’s responsibility to make sure that he/she has done everything possible to properly maintain the pool and ensure it is safe. This responsibility includes installing and maintaining the proper equipment and employing the necessary staff members (at a public pool, in particular) to make sure the pool is a safe environment for all swimmers and visitors.
Anything in the pool or surrounding deck area that could pose a danger to another person should be removed as soon as possible, or clearly marked to alert others of the risk. If you or a loved one has been injured after slipping and falling at a pool, an experienced Newport slip and fall attorney can help you determine who or what caused your fall, who is the responsible party, and whether or not you have a valid legal claim against that individual.
Types of Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall accidents on pool premises can lead to very dangerous, painful injuries. Head and neck injuries are not uncommon, and it is certainly possible to break a bone on the hard surfaces and decks of most pools. These injuries can be very serious and may entitle injured persons to monetary compensation. With a valid claim, an injured individual could be entitled to medical expenses, lost income, among other losses.
Tips to Avoid Poolside Slip and Falls
- Walk – do not run – around pool areas; shoes with wet-surface traction may help.
- If at a public pool, make sure there is a lifeguard on duty and that he/she looks alert and attentive to the area.
- Tell the homeowner or pool manager if you see any dangerous conditions.
The above tips are not an exhaustive list of ways to avoid slip and falls in pool areas, but being mindful of your surroundings near a pool environment or wet surface could be your best defense against injury.
Contact a Newport Slip and Fall Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured after a swimming pool slip and fall accident – or any other type of slip and fall accident – an attorney who handles these types of cases can help. With a valid legal claim, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and other losses.
The Newport slip and fall attorneys at d’Oliveira & Associates stand ready to help you with your slip and fall case, so feel free to contact us at our toll free number, visit us online, or stop by our Aquidneck Island branch located right on the Middletown/Newport line.
Paul d’Oliveira
Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.
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