5 Steps to Take after a Swimming Pool Injury in Florida
A swimming pool is a great place to head over if you want to spend some quality time with your friends or family. You can sit by the pool, relax, or go for a swim. However, there is a possibility of an accident that can lead to life-changing injuries or even deaths.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are more than 350 deaths every year from unintentional drowning in swimming pools. A slip and fall can even lead to severe injuries. So, what should you do in such instances? Let’s go over the five steps that you should take after a swimming pool injury in Florida.
5 Steps to Take after a Swimming Pool Injury in Florida
What to Do In Case Of a Swimming Pool Injury?
If you or your loved ones sustain injuries due to a swimming pool accident, then here are a few things that you can do.
Step 1 – Seek Medical Assistance
First and foremost, it is important to get immediate treatment for your injuries. Immediate medical assistance is vital for anyone that is involved in a swimming pool accident, particularly for kids.
You should call a doctor or visit the nearest hospital so that healthcare professionals can take a look at the injuries. Going to the hospital at the right time helps you to prevent life-threatening complications from any injuries.
Step 2 – Report the Accident to the Law Enforcement Agencies
The whole accident resulting in injuries might make it difficult to remember or document the entire events. Therefore, it is best to inform the police about the swimming pool accident.
They can dispatch an officer who can document the entire scene. The documentation and a police report can come in handy since you or close ones wouldn’t have an idea about the events of the accidents. Therefore, it can give you a quick recap.
Step 3 – Document the Entire Accident
Whether you are at someone else’s home, hotel, complex, or swimming facility, is their responsibility to ensure that the pool is completely safe. Failure to do can be a reason for you to claim damages against the swimming pool owner.
Therefore, you need to properly document the entire accident so you can present a legitimate reason. It will support your claims for the injuries of your loved ones or yourself. Most people have some safety gadgets, such as CCTV cameras, in their homes. Therefore, any recordings of such devices can also be useful.
Step 4 – Don’t Accept or Deny Anything
After the accident, the rule of thumb is to say nothing. You shouldn’t accept or deny any sort of responsibility for your actions that might have led to this accident. The primary reason is that the insurance company or the pool owners might use it to deny liability.
So, it is vital to stay vigilant at this particular moment. You can answer basic questions about your health or the reason for the accident, but don’t go into details. This point takes us to our next step which is hiring a lawyer.
Step 5 – Take the Services of a Premises Liability Lawyer
If you or your loved ones sustained injuries due to an accident in a swimming pool, then you rightfully deserve compensation for it. However, the insurance companies might try to lowball you into accepting a lower settlement. So, what should you do in this situation?
Ideally, it is best to the services of a premises liability lawyer who can assess your case and then give you the best advice. They will negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf and ensure that you get the rightful compensation for your pain and suffering. So, search and consult the lawyer for your swimming pool accident.
What can be The Possible Reasons for Swimming Pool Accidents
There can be different reasons for a swimming pool accident. Whether you are at a private party or a hotel, the owner of the swimming pool can be liable for your suffering. Most swimming pool accidents occur due to the negligence of the swimming pool owner, such as:
- Leaving the gates open
- Not sufficient fencing around the pool
- The drain system not working properly
- Not having proper supervision
- No warning signs were posted on the swimming pool premises
- No maintenance or proper safety measures on the swimming pool premises.
In cases where the owners don’t keep the swimming pool or the entire premises safe, they are risking everyone’s life, particularly children. Therefore, they would be held liable for any injuries.
Individuals can sustain head or other life-changing injuries due to an accident on the swimming pool premises. In some cases, oxygen deprivation can also lead to death.
Wrapping Up
The most important thing in your swimming pool injury case is determining liability. It will allow you to find the at-fault person for the accident and help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Also, it is best to contact an attorney so they can help you with your case.
