Poolside Slip And Fall Accidents: A Philadelphia Slip And Fall Lawyer Explains Legal Options For Injured Guests

For a relaxing getaway, look no further than a hotel pool. The sun above, cool water below, and other sights and sounds make the poolside an inviting destination during the warm summer months. Unfortunately, a fun day of swimming can be interrupted by a slip and fall accident. Finding yourself with an injury at the hotel pool is enough to ruin a vacation and present you with a handful of questions. What are your rights when you are injured at a hotel, resort, or even a friend’s home? Are you in a position to hold your host responsible? Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C., knows what it takes to fight for your rights after a slip and fall. Understanding your legal options is the first key to pursuing compensation and protecting your rights. Contact our office today for a free consultation. 

What Are The Relevant Legal Issues In A Slip And Fall Case?

Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C., helps clients better understand what must be proved in a slip and fall case. 

First, you must be able to show that the hotel where you were injured owes you a duty. This is otherwise known as a duty of care. When a hotel owes you or any other guest a duty of care, this means that the hotel’s actions or inaction regarding a dangerous condition or hazard can be held against them if a hotel guest is injured while poolside.                                                                                                                                                             

Next, you must be able to prove that this duty of care was breached. This is typically done by first establishing a duty of care. Then, if the duty of care is established, you must show how that duty of care was not lived up to on the part of the hotel. 

In What Situations Would A Hotel Be Responsible For A Slip And Fall?

Property owners and operators, such as hotels, are responsible for maintaining their grounds. Pool areas are especially susceptible to slips and falls, given that their walking areas are frequently wet. 

The responsibility of hotels to maintain a safe pool area falls under the category of legal cases known as “premises liability.” Hazards must be cleaned and cleared from any area where guests are likely to walk. This includes the pool itself, walkways, and bathrooms. In addition to clearing hazards, hotels are required to repair any damaged areas of the pool. A cracked tile or a loose handrail can both constitute a hazard and an area that requires repair.

Helping to keep hotel guests aware of any potential danger is also necessary for a hotel. Posting signs that note wet floors, deep or shallow water in the pool, or providing guests with any other necessary warnings based on the circumstances of that particular hotel. Placing enough lighting around the pool area can draw attention to potential dangers. 

What Are Common Causes Of Slip And Fall Accidents?

Every person who has ever been at a pool with a lifeguard has undoubtedly heard the instruction shouted out by little (and big) kids running along the poolside: “Walk!” This is with good reason. Pool decks, walkways, and other surfaces around the pool often become very wet. This wetness creates slick surfaces that can make it much easier for people to slip and fall. 

The surface area around many hotel pools tends to become uneven over time. If you are staying at a hotel with uneven surfaces, it is critical to be aware of your surroundings. Inform a hotel employee of the uneven surface. If you do suffer an injury, ensure that you or someone with you can photograph the area where the accident occurred. 

The lighting in and around the pool area is critical to avoiding injury. Consider how much more likely you would be to suffer an injury if you could not see the hazard that you were quickly approaching. Even a small amount of standing water could be enough to cause a painful slip and fall. 

Steps To Take After A Slip And Fall Has Already Occurred

The decisions you make after suffering a slip and fall will determine both how well you heal from your injuries and how successful your legal case may be. Any questions you have about the appropriateness of medical care can be directed to Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C. Our office guides people who have been injured in slip and fall accidents.

Obtaining medical care is the first step after a slip and fall accident. Many people who were involved in slip and fall accidents initially feel well enough not to “need” medical treatment. However good you feel after an accident, think carefully before not consulting a doctor. Seeing a doctor, receiving emergency medical care, or any other type of appointment can help determine the extent of your medical problems.

Determining who, if anyone, saw the slip and fall take place is also an invaluable step to take. A crowded, weekend pool area is admittedly different than jumping in the pool on a Thursday morning. The more people near the pool area when your accident occurred, the more likely it is that be a witness who can help identify the events of the slip and fall as they occurred.      

What Injuries Can Occur In A Poolside Slip And Fall Accident?

A variety of injuries can result from poolside slip and fall accidents. Consider that the following injuries are only a sample of the physical impairments that may result from slip and fall accidents. Even non-severe injuries can require time off from work and extended medical care. Having doubts about how best to proceed after a slip and fall accident? Contact Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C., to learn more about how to position yourself most favorably after a slip and fall accident. 

Soft tissue injuries are considered the least severe type of injury sustained in a slip and fall accident. Essentially, a soft tissue injury does not involve a bone or part of the skeletal system. Strains, torn ligaments, tendon ruptures, or sprains may be a type of soft tissue injury suffered in a slip and fall accident. Even if you believe your soft tissue injury to be relatively minor, it is best to receive medical attention. You may go home, only to wake up feeling terrible the next day. This is how it goes with many soft tissue injuries. 

Examples of more severe injuries that you may suffer in a slip and fall accident include head injuries, fractures, and spinal cord injuries. Problems with walking, sitting, using your hands, driving, and performing activities of daily living are challenging when any of these injuries are considered. If you have been severely injured in a slip and fall accident, then contact an experienced Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer today for a free consultation. 

Medical Care: What Do You Need And How Do You Need It?

Hotel slip and fall accidents happen quickly. One minute you are upright, standing on your own two feet. Next, you look around and see yourself being wheeled into an ambulance. The key is knowing how to move forward after suffering an injury like this. 

Receiving medical care is a major first step after being injured. As we mentioned a moment ago, it makes sense to receive medical care after being involved in a slip and fall accident, even if you do not believe it is necessary. Working with a Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer will allow you to put the attorney in a position where he can order medical records from each provider you have seen for care. A specific listing of your injuries and the total bill for each provider is relevant in an insurance claim or legal case. 

Emergency medical care may be necessary in your circumstances. Do not refuse an ambulance ride if one is made available to you at the scene of the accident. It is better to receive care that you did not need than to wait for care that would have helped you immediately following the slip and fall accident.

Need Answers To The Big Questions Following A Slip And Fall Accident? Contact A Philadelphia Slip And Fall Lawyer 

There is a great deal of anxiety and stress that comes with suffering an injury in a slip and fall accident. Calling a Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer at Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C. is a way for you to gain powerful insight into the case. We serve injured Philadelphians just like you and would be honored to speak with you today about your accident and develop a game plan on how best to move forward.