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How to document a fall at a swimming pool

On Behalf of | Jul 18, 2019 | Firm News |

Summers in Silver Spring can be sweltering. When looking for a respite from the heat, you may head to a local swimming pool. Any time you walk on or around wet surfaces, though, you have some risk of slipping and falling. 

The National Floor Safety Institute notes that falls make up roughly 8 million emergency room visits every year. If you have sustained a serious injury in a fall near a swimming pool, you may be able to pursue compensation from the pool’s owner. Still, to boost your chances of receiving your fair share, you must document the accident. Here are some suggestions: 

Go to the doctor 

Slips and falls can be embarrassing and painful. While you may want to put the incident behind you as quickly as possible, you should not defer medical care. Because some injuries do not appear immediately, you want to ask a doctor to examine you fully. Also, tell your doctor how the accident occurred to help him or her better treat you. 

Talk to witnesses 

In the summertime, swimming pools are often crowded places. Accordingly, there is a good chance that at least one person witnessed your fall. Talk to all available witnesses and ask them for their contact information. Also, consider asking anyone who saw the accident to write a summary. 

Take photographs 

Trying to describe an accident scene using words can present a challenge. Therefore, try to take some photographs of the area as soon as you can. If any hazards are present, snap several photographs of them. 

Limit your conversations 

If you plan to pursue compensation from your injuries, you likely need to assign blame. Still, the pool’s owner may attempt to argue that you caused or contributed to your injuries. Put simply, what you say matters. Say nothing at all to the pool’s owner or insurance adjuster until you have talked to a lawyer. 

If you slip and fall beside a swimming pool, your life may never be the same again. By carefully documenting the accident scene, you likely boost your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and property damage.

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