Who is Liable for Public Pool Slip and Falls?

Colburn Law

Posted in Personal Injury on July 27, 2021

During the hot months in Washington, many people flock to public pools as a way to keep cool and engage in a fun summer activity. While these facilities are enjoyable for many Washington residents, public pools can pose serious safety risks. The operator of the pool may fail to properly maintain the facility or warn the public about potential safety risks, leading to severe injuries. If you or a loved one slip, fall, and suffer injuries at a Washington public pool, you could hold the entity responsible for overseeing the facility liable for your injuries.

Types of Hazards at Public Pools

Government agencies and private companies have a duty to maintain safe premises at facilities they oversee, including public pools. These entities must perform regular maintenance on the facility, respond to hazards within a reasonable amount of time, and take the necessary steps to warn visitors of potential risks. 

However, some public pool operators fail to uphold these duties and violate building codes, leading to hazardous conditions. Some issues that may cause public pool slip and falls include the following.

• Uneven or rough surfaces that pose a tripping hazard, both inside and outside of the pool
• A lack of required signs that list important information about the pool, such as rules, water depth, or safety guidelines
• Failure to warn visitors of areas that require maintenance or areas that have been flooded
• Failure to implement required safety features, such as pool ladders or railings
• Using faulty equipment and amenities around the pool that visitors interact with
• Leaving maintenance equipment out around the pool, posing a trip hazard
• Failure to keep the pool area clean, leading to dangerous conditions

Liable Parties in Public Pool Slip and Fall Claims

If you suffer an injury while visiting a public pool, you could file a lawsuit against the operator of that facility. In many situations, the liable party is a private company that owns the pool or a government agency, such as the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department. If your accident occurred due to the operator’s failure to maintain safe premises and adequately respond to hazards, you likely have grounds for a claim.

To prove your right to compensation, you will need to gather enough evidence to establish four important facts.

• The owner of the facility owed you a duty to maintain safe premises.
• The pool owner breached this duty through a negligent act or failure to act.
• The breach of duty caused your slip and fall accident.
• You sustained damages, such as medical expenses or lost wages, in the accident that you can collect in your lawsuit.

Although you may be able to establish each of these facts, the owner may claim that you are partially responsible for the accident. The owner may say that you ignored pool rules, were acting recklessly, or failed to pay attention to your surroundings, leading to the accident. In these situations, you need an attorney on your side who can defend you against accusations of liability and craft a compelling case in your favor. 

Speak to a Slip and Fall Attorney at Colburn Law

If you are injured at a Washington public pool, you may be eligible for legal action. In these situations, it is important to speak with a slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your options for compensation. After you receive medical attention for your injuries, contact a Seattle slip and fall attorney to schedule a free consultation and strategize your next steps.