03 Apr Swimming Pool Accident Claims
An accident in a public place is one of the most common occurrences leading to a personal injury claim. Spaces like swimming pools can be full of hazards where accidents easily happen, especially if they aren’t sufficiently maintained. In recent years, the number of public accident claims relating to swimming pools has increased.
If you had a swimming pool accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be eligible to make a public accident claim.
Who is liable?
As with any accident in a public place, such as a supermarket or a restaurant, the owner or operator could be liable. However, if an injury is caused by the injured party, they may not be eligible to make a claim. If another visitor to the pool caused it, then they are liable.
However, if the injury was caused by the negligence of the swimming pool’s management, they are at fault and you can make a claim against them.
For example, in 2015, a woman was awarded €35,000 in a claim against a Dublin fitness club. She dived into the pool hitting the bottom and broke her front teeth. The judge decided that the pool was not adequately marked to let users know it was unsuitable for diving.
The following year a schoolgirl was awarded damages of €21,000 because she cut her chin after tripping on a mat inside a Dublin pool.
What circumstances call for a claim?
Pool owners have a care of duty to visitors and the two successful public accident claims outlined above demonstrate some of the situations where they can be considered liable for injuries. More examples can include:
- Unclear signage
- Substandard maintenance
- Slippery floors
- Damaged tile work
- Faulty equipment
- Lack of safety equipment, such as lifebuoys
- Unhygienic conditions
- Lack of adequately trained staff
Common swimming pool injuries
As with other public accident claims, swimming pool injuries are commonly caused by slips, trips and falls. However, swimming pool accident claims can also arise because of illnesses, infections and diving injuries.
Some common injuries and illnesses are:
- Lacerations
- Broken bones
- Skin and eye infections
- Wound infections
- Respiratory infections
- Back and head injuries
- Chlorine poisoning or chemical burns
How to make a claim
Document your accident by taking photos and getting the contact details of anyone who witnessed it. Then discuss your claim with one of our personal injury solicitors. Based in Dublin, our team deals with public accident claims every day and can advise you on your claim and potential compensation.Contact Ferrys Solicitors LLP Personal Injury and Accident Solicitors Solicitors today.
