Summer brings everyone outside to soak up the sun, cool off in the pool, and make the most of those golden days. Whether it’s lounging by the water or walking into a café with a wet floor near the entrance, the season can offer its fair share of risks. Unfortunately, one misstep on a slippery surface can do more than just ruin your day. Slip and fall accidents happen all too often during summer, especially around pool areas and other wet spots. These seemingly small spills can lead to painful injuries and even long-term complications.
If you’ve experienced this type of accident, you’re not alone. And if that accident wasn’t your fault, you may have options to hold the responsible parties accountable. But before we get into how a personal injury attorney can help, let's first talk about why these slip-and-fall hazards are so common in the summer.
Why Wet Floors and Pool Sides Are Hazardous in Summer
With warmer weather, it’s no surprise that swimming pools, public parks, and recreational spaces are packed. But with all that fun comes property owners sometimes fail to address risks.
1. Pool Water Splashing Everywhere
During the summer months, pool decks become hotspots for accidents. Water from the pool often splashes on the deck, creating slick surfaces where someone can easily lose their balance. Even worse, many poolside areas are made from smooth materials like tiles or polished concrete, which only make it easier to slip.
2. Rain and Outdoor Patio Areas
While summer is known for sunshine, unexpected showers can leave sidewalks, outdoor dining spaces, and entryways wet and dangerous. When these areas aren’t properly maintained, they can become prime locations for accidents.
3. Improper Maintenance of Pool Areas
Missing "Caution" signs, broken drainage systems, warped surfaces, or failing to remove standing water can increase the likelihood of slip-and-fall accidents. Pool operators and property owners are responsible for preventing such hazards—but what happens when they don't?
4. Barefoot Bliss
Many people enjoy walking barefoot during summer, especially near pools. While your flip-flops may seem annoying to keep on, they provide grip that bare feet don’t. Wet ground combined with slippery, uncovered feet often leads to dangerous falls.
Common Slip-and-Fall Injuries
Falls might seem minor at first, but the injuries they cause can range from inconvenient to downright life-altering. Common injuries from slipping on wet floors include:
- Sprained Ankles or Wrists – It’s natural to put out a hand or twist your leg while trying to stop yourself from falling. Unfortunately, the reflex can cause painful sprains.
- Fractured Bones – A fall from even a short height can lead to broken bones, such as wrists, arms, or even hip fractures.
- Back and Spine Injuries – Hitting your back or tailbone on hard surfaces can cause lasting discomfort, herniated discs, or worse.
- Head Injuries – Slipping and hitting your head on a tile floor or pool deck could lead to a concussion or traumatic brain injury. Even mild head injuries should be taken seriously.
These injuries don’t just impact your summer plans; they can affect your job, lifestyle, and peace of mind for months or even years after the accident.
Who’s Responsible When You Slip and Fall?
If you suffered injuries due to a slip and fall accident, you might wonder who is to blame. The answer depends on where the accident took place and whether property owners took reasonable steps to prevent such risks.
Premises Liability and the Duty of Care
Under Texas law, property owners are required to maintain a safe environment for guests, visitors, and customers. This responsibility, called “duty of care,” means they must:
- Regularly inspect the property for potential hazards.
- Promptly repair or address any dangers (like a broken deck tile or slick floor).
- Warn visitors about potential safety issues, like placing visible signs near wet areas.
When property owners neglect these obligations, they may be held legally liable for accidents that occur on their premises. But to build a solid case, you’ll need evidence. And this is where a personal injury attorney can make all the difference.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You
Filing a claim for a slip-and-fall injury may seem intimidating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. An experienced personal injury attorney can guide you through the process and ensure you get fair compensation. Here’s how they can help:
1. Proving Negligence
To win your claim, you’ll need to establish that the property owner failed to take reasonable steps to ensure safety. Your attorney can collect photos, surveillance footage, maintenance records, and witness statements to support your case.
2. Calculating Compensation
Beyond covering medical bills, a slip-and-fall injury can include hidden costs like lost wages, physical therapy, emotional distress, and more. A skilled attorney will ensure you know the true value of your claim.
3. Negotiating with Insurers
Property owners often have insurance companies handling such claims. Those companies are known to offer quick, lowball settlements to avoid paying what you really deserve. Your attorney will handle negotiations so you aren’t shortchanged.
4. Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary
If negotiations fail, your attorney can file a lawsuit and take your case to court. They’ll fight for your rights and work to secure the compensation you need to move forward.
Dallas Slip and Fall Lawyers
At J. Alexander Law Firm, our Dallas slip and fall lawyers are dedicated to helping victims of these accidents get justice. Contact us today at (214) 206-3264 to get started.