Summertime fun in California is all about sunshine, pool parties, BBQs, and sharing memories with friends and family. But as we’re grilling up patties and playing Marco Polo by the pool, one of the most frequent summertime injuries falls off the radar—literally to the ground: slip and fall injuries.
We at Colvin Accident Lawyers have worked on many personal injury cases where a simple end-of-summer cookout turned into a trip to the emergency room, broken bones, and an unwanted courtroom showdown. That’s why we want to spotlight the hidden hazards of slip and fall accidents at summer events and explain what you can do to avoid such accidents or safeguard your rights if they do occur.
For the majority of individuals, when they think of slip and fall accidents, they think about a grocery store or icy sidewalks in the winter. But at annual backyard BBQs and pool parties, there’s just as much potential for danger on the property. Here are some potential risk factors that are more likely to lead to a fall at a summer gathering:
All it takes is one wrong step to turn a great day of fun into a potentially expensive and painful mishap.
Slips and falls are not only embarrassing, they are often very dangerous. The CDC reports that more than 800,000 people are hospitalized annually for injuries suffered from falls.
These are some of the most common injuries we treat following summer activities:
Many of these catastrophic injuries can result in long-term medical bills, missed work, and a lower quality of life, especially if the injured person is a child or an elderly party guest.
You might be wondering who is liable if someone falls at a friend’s house. The answer is frequently found in the principles of premises liability law, which requires property owners to own up to hazardous conditions on their premises. Here’s when a homeowner might be found legally liable:
For example, a homeowner might be liable if they know that their pool deck gets dangerously slippery and does not put up any warning signs or non-slip mats.
If a party host doesn’t warn guests about exposed cords, slick floors, or hidden obstacles in shared walkways, they could be responsible for resulting injuries.
For example, throwing a nighttime pool party with poor lighting or not mopping up spills promptly could make a property owner liable for slip and fall accidents.
It’s crucial to understand that you may still be able to hold someone accountable if a fall occurs at someone’s private home as opposed to a public place or business.
This summer, here are some ideas to make your gathering enjoyable.
With a few added precautions, an accident can be avoided and your guests can be spared unnecessary trouble.
If you or someone you know gets injured at a poolside party, get medical treatment, even if the injury strikes you as small at first. Next, notify the landlord in writing of the condition and document the issue.
If possible, photograph the hazard, your injuries, and the scene. Gather names and contact information from witnesses. Speak with a personal injury lawyer about your rights.
At Colvin Accident Lawyers, we recognize that the concerns of many individuals are focused on the subject, particularly if an injury happened in a friend’s or loved one’s home. We can assist you in making sure the legal and professional system is used well on your behalf and that you get the compensation and care you deserve.
Slip and fall injuries can be physically painful, economically costly, and emotionally taxing. Whether you are the one throwing a party or just a guest, a little added safety can prevent injuries and save relationships, too. But if the worst does happen, take heart: You are not alone.
At Colvin Accident Lawyers, we are here to help families like yours during the most trying times, putting 15 years of experience and a real sense of care to work for you. Contact us now for a free consultation. You don’t pay unless we win.
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