You may never have imagined that a relaxing day by the pool could turn into a nightmare, but swimming pool accidents happen. Unfortunately, they can result in long-term injuries or even tragic loss of life.
If you or a loved one were injured in a swimming pool drowning or slip and fall accident in Norfolk or Virginia Beach, it is crucial to understand that you may deserve compensation from the property or business owner. Our experienced Norfolk premises liability lawyers at Tavss Fletcher can fight for the damages you deserve from the negligent party's insurance company.
Four Steps to Take Immediately After a Swimming Pool Accident in Norfolk
The steps you take right after being injured at a swimming pool can impact the strength of your claim and the compensation you receive in your settlement with the insurance company. Here are four essential steps we recommend that victims of swimming pool accidents take to build a strong case.
Step #1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health and well-being should always be the top priority. If you or someone else is injured in a swimming pool accident, seek medical attention immediately. Even if your injuries initially seem minor, they could develop into more severe problems over time. Prompt medical care ensures your safety. It also creates a record of your injuries, which can help avoid arguments with the insurance adjuster about what caused your injuries and how serious they are when you file your claim.
Step #2: Report the Accident
Inform the property owner, manager, or lifeguard about the accident as soon as possible and file an accident report. Reporting the incident helps create an official record and can be crucial when establishing liability. Also, be sure to get the contact information for the business or property owner and their insurance company.
Step #3: Preserve Evidence
If possible, take photographs or videos of the accident scene, including the location of the incident, any hazards that may have contributed to the accident, and your injuries. These visual records can provide essential evidence later when proving negligence. Also, obtain the contact information for witnesses who saw your swimming pool accident and can corroborate how it happened.
Do not discard any clothing or items involved in the accident, as they may be valuable evidence. Keep records of all medical bills, treatment plans, related expenses, and your wage losses. Document any communication you have with the property owner or their insurance company.
Step #4: Consult with an Attorney
After obtaining the immediate medical care you need and gathering initial evidence, consulting with a skilled premises liability attorney in Norfolk is crucial. They will help you understand your rights and assess the strength of your case.
Your lawyer will thoroughly investigate your accident to determine liability. This includes reviewing any safety regulations the property owner should have followed, checking for previous incidents, and identifying potential witnesses or experts who can testify on your behalf.
They will notify the property owner's insurance company about your claim and negotiate your settlement. If the deadline to file your lawsuit will expire soon or the insurance adjuster will not agree to pay you the damages you deserve, your attorney will litigate your claim.