Slip and Fall Accidents at Pools: Who’s Responsible for Your Injuries?

When we think of summer fun in California, we often picture families soaking up the sun poolside while the kids splash and swim in the water. But these wet, high-traffic environments are often prime spots for serious slip-and-fall accidents. At Dunnion Law, we’ve represented many clients whose lives were disrupted by a single misstep on a slick deck or poorly maintained walkway.

Slip-and-fall accidents at pools can cause devastating injuries, from concussions to broken bones to spinal damage. The question is: Who’s responsible when something goes wrong?

The Duty To Keep Guests Safe

Under California’s premises liability law, property owners are legally obligated to keep their premises reasonably safe for guests. That includes community pools and even hotel pool areas. When owners or operators fail to take basic safety measures, like warning signs for slippery surfaces or routine safety inspections, they can and should be held liable.

This legal responsibility includes:

• Keeping walkways and decks clear of hazards like toys, food or puddles
• Providing proper supervision (e.g., trained lifeguards)
• Regularly inspecting and maintaining facilities
• Installing handrails and non-slip surfaces
• Posting clear warnings about potential risks

How These Accidents Happen

Pools naturally have wet surfaces, but that doesn’t excuse negligence. Many of the injuries we’ve seen could have been prevented with basic care and proper planning. Common causes include:

• Slippery concrete or tile without anti-slip treatments
• Broken or uneven walkways
• Poor lighting in pool areas or restrooms
• Neglected spills or food debris near concessions
• Missing or poorly placed warning signs
• Lack of crowd control in high-traffic areas
• Overcrowding or understaffing, especially during peak season

Injuries We Commonly See

Slip-and-falls may sound minor, but the aftermath can be life-changing. These accidents often result in:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord damage or herniated discs
• Fractured wrists, ankles or hips
• Deep cuts and abrasions
• Torn ligaments and soft tissue injuries
• Dental injuries from facial impact
• Emotional trauma, including anxiety or PTSD
• Drowning-related injuries, especially in children

Whether a child is hurt while walking to the drinking fountain or a parent has a bad fall on a slippery deck, the physical and financial toll can be overwhelming.

Proving Liability After a Pool Slip and Fall

In order to hold a pool owner or management company accountable, we need to show that they failed to meet their duty of care and that this failure directly caused your injury. That’s where documentation becomes critical.

If you or someone you love is injured:

• Take photos of the scene, including the hazard that caused your fall.
• Immediately report the incident to management or staff, and ask for a copy of the report.
• Gather names and contact information of witnesses.
• Get medical attention and keep records of all diagnoses, prescriptions and follow-ups.
• Avoid talking to insurance reps until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.

At Dunnion Law, our team works quickly to preserve evidence, gather video footage and fight back against insurance companies that try to minimize your injuries.

What If the Accident Was Partly My Fault?

Even if you think you were partially responsible (maybe you were running or didn’t notice a sign), you may still be entitled to compensation under California’s comparative negligence rule. This means you can recover damages based on the percentage of fault assigned to each party.

For example, if you were found 20% at fault and the pool owner 80% at fault, you could still recover 80% of the total compensation awarded.

Unique Considerations for Public Pools and Government-Run Facilities

If the accident happened at a city-run pool, your claim might involve government liability rules, which come with stricter deadlines. In many cases, you have as little as six months to file a notice of claim.

The legal process is different from private claims, so it’s critical to speak with an attorney right away if your injury happened on government-owned property.

What Compensation Can You Receive?

Slip-and-fall victims may be eligible to recover damages such as:

• Emergency medical care and future treatment
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Lost income and reduced earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress or trauma
• Disfigurement or permanent disability
• Wrongful death benefits

Pool operators often have insurance and plenty of resources to defend themselves. That’s why it’s so important to work with an experienced legal team that’s not afraid to push back and fight for what you deserve.

Take Action Before Time Runs Out

In California, most personal injury claims have a two-year statute of limitations, but delays can hurt your case. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances of gathering the evidence you need and staying ahead of any legal deadlines.

Pools are supposed to be fun, not places where families suffer injuries that change lives. But when businesses or cities cut corners, fail to maintain safe spaces, or ignore hazards, they need to be held accountable.

At Dunnion Law, we’ve been fighting for California injury victims for nearly 50 years. If you or a loved one was hurt in a pool slip-and-fall, we’re here to listen, investigate and help you pursue every dollar to which you’re entitled.

Were you or a loved one injured at a pool this summer? You may be entitled to compensation. Contact the attorneys at Dunnion Law today for a free consultation.