Pool Slip and Fall Cases in Chicago

Chicago Lawyers Representing Victims of Pool Slip and Fall Accidents 

Slips and falls can occur almost anywhere in Chicago, but one particularly hazardous location is a pool. The use of water and the unique surfaces around pools can cause serious injuries. Pool slip and fall cases enable injured parties to hold the pool owners accountable for failing to maintain safe conditions.

Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers can help you build a strong case and increase your chances of earning maximum compensation for legal damages. Our team can guide you through the claims process to help prioritize your financial stability after a fall accident at a pool in Chicago. 

Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

When pursuing a personal injury claim after a fall at a pool, you need a legal team with experience. We have served over 5,000 clients, many of whom were injured due to slips, trips, and falls. Here are some past settlements we have secured:

• $200,000 – During open swim at the Lakeview YMCA, Marcus slipped on the wet tile pool deck and fractured his ankle. The investigation revealed that staff failed to display “wet floor” signs, and the deck lacked non-slip matting in high-traffic areas.
• $1 million – While visiting a downtown office building for a work meeting, Henry tripped over an extension cord that had been carelessly stretched across a hallway. He fractured his wrist and hand. Our attorneys demonstrated that the property manager failed to use safety covers or signage, resulting in a major settlement.
• $1.2 million – Monica was shopping at a big-box store in the West Loop when she slipped on a piece of fruit that had been left in an aisle. She broke her arm and required surgical repair. Surveillance footage and employee testimony revealed the hazard had been ignored for over 20 minutes.
• $2 million – On a snowy Sunday morning, Danielle slipped on unsalted ice outside a church in Hyde Park. She fractured her pelvis and spent months recovering. Our team obtained the full policy limit by proving that the church staff failed to follow their own snow and ice removal protocol and had no salting logs for that day.
• $2.6 million – Luis, a 44-year-old union laborer, fell into an unmarked hole at a South Loop renovation site. He tore ligaments in his knee, requiring multiple surgeries and long-term physical therapy. The general contractor’s failure to maintain safe site conditions and follow OSHA guidelines contributed to the high-value settlement.

Why Choose Our Law Firm for Your Pool Accident Case in Chicago

Our top-rated law firm is ready to fight for fair compensation on your behalf. Our team comprises lawyers ranked in the top 5% of all injury attorneys by Super Lawyers, and we also maintain an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. 

We have experience with both private and public premises liability cases, which is important if you have been injured in a pool accident in Chicago. 

What Are the Most Common Causes of Pool Slips and Falls in Chicago?

Both public and private pool owners are responsible for creating safe environments for those who use their pools. Unfortunately, the typical pool area can pose multiple hazards that may lead to slips and falls. Here are some common causes of slips and falls that involve pools:

• Slippery surfaces that have not been treated with non-skid material
• A lack of signs that say “no running” on the deck
• A lack of “wet floor” signs for temporary hazards
• Water that has collected on walkways, such as wood decking or sidewalks
• Cracks or mold on the pool decking material
• Insufficient lighting around the pool in the evening
• Poorly maintained or missing handrails and ladders
• Failure to remove pool equipment from the walking areas
• Deferred maintenance on old diving boards

What Are the Most Common Injuries Sustained in Slip and Fall Accidents by Pools?

Swimming pools are not just dangerous because of the potential for drowning. Far more people get hurt while walking or running outside of the pool than those who get hurt while actually swimming. Here are some of the most common physical injuries associated with slip and fall accidents near pools:

• Back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Contusions
• Broken bones
• Internal bleeding
• Lacerations
• Sprains and strains
• Torn ligaments

What Damages Can Injured Victims Recover in Chicago?

When pool owners fail to keep their pools properly maintained, innocent victims can suffer serious injuries. These physical injuries may result in emotional and financial consequences, in addition to the medical recovery. A successful personal injury claim can lead to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. 

Economic damages include lost wages, medical bills, future medical expenses, and property damage. Non-economic damages include emotional distress, physical pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. 

What Is the Average Pool Slip and Fall Payout in Chicago?

Between 2004 and 2019, numerous slip and fall accidents involving pools occurred in Chicago. The average payout during this period was $864,794, while the median settlement was $172,500. 

Example Slip and Fall Cases Involving Pools Filed in Cook County

Cynthia, a 68-year-old woman, was walking on the pool deck of the West Cook YMCA in Oak Park. She slipped on a concentration of water and fell, injuring her left wrist. She attempted to argue that the YMCA was negligent in allowing a hazardous condition. However, the defense proved that the appropriate slip-resistant surfaces were present, so Cynthia did not receive a settlement. 

George was a 75-year-old man who was using a therapy pool in a rehabilitation facility in Barrington. When he exited the pool and entered the changing room, he slipped on the wet and slippery surfaces. His legal team claimed that the facility failed to provide floor mats in the changing room and that it also failed to post warning signs for potentially wet and slippery surfaces. George needed a total hip replacement and was awarded almost $215,000. 

Why You Need a Slip and Fall Lawyer Following a Swimming Pool Accident

Fall accidents that involve swimming pools are legally complex. They often involve disputes over the notice of water accumulation or maintenance records. It can be difficult to acquire evidence for this type of claim, such as inspection logs, cleaning schedules, and witness statements. 

Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers can do the legal heavy lifting to build a strong case, whether the at-fault party is a pool operator, property owner, contractor, or property manager. 

How Common Are Pool-Area Slips and Falls?

Injuries at swimming pools are rather common across the United States. In 2022, there were 184,417 emergency department visits related to injuries at swimming pools. This represented a 20.6% jump from the previous year. 

Where Do Poolside Slip and Fall Accidents Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Pool area injuries occur at both public and private pools throughout the Windy City. Some of the most common locations for fall accidents include:

• Public pools operate by the Chicago Park District
• Pools in apartment complex neighborhoods like Rogers Park and Bronzeville
• Hotel pools in downtown Chicago
• YMCA pools
• LA Fitness pools
• Private pool clubs in Lincoln Park and Lakeview

What Laws Govern Slip and Fall Claims Involving Pools in Chicago?

Several laws will affect the outcome of personal injury cases involving swimming pools. The Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130/) states that a property owner must take reasonable care to prevent injuries to guests, which includes pool maintenance requirements and ensuring non-slip surfaces. 

The comparative negligence statute (735 ILCS 5/2-1116) allows injured victims to seek compensation as long as they are no more than 50% at fault for their injuries. There are also numerous Illinois codes that pool owners must follow, such as those related to paved surfaces or anti-slip installations on the pool deck (Title 77, Section 820.200). 

How Long Do I Have to File a Slip and Fall Lawsuit Following a Swimming Pool Accident in Chicago?

In Illinois, injured victims have two years to file their claims in pursuit of compensation (735 ILCS 5/13-202). The two-year deadline begins on the date of the incident or the date of discovery. 

Who Is Legally Liable for Pool Area Slips and Falls in Chicago?

Multiple entities may be held legally responsible for injuries near swimming pools. Here are some potential defendants in this type of claim:

• A property owner who did not maintain safe paved surfaces around their private pool
• A hotel that failed to repair the cracked pavement near the pool
• A health club that did not install floor mats in wet areas
• Public pool owners who did not install warning signs in the changing areas of wet floors
• A maintenance contractor who did a poor job repairing a pool railing or ladder
• A condo association that neglected to invest in slip-resistant surfaces

Common Defenses in Chicago Swimming Pool Slip and Fall Claims

The defendant’s lawyers will use all kinds of arguments to undermine your case. They may claim that the hazard was an open and obvious condition, or that the victim was behaving recklessly or running. Another common defense is that there is an assumption of risk at swimming pools.

To counter these defenses, our team will seek evidence to prove that there was no prior notice of the hazard, that the plaintiff was not acting recklessly at the time of the fall, and that proper precautions were not taken by the property owner. Evidence that would support these arguments includes witness statements, photos of the scene, surveillance footage, and maintenance reports. 

How to Strengthen Your Premises Liability Claim in Chicago

Following the proper steps after falling at a swimming pool will help you build a strong case:

• Assess your injuries
• Report the incident to the property owner or pool staff
• Take a picture of the hazard
• Ask for a copy of the incident report
• Speak to witnesses
• Seek medical treatment and keep all medical records
• Preserve physical evidence
• Consult our expert slip and fall accident attorneys

How an Experienced Attorney Can Help

Our legal team can make all the difference in proving the pool owner’s negligence. We will investigate the case, provide legal guidance, secure footage, consult safety experts, analyze maintenance and cleaning logs, negotiate with insurance companies, assess all damages, and file the suit in the Cook County Circuit Court if necessary. 

FAQs

How much does a slip and fall attorney cost?

At our firm, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you owe us nothing unless we win your case, and the payment is then extracted from the settlement. 

Who can file a slip and fall claim in Chicago?

Any lawful guest at a pool can file a claim for slip and fall accidents. This includes hotel guests, gym members, tenants, or guests on private property. 

Book a Free Consultation!

Slip and fall accidents at private or public pools can have devastating consequences, including lost income and emotional suffering. The at-fault party can be held liable for poor pool management since they must take reasonable care to prevent injuries. 

If you think your injuries are the result of improper safety measures or wet surfaces, please contact us today for a free consultation.