Summer days are sliding past all too quickly, helped along by the variety of fun warm-weather activities available for families to enjoy. Some of the best fun often has a hint of a dangerous thrill to it, from rope swings to tubing at the lake to roller coasters. But if you or your child is injured while enjoying a theme park, pool, or friend?s cabin, will someone else cover the medical costs?
Here is a roundup of some fun summer activities that can, unfortunately, have a dangerous side ? and who can be held responsible if someone gets hurt:
1. Swimming Pools
From slipping and falling on wet pool decks to drowning accidents, pools are notorious for serious injuries. Unsuspecting pool-goers can be injured from chemicals, bacteria, and even poorly installed waterslides, diving boards, or old pool toys. Whether the pool belongs to a neighbor, the city, or a hotel, the owner of the pool is responsible for keeping the area safe for everyone.
2. Cruise Ships
Nobody wants to deal with severe sickness or injuries while stuck out on the open sea on a cruise ship. Luckily, many commercial cruise ships are equipped with medical bays in case the worst should happen. From wet decks to food poisoning to sea-related viruses, there are good reasons to be cautious on cruises. If you get sick or injured while on board, the cruise line company may be responsible for your medical costs.
3. Outdoor Jobs
Many outdoor jobs are proactive about keeping their employees safe ? in and out of the sun. But in some cases, employees may develop skin cancer, dehydration, or heatstroke, or suffer injuries from improper clothing or an unsafe natural environment. If you suffer an injury on the job, you may qualify for a workers? compensation claim, or you may have a premises liability claim against the owner of the unsafe property.
4. Summer Camps
Hundreds of children together with limited or unaccredited adult supervision ? what could go wrong? From extreme sports like biking or climbing to lifeguards that are barely trained, many serious injuries can occur at camps. Camp counselors who are responsible for many children can easily miss medical conditions or sicknesses. Generally, the camp is liable for injuries or illness that occur on their property.
5. Water Parks and Theme Parks
These parks are an absolute blast for children and adults alike. However mixing crowds, alcohol, waterslides, rides, wet ground, and excited people can all spell disaster. Depending on the situation, you may be looking at a lawsuit with the specific park, the overall company, an employee, or another guest.
A safe summer is the best summer, but if an injury does happen, an attorney can help you determine the right person to hold liable and how a signed waiver might impact your claim.
Related Resources:
Find Personal Injury Lawyers Near You (FindLaw’s Lawyer Directory)
Heat Wave Injuries, Illnesses: Who’s Liable? (FindLaw’s Injured)
Employee Safety Tips: Working Outdoors in Summer Heat (FindLaw’s Injured)
First Steps After an Injury (FindLaw’s Learn About the Law)
