Identifying liability can be complicated as it depends on the facts of every accident. Generally, here are the parties who could be held liable:
Pool Owner: If the accident occurred as a result of the failure to maintain a safe environment, the owner of the swimming pool could be held liable.
Pool Operator or Manager: If the swimming pool is managed or operated by a hotel, resort, or community center, the operator or manager may share liability for accidents that occur within their premises.
Lifeguards or Supervisors: If there were lifeguards or supervisors in charge of pool safety, they could be held liable if their negligence contributed to the accident.
Manufacturers or Installers: Sometimes accidents may be caused by defective pool equipment or installations. The manufacturers or installers of the pool or related equipment could be held liable.
Consult with a personal injury attorney in Arizona who has handled swimming pool accident cases to better understand your specific situation. An Arizona personal injury attorney will help determine who may be liable. They can assess the facts, investigate the incident, and assist in pursuing proper legal action if necessary.
If you are involved in a swimming pool accident in Arizona, it is essential to follow these steps to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible for your injuries:
Generally, no. You should NEVER communicate directly with representatives from the other party’s insurance company or risk management company unless your swimming pool accident lawyer has authorized you to do so. You should only discuss the specifics of the accident or your injuries with your lawyer.
If a representative attempts to contact you, kindly inform them that you have engaged an attorney to represent you. The representative should then contact your attorney and cease contacting you. If they persist in contacting you, immediately notify your attorney. We will then file a complaint with the Department of Insurance or the appropriate governing body, as it is unfair claims practice for a representative to contact a party they know is represented by an attorney.
Generally, the answer is “No”. Remember, neither the insurance company nor the risk management company works for you – they work for the entity responsible for your accident. Often, even before you receive medical attention and understand the full extent of your injuries, a claims adjuster may contact you and present a low, inadequate offer. They hope that you’ll accept this offer before fully comprehending your damages.
Many people accept these offers and sign a release, only to discover further complications “down the road”. In many states, including Arizona, such a release is usually worded in a way that makes it nearly impossible to seek further compensation after signing, even if you discover your injuries are much more serious than initially anticipated. It is strongly advised not to agree to any offers without first consulting a proficient Arizona swimming pool accident attorney.
Facing a team of skilled professionals without having your legal representation is unwise. It is possible to pursue your claim alone, but you will be at the other party’s mercy.
The other party will make you only a small offer or will simply deny your claim altogether. Unless you are well-trained in the law and understand your legal rights, it will be very difficult to combat public entities or large corporations all on your own and know which avenues you should pursue. Each attorney at our firm is a well-trained, skilled swimming pool accident attorney in Arizona.
IMMEDIATELY. Hiring experienced swimming pool accident lawyers, like those at Warnock MacKinlay Law, is vital if you are injured in a swimming pool accident. Unfortunately, we see so many victims attempt to represent themselves and generally fail miserably for several reasons. Studies have shown that a claimant who is represented by legal counsel “nets” (after medical bills and attorney fees) in excess of 300% more money than those who handle their own claim. The only thing more important than hiring a qualified lawyer after a swimming pool accident is seeking medical attention, and the lawyers at Warnock MacKinlay Law can help you with a good, competent accident doctor.
No. We make it easy to afford an attorney if you have been injured in a swimming pool accident. We do not charge any fee whatsoever for an accident consultation. In fact, we do not charge any attorney fees unless we are successful in recovering money for you. Even if there are costs involved, such as investigation, medical records, medical reports, deposition fees, and the like, we will advance those monies for you until your case is resolved. We will even refer you to doctors who will not demand payment until the case is resolved. It is our job to make the resolution of your case as easy for you as possible.
The amount of money you will ultimately recover depends on a variety of issues, the most important of which is the nature of your injuries caused by the accident and the comprehensive medical treatment you receive for those injuries.
At Warnock MacKinlay Law, we will help you seek reimbursement for any or all of the following:
If you would like to get a better idea of the value of your case, give us a call. Our intake specialists can give you a much better idea after talking through the details of your case.
At Warnock MacKinlay Law, our expertise lies in building value for your injuries and achieving the best possible financial outcome without the necessity of going to trial. While in certain cases a lawsuit might be necessary, most are resolved before reaching the trial stage.
The probability of a case being settled or going to trial depends on the specifics of each case. If an insurance company or risk management entity contests liability (fault) or disputes the value of your claim, your case might be more likely to go to trial.
Our team boasts over 100 years of combined experience and we are equipped to represent you effectively. It’s crucial to have a lawyer who is known by insurers to be willing to file a lawsuit if needed, as this can enhance the chances of achieving a favorable settlement through negotiation. Insurers are aware of the law firms that are prepared to file suit and those that aren’t.
