First, ensure everyone’s immediate safety and seek medical help. Document everything: take photos of the pool area and the hazard that caused the incident. Get contact information from witnesses. Report the accident to the property owner or manager and request a written incident report. Keep all medical records and receipts. Do not give detailed statements or sign anything from an insurance adjuster before consulting with a lawyer who specializes in premises liability cases.

Your immediate actions are critical. First, seek medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries, to create a medical record. Report the incident to the property manager or owner and ensure an official report is filed. Document the scene thoroughly with photos and videos, capturing the hazard and your surroundings. Collect contact information from any witnesses. Do not give detailed statements or sign anything from the property owner’s insurance company without legal advice.

A judge or a jury decides the outcome based on the “preponderance of the evidence” standard. This is a much lower burden of proof than in a criminal case. It essentially means it is more likely than not (greater than 50% certainty) that the defendant’s actions caused the plaintiff’s harm. There is no verdict of “guilty” or “not guilty”; the finding is typically “liable” or “not liable” for the damages claimed.