Accident at swimming pool

Jeanners49

I really don't know where to start with this, but thought someone on here might be able to advise.

My husband, who is wheelchair bound with spinal stenosis, fell onto the floor at the swimming pool due to the shower seat in the disabled changing room coming away from the wall as he sat on it. All the bolts securing it to the wall just shot out and he was flung to the ground. Needless to say, he was very shocked and shaken (and needed 3 lifeguards to pick him up) but at the time he had no apparent injuries. Since then, his back pain has worsened, especially around his coccyx/base of his spine (which is where he has had several vertebrae fused) and although he's had an xray, nothing obvious has been found (although the consultant thought he might have fractured his sacrum). We will go back to the GP if the pain doesn't improve and ask for a CT/MRI scan as they show up more complex issues. In the meantime, we have heard nothing from the swimming pool (my husband is a member there). They did fill in an accident form straight after it happened.

His confidence has gone and he no longer feels safe going swimming, which is a real shame as it was good exercise for him. How can I take this further? I am sure the pool company have a responsibility to ensure that equipment and facilities are safe to use and they have clearly failed. I'm reluctant to go to one of those claims companies as you hear such bad things about them.

Would appreciate some advice and others thoughts.

[Deleted User]

Did you take any photo evidence at the time ? that would help going forward,
Does your household insurance offer free legal help? many policies do.

Jeanners49

Yes to photos and yes to home insurance policy. Hadn't thought of contacting them; will do so tomorrow. Thank you x

sheramber

Have you actually claimed anything from the swimming pool?

Any claim would then be passed to their insurance company to deal with.

tacpot12

How heavy is your husband? The pool may have a defence if your husband is obese. Individuals have some responsibility for not to sitting on items that are not clearly designed to take their weight. The pool may have a counter-claim on your husband for damage to their equipment.

Sorry if the question appear rude, but before deciding to file a claim, it is a good idea to work out how the other party could defend the claim and make sure that the claim is not easy to defend.

If you do decide to file a claim, you should be able to find a local solicitor with experience of personal injury claims that is not a shark.

TBagpuss

You don't have to go to a claims co. try a local solicitor.