In southwest Pennsylvania and elsewhere, people look forward to summer throughout the rest of the year. When the warm weather finally arrives, there are numerous opportunities for outdoor fun and recreation, but it’s also a season when certain types of injuries become more common. No matter how lighthearted the given activity might be, individuals, businesses and organizations that host guests must take their legal duty to provide a safe environment seriously.

Some of the places where summertime injuries are likely to occur include the following: 

• Swimming pools — Even before someone gets into a swimming pool, there is a heightened risk of getting hurt because surrounding surfaces are often slick. Water that gets splashed out of the pool or drips off of a swimmer could cause a serious slip and fall injury. Inside the pool, poor supervision could lead to a drowning or near-drowning incident. Fences or gates should also be installed to prevent young children from accidentally falling in the water. 

• Playgrounds — Once school lets out, children have much more time to spend on the playground. Unfortunately, poorly maintained equipment, debris that isn’t picked up and hard surfaces can result in injuries such as broken bones, concussions, cuts and bruises.

• Amusement parks and carnivals — Failing to inspect and maintain rides, hiring untrained workers and ignoring safety protocols are all forms of negligence that could give rise to a personal injury claim. 

• Sports facilities — Shoddy field conditions, lack of proper protective equipment, lax supervision and even a refusal to provide sufficient water breaks might contribute to an accident requiring treatment or a heat-related condition. 

If you or a loved one is injured this summer, it’s important to act quickly. Document the scene, gather witness information and seek medical attention. You may be entitled to compensation for healthcare expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Matthew R. Zatko, Attorney at Law in Somerset handles a wide range of Pennsylvania personal injury matters, including cases stemming from accidents at swimming pools, amusement parks and recreational facilities. Please call 814-443-1631 or contact me online if a member your family was hurt due to someone else’s negligence. My firm serves Indiana, Bedford, Cambria and Somerset counties.