Injured in a waterslide accident on holiday?

Water parks are becoming a  key feature of more and more package holiday resorts.  Many holidaymakers, particularly those with families and children, actively seek out such attractions when deciding on their holiday destination.  The increasingly large and spectacular structures become hugely popular with visitors.  Where there are problems with supervision of users, maintenance or design, there is a risk of accident injury.  Holiday Claims Bureau are here to help holidaymakers involved in a waterslide accident.

There are several reasons why accidents occur on waterslides.  Design faults and poor maintenance pose a risk of injury.  For example, if the running water within the slide is not properly managed, this can lead to a ‘blockage’ in the chute, increasing the chance of a user travelling at high speed colliding with the slower or stationary user. Cracks in the chute, poor finishing, inadequate inspection or cleaning and unsafe splash pools have all caused injuries to holidaymakers.  Larger structures with suction pipes and vents pose a great risk to riders if they are not properly maintained.

Management and supervision of those using the feature is equally important.  Lifeguards are usually stationed at the bottom of the slide to ensure proper conduct and orderly use. Attendants should ensure that users are descending the slide in the correct position and that multiple users are not coming down the slide in a ‘train’ position.  Attendants should not encourage riders to engage in potentially dangerous conduct, such as racing on the waterslide.

Given the speeds that users can exit the chute, the splash pool should be cleared so that collisions do not take place.  Height restrictions should be made clear, especially if young children are using the waterslide.  If mats are used on the slide, they should be in a condition which does not pose a risk of injury to the user.

How we can help

The specialist team at Holiday Claims Bureau have years of experience in pursuing claims on behalf of those injured after a waterslide accident. Injuries we have seen range from lacerations and abrasions to more serious injuries, including multiple fractures and head traumas. If you or someone in your travelling party is injured through no fault of their own and the slides you used were provided as part of the package holiday, you could pursue a claim for compensation in the UK under the Package Holiday Regulations.

However severe the injury, if you or a loved one is involved is in a waterslide accident you should:

• Seek medical attention, even if you don’t think the injury is serious
• Make sure that the accident is formally reported to your Tour Operator and Tour Rep – not just verbally to hotel or water park staff.  Make your version of events absolutely clear.
• Tell the attendant straight away, so that if necessary the slide can be closed so no-one else is hurt.
• Take the details of anyone else involved or witnessing the accident
• If there is something visibly wrong with the slide structure, take a photo.  If a defect is not accessible, ask staff to take a photo.
• Keep a record of any medical expenses, including any receipts.
• Seek independent legal advice.  Be wary of accepting any offers (eg vouchers, upgrades) from the hotel or Tour Operator.

Call us today on 0161 813 2131 for FREE advice and to see how our expert team could help you pursue a holiday accident Claim on a No Win, No Fee Basis.  Alternatively, use our online form.