When the weather warms up in South Jersey, hotel pools reopen—and so do the risks. Whether you're staying at a resort in Atlantic City or visiting a beachfront hotel in Galloway or Linwood, one slip on a wet pool deck can leave you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and more questions than answers.
If you've recently fallen at a hotel pool, you may be wondering: Who’s responsible? Should I file a claim? What if the hotel blames me?
Here’s what you need to know to protect your rights and take the right steps after a hotel pool injury in New Jersey.
Are Hotels Liable for Pool Injuries?
Hotels and resorts across South Jersey have a legal duty to keep their premises safe—especially in areas like pool decks, spas, and changing rooms, where wet surfaces and heavy foot traffic create predictable hazards.
Under New Jersey premises liability law, a hotel can be held responsible if your injury was caused by:
- Slippery or improperly maintained pool decks
- Broken or missing handrails
- Lack of non-slip surfaces near the water
- Poor lighting or warning signs
- Unsupervised or overcrowded pool areas
- Inadequate or delayed cleanup of known hazards (like spilled drinks, sunscreen, or tracked-in water)
If the hotel knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn guests, they may be liable for your injuries.
What to Do After a Hotel Pool Injury in New Jersey
If you’ve been hurt in or around a hotel pool, taking the right steps right away can protect both your health and your legal claim:
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if your injuries seem minor, symptoms can worsen over time. Prompt care also creates documentation.
Report the Incident to Hotel Management
Ask for a written report and keep a copy. If they refuse, make a note of the time and who you spoke with.
Document the Scene
Take photos of what caused your fall (wet area, broken tile, missing sign). If possible, note whether there were warning signs or staff present.
Get Witness Information
Other guests or staff who saw your fall could be important to your claim.
Avoid Giving a Statement to Insurance Adjusters
Hotel insurers may call and try to shift blame or minimize your injury. You’re not required to give a recorded statement.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
An attorney can evaluate your case, deal with the hotel’s insurer, and help pursue full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They can also help preserve key evidence, identify overlooked insurance coverage, and push back if the hotel tries to deny fault or shift blame onto you.
What If I Wasn’t a Hotel Guest?
You don’t need to be an overnight guest to file a claim. If you were lawfully on the property—whether visiting friends, attending an event, or using amenities with permission—the hotel still owes you a duty of care. If they failed to keep the area safe, you may still have a valid injury claim.
Can I Still File If I Signed a Waiver?
Some hotels post signs or include waivers in check-in paperwork that say they "aren’t responsible" for pool injuries. But under New Jersey law, these waivers often don’t hold up in court, especially if the hotel failed to take reasonable steps to maintain safety.
While waivers may discourage claims, they don’t give hotels a free pass. New Jersey law doesn’t allow businesses to waive liability for gross negligence, like failing to clean up a known hazard or ignoring safety regulations. If the hotel’s actions (or inaction) directly led to your injury, you may still have a case.
A sign that says “use at your own risk” doesn’t automatically make you responsible—especially if the hotel failed to take reasonable precautions to protect guests.
Filing a Hotel Pool Injury Claim in South Jersey
Now that you understand your rights and how a hotel’s negligence may have contributed to your injury, the next step is learning what filing a claim actually involves. In New Jersey, pursuing a hotel injury claim often means working with an attorney who can gather evidence, communicate with insurers, and build a case for compensation.
Here’s what to know as you move forward:
Who Covers the Costs After a Pool Injury?
In most cases, hotels carry commercial liability insurance to cover injuries that happen on their property, including slips and falls near the pool. If you file a claim, it will likely be handled by the hotel’s insurance company rather than through direct litigation.
That’s why it’s so important to document the conditions thoroughly and speak with an attorney who can manage communication with insurers and protect your rights.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in NJ?
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, evidence (like surveillance footage or cleaning logs) can disappear much sooner. That’s why it’s crucial to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after your injury.
Why These Cases Are Common in South Jersey
Atlantic City and surrounding areas see a surge in hotel guests, tourists, and event traffic starting in May. Many properties are older or understaffed during high season, and routine maintenance can slip through the cracks. This creates ideal conditions for avoidable slip-and-fall injuries—particularly around pools, hot tubs, and locker rooms.
Injured at a Hotel Pool? Contact The Law Offices of Richard A. Stoloff
If you slipped and fell at a hotel pool in Atlantic City, Linwood, Galloway, or anywhere in South Jersey, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
The Law Offices of Richard A. Stoloff represents clients who have suffered serious injuries due to unsafe property conditions. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, ongoing treatment, and the pain your injury has caused.
Attorney Richard A. Stoloff has over 25 years of experience helping victims understand their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve. Let Attorney Stoloff review your case and help you take the next step toward recovery.
Call today or complete our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. There is no fee unless compensation is recovered.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal advice about your specific situation, please contact The Law Offices of Richard A. Stoloff directly.