Water slide accident: paraplegic student demands 335,000 euros!

Water slide accident: paraplegic student demands 335,000 euros!

A tragic incident recently occurred at a leisure pool when 15-year-old Polat Pohlmann went on a trip with his family. Loud MDR Despite clearly visible warning signs, Pohlmann slid down the water slide head first in a prone position. At the end of the slide he hit his head against the edge of the pool and suffered severe paraplegia.

Because of the accident, Pohlmann sued the manufacturer of the water slide, the operator of the swimming pool and the inspectors and demanded damages and compensation for pain and suffering amounting to 335,000 euros. The main accusation is that the water slide was not sufficiently secured.

Legal dispute

However, the Oldenburg regional court dismissed the lawsuit. It referred to the notices attached to the slide which clearly indicate the permitted slide positions. Pohlmann then appealed to the Higher Regional Court, where he was partially upheld. However, he was attributed 40 percent of the blame for the accident.

The Higher Regional Court held that the water slide must be designed in such a way that it does not cause serious injuries even if it is foreseeably misused. The judges also made it clear that a single sign and pictograms are not enough to ensure adequate danger prevention. However, the judgment is not yet final as the defendants have now filed a complaint with the Federal Court of Justice.

Accidents on water slides and legal principles

Such incidents also raise questions about the liability of operators. In Germany, outdoor pools are often equipped with various attractions such as water slides, which are particularly popular with children. However, these facilities can also pose a high risk of injury. Loud Attorney information Many injuries lead to court hearings about the liability of swimming pool operators.

The Federal Court of Justice established basic guidelines on liability ten years ago. Operators are responsible for the safety of their slides and must educate users on proper use. However, not every injury is avoidable and liability always depends on the individual case and the security measures implemented.

In another current case, which was recently dealt with by the Hamm Higher Regional Court, an injured plaintiff sued, hoping for 30,000 euros in compensation due to improper slipping. However, their lawsuit was dismissed because there was sufficient evidence as to the correct position of the slide. This means operators are rarely liable if they provide comprehensive signage.

The case of Polat Pohlmann illustrates the difficulty that both operators and users of leisure attractions face. The legal framework for liability remains complex and is often associated with complex issues.