If the incident just happened, your first priority is medical care and safety.
- Get evaluated right away—especially after head impact, breathing trouble, chemical exposure, or any near-drowning.
- Report the incident through the property manager/owner (if applicable) and request that the report be preserved.
- Document the scene if you can: deck conditions, lighting, barriers/gates, ladder placement, signage, and any visible damage.
- Request preservation of video (if there’s any). In many cases, footage is overwritten quickly.
In North Carolina, injury claims are time-sensitive. The sooner you gather information and get legal advice, the better your options.


