Although gyms are a popular destination for people striving to improve their physical fitness, they’re also a common site of serious injuries. Oftentimes, these wounds are not the result of overdoing it but rather negligence on the part of the facility. If you suffered an injury at the gym, you may be able to recover damages for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. Here’s what you need to know.
Types and Causes of Gym Injuries
Today’s gyms generally feature heavy-duty exercise machines equipped with weighty components. Without proper maintenance, these machines can cause serious injury to the people using them. For this reason, it’s imperative that gyms keep their equipment well maintained and have adequate supervision.
Pulled hamstrings, torn ligaments, spinal cord injuries, fractured bones, traumatic brain injuries, and lacerations are just some of the many types of trauma that can occur at the gym. Some ailments, such as strains, might require nothing more than a week or two of rest. Others, such as a dislocated joint, can require extensive medical treatment. Sadly, these injuries are often avoidable. Common causes of gym accidents include:
- Faulty or defective equipment
- Lack of maintenance
- Failure to repair broken equipment
- Insufficient or improper instruction from a trainer
- Improper use of equipment by a nearby gym user
- Failure to clean equipment
Establishing Liability
If you suffered an injury at the gym and believe that someone else’s negligence caused the accident to happen, you may have a legal right to compensation. There are a few parties who may be liable:
- The gym may be liable for failing to provide a sanitary environment; improperly maintaining equipment; leaving excessive clutter, resulting in a trip-and-fall injury; failing to warn members of hazards such as slippery floors; or placing machines too close together.
- The equipment manufacturer may be liable for faulty workout equipment.
- Other gym members may be liable for causing an injury.
Keep in mind, many gyms require members to sign liability waivers. Just because you signed a waiver doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t have a claim. It’s important to consult a Morgan & Morgan attorney to discuss your legal options.
Presenting a Strong Case
You’ll need evidence to prove your claim, no matter the circumstances of your injury. Following a gym accident, be sure to:
- Report the injury to the gym staff as soon as it happens
- Take pictures of the accident scene, if possible
- Get medical care, no matter how minor or insignificant the injury appears at first
- Keep medical records that demonstrate the extent of the injury
- Retain copies of all medical bills and expenses
- Talk to potential witnesses who may have seen you get hurt
Contact Morgan & Morgan
If you sustained an injury at the gym, you may be able to receive compensation for your medical expenses, time missed from work, pain and suffering, and more. The amount you’ll receive will depend on a variety of factors, including the extent of the injury, your expenses, and your potential lost earnings. To learn more and discuss your legal options, schedule a free consultation. It costs nothing to get started, and we get paid only if you win. Contact us today.