Whether you’re looking to transform your body or want to stay healthy, going to the gym is a great way to exercise. However, it’s no secret that injuries can happen if you are unfamiliar with proper form and pacing. Unfortunately, these aren’t the only injuries you need to worry about. In some instances, gym staff may be negligent, leading to a number of serious injuries. If you were injured by unsafe conditions in the facility, you’ll want to keep reading. The following blog explores how personal injury attorneys can help you recover the compensation you deserve when hurt at the hands of a negligent party.
How can injuries in a gym happen?
While it’s no secret that over-exertion and improper use of equipment can lead to injuries, these are often the result of accidents and assumption of risk. As such, the injured party cannot seek compensation, as there is no wrongdoing on anyone else’s part.
However, there are many situations in which the negligence of gym ownership and staff can lead to injuries for members. These include, but are not limited to, the following circumstances:
- Failure to ensure equipment and machinery are assembled properly
- Failure to perform routine maintenance and checks on equipment and machinery
- Failure to remove unsafe or broken equipment
- Failure to ensure fixtures like pull-up bars, squat racks machinery, or punching bags are securely anchored to the ground
- Failure to remedy hazards on the ground, like spills, loose flooring, or debris
- Failure to ensure racks holding weights are secure and free of damage
Who can face liability?
In many instances, these accidents may seem like just that – accidents. However, your injuries may be the result of gross negligence on behalf of gym staff or ownership. As such, you deserve compensation for the damages you’ve suffered.
Generally, the gym owner will face liability for the injuries caused. This is because it is ultimately their responsibility to ensure their facility is safe and free from hazards. Additionally, they must ensure workers are trained to be aware of and respond to hazards in a timely manner.
However, if a gym purchases a piece of equipment or machinery and is unaware of any defects resulting in injury, the manufacturer or product designer could be held liable. This is because the gym did its due diligence to ensure the equipment was properly assembled, but they may not have been aware of the defect.
Unfortunately, injuries in a gym are all too common, and in many instances, negligence on behalf of ownership is to blame. As such, it’s necessary to ensure you contact an experienced personal injury attorney from Friedman Schuman as soon as possible to discuss your legal options. Our dedicated team will examine your circumstances to determine the best course of action for your specific situation to fight or the compensation you deserve for the injuries you’ve endured. Call today to learn how we can help you.
