Gym Injuries and Premises Liability
Over 64 million Americans go to a gym or fitness center. As the seasons change and the conditions become less conducive to outdoor exercise, gym usage increases. As always, crowds can be a danger factor for slip and fall or trip and fall injuries. The carelessness of gym members or employees and the detritus they leave behind can lead to injuries suffered by innocent bystanders. Today’s blog post from Malloy Law Offices will examine gym injuries and the legal area of premises liability. As longtime readers of this blog will know; premises liability is the field of personal injury law which allows injured persons to seek compensation from the owner of the property where the injury occurred. Read on for the full account of this interesting and complex field of personal injury law.
What Gym Injuries are Relevant to Our Discussion?
Athletic injuries are an inherent risk in exercising. Muscle and joint injuries or broken bones can occur as a natural consequence of habitual exercise. Chronic conditions like shin splints or tennis elbow can also develop naturally. It should go without saying that these injuries are not relevant to our discussion of gym injuries. In order to seek compensation for an injury; it must have been caused by the negligence of some other party. Negligence is a complicated concept, but for the purposes of this discussion, it can be understood as carelessness. We are especially interested in carelessness on the part of gym owners or their employees. If they failed to address a hazard on their property or inform you and other guests of its presence then they could be held liable for any injury that occurs as a result of that hazard.
Common Causes of Gym Injuries
So what injuries most often occur within the boundaries we’ve drawn? What does negligence look like in real world terms? Let’s explore some examples in brief:
- Wet Floors – Cleaning supplies, spilled beverages, or even just sweat from a difficult workout can lead to slippery, dangerous surfaces.
- Cluttered Floors – Improperly-stored or secured equipment, large water bottles, towels or trash, improperly secured floor mats, and narrower-than-advisable walkways can all lead to tripping injuries.
- Faulty Equipment – Equipment that is not regularly inspected, lubricated, serviced, or otherwise repaired, can become hazardous to the user.
- Negligent Training – A personal trainer that is unqualified or ignorant of the limitations and limits of their client may lead to injury.
Waivers and Personal Injury Claims
Many gyms will ask you to sign a liability waiver with your membership paperwork. This especially common with gyms belonging to larger parent organizations or corporate chains. This document is meant to shield the gym from lawsuits in the event of an accident or injury. However, these waivers are by no means bulletproof. The mere fact that you signed a waiver to obtain membership at your gym does not necessarily mean that you cannot claim compensation for an injury suffered at the gym. Consulting with an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help you gain a greater understanding of your situation, and your chances of recovery.
How Malloy Law Can Help
At Malloy Law Offices, we’re proud to employ the DMV area’s premises liability specialists. Our team of attorneys and dedicated support staff can even the odds against corporate gym chains and win the compensation you deserve. We’ll evaluate your case free of charge and determine the value of your case, based on medical bills, lost wages, physical rehabilitation, and pain and suffering. Don’t face the aftermath of your gym injury alone. Contact Malloy Law today for a free consultation and let’s win your case.
