Patrons of gyms, fitness centers or health clubs typically want to improve their fitness or their general health. They do not expect to be carried out on a stretcher or end up in a wheelchair after making a visit. Accidents, especially of the slip and fall variety tend to happen when the gym or fitness center owners fail to maintain safe conditions.
As unexpected injuries can become financially onerous, it is advisable to find out from a suitable attorney whether a personal injury lawsuit is likely to succeed. A successful compensation payment can pay for unplanned medical bills as well as cover time away from the workplace.
Dangers in a Gym
Potential dangers in a fitness center or gym environment include one or more of the following:
- Floor surfaces slippery because of the chosen material was too smooth;
- Floor was slippery because of spilled liquids, polish or cleaning;
- Floor covering was loose or torn, making it dangerous to walk on;
- Fitness equipment badly maintained making it a slip hazard;
- Fitness equipment breaks while using it;
- Part of gym area used for fitness activities too dim to see where you are stepping.
Potential Lawsuit Example Against a Gym
If a patron slips over on a mat that is not secured properly, and this results in a spinal cord injury which leads to long periods of hospital treatment, the accident victim may justifiably claim compensation.
The mat should be in a suitable condition to be used for normal fitness activities provided without it slipping under pressure from a patron’s feet. It is the responsibility of the gym to repair or replace the mat, in turn, a claim is unlikely to succeed if the mat only just before the accident became hazardous.
There must be proof that the center’s staff were already aware of the accident potential but were too slow to act on it.
Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney
It’s almost always advisable to contact an attorney if you have had a bad accident anywhere, especially if you think that you weren’t to blame for the accident. The attorney, if experienced, will be able to tell you whether it is worth pursuing, how much you should claim and what your chances of success are
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that the legal fees are waived until a claim is won in your favor.
*Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Powerhouse Gym, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
