What to Do About Injuries at the Gym

Nobody thinks they are going to get injured at the gym. The unfortunate truth is that people often do become injured while they are working out. Also unfortunate is that the gym or fitness center is often to blame for the injury.

Have you been injured at the gym? Do you think the injury was caused by another party’s negligence? You may have a case. Read on to learn more about these types of injuries.

What Kinds of Injuries Are Common in Fitness Centers?

Fitness center injuries are not uncommon, and certain types of injuries are especially common.

Slip and fall accidents occur often in fitness centers. Slippery, crowded areas may be the cause of these accidents. Sometimes wires and other gym equipment are left out, making them prime targets for tripping.

Infections are an unknowingly common cause of injury in gyms. Bacteria can breed relatively quickly, especially on a yoga mat or piece of cardio equipment. If the gym personnel don’t clean and sanitize properly, germ-covered equipment could lead gym-goers to contract staph infections and MRSA.

Sprains, strains, and broken bones also occur in many types of gym accidents. Internal injuries to the organs are also common. They can be prompted by being crushed by gym equipment or even by falling on something.

If you were injured at the gym or during a fitness course, seek medical attention right away.

What Causes Injuries in Fitness Centers?

Several factors may be to blame for injuries in gyms and fitness centers. The cause of your injury will influence who you decide to take to court if you plan on suing for your medical costs or pain and suffering.

Malfunctioning equipment is one of the most common causes for injuries. For example, your gym may contain old equipment that has not been maintained or even looked at in ages. If you go to a gym where many people use the machinery each day or you live at an apartment complex where professionals don’t inspect equipment regularly, the equipment may become defective.

In addition, sometimes gyms maintain or set up equipment poorly. For instance, some fitness centers might place seating areas too close to large equipment, which can be dangerous for individuals trying to lift weights.

Another possible cause of injury is if you work with a trainer or instructor at the gym who is unqualified. The instructor could instruct you to do a move improperly or perhaps even do something that injures you.

What Can You Do?

Some people are under the mistaken belief that they are unable to sue for a personal injury if they have already signed a waiver. The truth is that the language of the waiver matters a lot. You should keep a copy of the waiver to bring to your attorney for review. You may still have a case.

You can hold several people or organizations responsible for your injury. You may have a case against a gym, coach, instructor, another gym-goer, or even the manufacturer of gym equipment.

If you decide to sue somebody for a gym or fitness center injury, you must be able to demonstrate that the organization or person had a duty of care that they then breached. You must also provide evidence that you were injured to the extent that you needed to be treated. And finally, you may also need to prove that you have been unable to work because of the injury.

Are you looking for assistance with a personal injury case? Call Gelman Gelman Wiskow & McCarthy LLC today to learn more. We provide assistance with personal injury cases just like yours. Set up a consultation with an attorney who cares.