Going to the gym is a great way to stay active and healthy. No one expects to get hurt while working out. Yet, slip and fall accidents at the gym are more common than you might think. Hundreds of thousands of people are injured every year while exercising, with many of these injuries happening at the gym.
Gym owners and operators have a duty to exercise reasonable care to inspect and maintain a safe property. When hazards are identified, owners and staff must correct the problem or warn members of these risks. If they breach that duty of care in a way that leads to a slip and fall accident, they may be liable for your injuries.
You go to the gym to get stronger and fitter, not to get hurt. However, in every gym and workout studio, there are plenty of hazards that pose a fall risk to visitors:
- Slippery surfaces.
- Ripped or uneven gym mats.
- Electrical cords and wires in walkways.
- Damaged or malfunctioning machines.
- Gym equipment left in walking areas.
What if I Signed a Liability Waiver When I Joined the Gym?
Injured members often avoid taking legal action against their gym because they signed a liability waiver. A liability waiver is a type of contract that generally prohibits members and their guests from suing management or ownership.
Waivers can be difficult to overcome, but there are exceptions. A liability waiver may be dismissed if it contains vague or ambiguous language that prevented the member from understanding the terms. This scenario is uncommon because most gyms utilize well-used common language that leaves little room for interpretation.
An injured member is more likely to overcome the protections of a liability waiver in a case of gross negligence. Gross negligence is an obvious and glaring disregard for public safety.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall at the Gym
Because liability waivers make gym injury claims more complex, it is essential to prove the gym owner or manager was negligent and that negligence directly caused your injuries. The actions you take after a fall can make or break your case.
If you fall at the gym, notify an employee immediately. If you are in considerable pain or cannot move, tell them to call 911. If you can, take pictures of the area where the fall occurred. Be sure to document obvious hazards like trash, electrical cords, gym equipment, or spills that might have caused your fall.
Take down contact information for the employee on the scene and anyone else who witnesses your fall. Never sign a waiver or other documentation if you get hurt at the gym. Instead, contact a lawyer to discuss your situation and obtain legal guidance.
Gym injuries range from minor cuts and bruises to broken bones, strains and sprains, and head, neck, and back injuries. Always seek medical attention after any type of fall and document your treatment. Prompt care is important to diagnose and treat serious injuries that may not be immediately apparent. It is also helps prove the fall caused your injuries. If you wait too long to go to the emergency room, the other party can deny that your injuries happened at the gym.
Mount Holly Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer at the Law Office of David S. Rochman Helps Clients Injured in Gym Slip and Falls
Our Mount Holly slip and fall accident lawyer at the Law Office of David S. Rochman understands the complexities of legal claims against gym owners. We have the knowledge, experience, and tenacity to help you achieve your legal goals after a slip and fall. Call us at 856-751-2345 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout Burlington County and the surrounding areas.