Going to the gym can be intimidating for many, as they worry the other members won’t be friendly or welcoming. However, many may find these locations a positive environment, encouraging their fitness journey. Unfortunately, if someone becomes injured on the premises, it can hinder their ability to seek a healthy life. As such, recovering compensation for these instances is imperative. If this reflects your circumstances, the following blog explores what you must know about injuries sustained in a gym and how a Houston premises liability lawyer can help you fight for the justice you deserve.
How Do Injuries in a Gym or Fitness Center Happen?
In many instances, people may join a gym with the intent to live a healthier lifestyle. However, they can injure themselves if unsure of how to use equipment properly. Commonly, this is due to unfamiliarity with proper exercise form and what weights to use. These injuries are always a risk that gym-goers assume when exercising.
Unfortunately, additional injuries can occur because of negligence on behalf of gym ownership and staff. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Slips, trips, and falls caused by hazards on the ground, like unmarked wet spots, unsecured cords, or broken flooring
- Being struck by improperly installed fixtures like televisions, lighting, or exercise equipment
- Sustaining injuries because of defective or poorly maintained equipment or machinery
Additionally, injuries while exercising can result if you are under the supervision of a personal trainer and they do not adequately assess your fitness level before instructing you to perform exercises. As a result, you can suffer serious injuries resulting from overexertion.
Who Can Face Liability for the Injuries I Endured?
If you are injured, understanding what entity can face liability is critical. Most commonly, the gym’s owner will be liable, as they are ultimately responsible for ensuring their members have a clean, safe, and risk-free facility. This includes ensuring equipment is properly assembled and maintained, staff are properly trained on how to remedy hazards in a timely manner, and personal trainers are qualified to work with clients.
I Signed a Waiver. Will That Impact My Ability to File a Claim?
When you signed up for your gym or fitness center, you likely signed a waiver warning you of potential hazards and informing you that if you are injured, you cannot file a lawsuit against the gym. As such, you may be deterred from pursuing legal action. However, if the language in the contract is vague or hard to understand, or your injuries are the result of gross negligence on behalf of a gym owner or personal trainer, you may still be able to recover compensation.
Sustaining an injury at the gym can cause a number of health and financial issues for those impacted. As such, understanding how to proceed is critical to recovering the compensation and justice you deserve. If you were injured, the team at the Gonzalez Law Group is ready to help. We understand how difficult these times can be, so we’re here to guide you through this process. If you’re ready to discuss the details of your case, contact us today to request a free consultation.
