Going to the gym is an ideal way for many to get exercise, let their emotions out, and take time to focus on themselves. However, the last thing many expect when working out is to sustain a preventable injury due to another party’s negligence. While some injuries are bound to happen due to the nature of working out, many occur because of someone’s failure to meet safety standards. If this reflects your circumstances, it’s imperative to contact an experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options to recover the compensation you deserve.
What Are Common Causes for Injuries in a Gym?
Working out is a form of moving your body, meaning injuries can happen to anyone. Unfortunately, using the wrong form or lifting weights that are too heavy can cause accidental injuries. It is not possible to pursue compensation in these instances, as the injuries are not a result of anyone’s negligence but rather the assumption of risk that participating in gym-related activities can lead to injury.
However, it’s not uncommon for oversights to cause injuries. The following are common reasons you may have sustained an injury because of another person’s negligence:
- Failure to clean or properly mark spills and wet spots on the ground
- Improperly assembled machinery or equipment
- Defective machinery or equipment
- Failure to inspect and maintain equipment
- Keeping broken machines on the floor for use
- Unsafe flooring, such as broken or missing tiles or lifted turf
- Leaving cleaning or maintenance equipment on the ground
- Failure to secure cords to the floor to prevent trips and falls
It’s also important to note that if you are working out under the supervision and guidance of a personal trainer, they can also contribute to injuries. For example, if your trainer tells you to lift a certain amount of weight without taking the time to properly assess your ability to do so, you can suffer severe injuries as a result.
If I’m Injured, Who Can I Hold Liable for Damages?
When you sustain injuries due to a hazard in the facility or because of an unqualified personal trainer, the gym’s owner can likely be held liable for any injuries you’ve endured. As such, you’ll want to ensure you take the time to document the extent of the damages you’ve endured, such as taking photos or video of the unsafe condition, obtaining security footage that captured the accident, and speaking to witnesses.
If you are hurt, ensuring you go to a medical professional immediately is critical, as the defense can claim your injuries were not severe or that you failed to mitigate damages by waiting to seek medical treatment.
When you are hurt, the Law Offices of Dale R. Gomes can help you recover the compensation you deserve. We understand how devastating it can be to get hurt while on a journey to be in better health. As such, our dedicated team will do everything possible to help you recover the funds you deserve for the damages you’ve endured. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our dedicated legal team.