With the new year starting, the gyms are filling up as many people are making health and fitness part of their resolutions for 2023.
When you visit a gym, your goal is to improve your health, it is not to get hurt. Gym owners and operators have a duty to keep their premises in a reasonably safe condition and to do what is necessary to prevent injury to patrons.
How Slip and Fall Accidents Happen at the Gym
Patrons of gyms and fitness centers can slip and fall for many reasons. Some examples of slip and fall hazards that are not your fault at gyms include:
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Wet floors in the locker room, shower room or bathroom.
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Newly mopped floors in the gym or lobby.
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Snow or rain tracked into the lobby.
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Worn or torn carpet.
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Broken or loose floor tiles.
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Damaged equipment.
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Electrical wires or cables that run across the gym floor.
How You Can Keep Yourself Safe
These are conditions that can be anticipated by gym managers and owners. The gym owner has a duty to watch for potentially dangerous conditions and post warnings until they can be repaired. If the gym owner fails to do so, then you may trip or slip and fall. It is important for gym patrons to also take responsibility for their own safety by following proper safety protocols, such as warming up before exercising and using equipment correctly.
Another way to prevent slip and fall accidents at the gym is to wear appropriate footwear. Shoes with a good grip and support can help to prevent falls on slippery or uneven surfaces. It is also advisable to avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught on equipment or trip you up while exercising.
If you are new to the gym or unfamiliar with the layout or equipment, it is a good idea to ask for assistance or a tour from a staff member. This can help you become familiar with the layout and equipment, and also alert staff to any potential hazards that may need to be addressed.
Additionally, if you notice any dangerous conditions at the gym, bring them to the attention of the staff so that they can be addressed and corrected. However, gym owners and managers should ensure that the gym is safe as long as you and other patrons behave responsibly.
Serious Injuries Can Result from Fall Accidents at the Gym
If dangerous conditions are ignored by gym owners and managers, then patrons can sustain serious injuries including head injuries, brain injuries, broken bones and backs, neck or spinal cord injuries.
In addition to the physical injuries that can result from slip and fall accidents at the gym, there can also be emotional and psychological effects. The trauma of falling and being injured can lead to feelings of anxiety, fear and depression, especially if the injury results in a loss of mobility or the ability to participate in physical activities. These emotional and psychological effects should also be taken into consideration when seeking compensation for a gym injury.
Injured in an Accident?
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident at a gym, it is important to seek medical attention and document the incident, including taking photos of the hazard and any injuries you sustained. Those who are injured because of a dangerous condition at a gym may have a right to seek compensation for their pain and suffering, medical bills and lost wages through a personal injury lawsuit. You may also want to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your options.
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident at a local gym, then please contact our personal injury attorneys at 800-800-5678. You can schedule your free consultation and learn if you qualify to file a gym injury lawsuit.