Gyms are full of potential hazards – heavy weights, fast-moving equipment, slippery floors, and distracted gymgoers. But what happens if you suffer an injury? Who’s responsible, and could you have a claim?
In some cases, gyms may be liable if they fail to maintain a safe environment or ensure proper supervision. However, not all gym accidents are grounds for a claim. If an injury occurs due to personal negligence or improper use of equipment, the responsibility may lie with the individual. Understanding when gym accidents are the gym’s responsibility, or your own, is crucial in determining whether you have a valid claim.
Gym Accidents you COULD make a claim for
1. Faulty or Poorly Maintained Equipment
Example: You’re using a treadmill when it suddenly jerks to a stop, throwing you off balance and causing you to fall. You land awkwardly and injure your knee.
Why you can claim: A faulty treadmill with defective buttons, worn-out belts, or unreported malfunctions could be seen as gym negligence. In these cases, the gym is responsible for failing to provide a safe environment. If the gym failed to repair or remove the faulty machine in a reasonable amount of time, resulting in gym accidents, compensation could be claimed to cover medical bills, lost wages, and even pain and suffering.
2. Slippery Floors with No Warning Signs
Example: After a cleaning session, a gym floor is left wet, and no caution sign is placed near the area. As you walk by, you slip and fall, breaking your wrist.
Why you can claim: Gyms are required to take reasonable precautions to keep floors and common areas safe, this includes ensuring the floors are dry and clearly marking any areas that pose a slip hazard. If they fail to do so, they could be held responsible for subsequent gym accidents. This applies to gym showers, locker rooms, and any area where floors are prone to getting wet.
3. Overcrowded or Unsafe Workout Classes
Example: The room size is insufficient for the number of attendees in your kettlebell class. While trying to follow along with the instructor, someone accidentally swings a kettlebell too wide, striking you in the leg and causing soft tissue injuries.
Why you can claim: Gyms are responsible for maintaining a safe and spacious workout environment, especially during group classes. Overcrowding in a kettlebell class increases the likelihood of accidents, particularly when there isn’t enough room to properly perform exercises or move freely. If injuries occur due to unsafe conditions, such as being in an overcrowded class or having insufficient space to work out safely, the gym could be held liable.
Gym Accidents you COULD NOT make a claim for
1. Injury Due to Improper Use of Equipment
Example: You decide to lift weights that are too heavy for you, causing a strain in your back. You don’t ask for help or follow proper technique, and the injury occurs.
Why you could not claim: While gyms may offer guidance and have staff available to help, it’s ultimately your responsibility to use equipment safely and within your physical limits. Injuries caused by personal error or negligence, such as lifting weights that are too heavy for you, are not grounds for a claim against the gym.
2. Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Worsening
Example: You have a pre-existing knee condition, and after a few weeks of running on the treadmill, the condition worsens.
Why you could not claim: Gyms are not responsible for pre-existing health issues or injuries that worsen over time. However, if the worsening condition is directly caused by negligence (e.g., poorly maintained equipment), you may still have a case.
3. Injuries from Normal Risks of Exercise
Example: You strain your shoulder while performing a bicep curl or pull a muscle while running on the treadmill.
Why you could not claim: Certain injuries are simply part of the natural risks involved with physical activity, especially if the injury occurs as a result of your own efforts. Strains, sprains, and minor muscle injuries from exercise don’t usually qualify for claims because they are considered normal exercise-related risks.
Start your gym accident claim with Stonehewer Moss Solicitors
If you’re unsure whether your injury qualifies for a claim, seeking expert guidance is crucial. Consulting with a personal injury specialist can help you understand your rights and determine if the gym’s negligence played a role in your injury. Legal counsel can also provide clarity on the best course of action, ensuring you’re not left navigating the complexities of a potential claim alone.
With over 20 years of experience in handling claims for gym accidents, Stonehewer Moss specialises in helping individuals just like you. We’re APIL accredited and offer a free 30-minute consultation to evaluate your case. Plus, with our no-win, no-fee offering, you can rest assured that there’s no financial risk in getting the legal help you deserve. Contact us today to find out if you have a valid claim and how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
