If you’ve been injured at the gym due to a slip and fall, defective exercise equipment, or negligent actions of gym employees, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more. Contact a Chicago gym injury lawyer at our personal injury law firm for a free consultation.
When Is a Gym Injury a Valid Personal Injury Claim?
Injuries in the gym may qualify for gym accident lawsuits if caused by negligence of gym owners, a gym employee, defective gym equipment, or gym staff errors. Actions of other gym members are unlikely to qualify as personal injuries since other members are not legally bound by a duty of care. Gyms can be held liable for negligent employees under respondeat superior.
Common examples of gym injuries that may warrant a personal injury case include:
- Slip and falls on wet floors or uneven surfaces under Illinois premises liability laws
- Injuries from malfunctioning or poorly maintained exercise machines
- Accidents due to lack of proper supervision or assistance from gym staff
How Do I Prove My Gym Injury Case?
To prove a gym injury claim, you need to show the defendant:
- Had a duty of care to ensure your safety
- Breached this duty through negligence
- Caused your injuries directly through their breach
- Caused you to suffer losses as a result
What Are the Most Common Gym Injuries?
Gym injuries due to negligence of a staff member or from defective gym equipment may include broken bones, sprains, strains, concussions, and more.
What If I Signed an Injury Waiver?
Gym management and personal trainers usually require clients to sign waivers before using their services. These waivers are meant to protect them from liability if an accident or injury happens.
Liability Waivers Must be Clear, Explicit, and Concise
Fortunately, Illinois courts have created a fairly established body of law limiting the power of these waivers. To be enforceable, waivers must be must be “clear, explicit, and concise,” which usually means it must state the following:
- The type of harm the signer is waiving
- The type of risks and activities involved
- The individual or company the signer is agreeing to waive liability against
What Should I Do If I Was Injured While Working Out?
Injury victims should take steps to protect themselves:
- Seek medical attention to assess injuries and get proper treatment.
- Take photos of the accident scene, including hazards or equipment, to provide evidence of what happened and determine fault.
- Collect contact details from witnesses to help confirm gym negligence.
- Consult a personal injury lawyer to assess your case and understand your options for pursuing compensation.
How Can an Attorney Help Me?
A Chicago gym injury lawyer can guide you through the legal process and help by:
- Collecting evidence like medical records, accident reports, and witness statements to support your case
- Negotiating fair settlements with the insurance company or at-fault parties
- Providing court representation to secure maximum compensation
- Offering support to protect your rights every step of the way
How Much Is a Fitness Center Injury Case Worth?
Gym injury cases often depend on the severity of the injury and the defendant’s liability for gross negligence. Jurors may award damages for pain and suffering, loss of normal life, scarring or disfigurement, lost wages, medical bills, and loss of consortium. Serious and permanent injuries typically lead to larger awards.
Contact The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers for Help
Our Chicago personal injury firm has experience in cases involving gym accidents. If your injury occurred due to staff negligence or faulty gym equipment, bring any waivers you signed to your free consultation to review your case. Call today.
(312) 223-1700