Every year, many people make it their New Year’s resolution to get in shape with gym memberships skyrocketing every January. However, it’s important to recognize the potential for injuries in the gym, particularly for those new to fitness or exercise equipment. According to data from the National Safety Council (NSC), injuries related to exercise and exercise equipment saw an 8% increase in 2023, rising from 445,642 reported injuries in 2022 to 482,886 in 2023. In this blog, the Las Vegas injury lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys discuss five common gym accidents caused by negligence and explain how a gym accident injury lawyer can assist if you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s negligence.
5 Gym Accidents to Watch Out For
Before your next workout, be on the lookout for these common accidents at the gym:
1. Slip and Falls
Slip and fall accidents in locker rooms, showers, or workout areas–often caused by wet floors, spills, or poor maintenance–can result in sprains, fractures, or even more severe injuries.
2. Injuries from Malfunctioning Equipment
Faulty or poorly maintained equipment, such as treadmills, weight machines, free weights, resistance bands, etc., can malfunction unexpectedly, putting you at risk of severe injuries.
3. Collisions with Other Members
Gyms can get crowded, and miscommunication or lack of awareness between members can lead to collisions, especially in free weight areas or group exercise classes.
4. Injuries from Improper Instruction
Incorrect guidance from trainers or staff on exercise techniques or equipment use can lead to overexertion, strains, or other injuries.
5. Injuries in Group Fitness Classes
Poorly supervised group classes or unsafe conditions during sessions can result in soft tissue injuries, especially if instructors fail to accommodate varying fitness levels or monitor proper form.
Gyms, like any other business, are responsible for maintaining safe environments, including repairing equipment, addressing hazards, and providing proper supervision. When gyms engage in negligent or reckless practices, as those mentioned above, injuries can occur. After you or a loved one have suffered from an injury from an accident at the gym, a gym injury lawyer can investigate your accident to determine who is liable and hold them accountable by filing a personal injury claim.
Tips from a Gym Accident Injury Lawyer
Knowing gym accidents to watch out for is half the battle in avoiding them. Here are some tips to help prevent accidents at the gym:
- Be cautious in high-traffic or wet areas
- Report any hazards such as spills or broken equipment to management immediately
- Wear workout appropriate shoes, for example, weightlifting shoes which are flatter than running shoes can help reduce injury and improve performance
- Always inspect equipment before use
- Do not use any equipment that is damaged or worn
- Avoid using unfamiliar equipment and always ask a staff member if you have questions
- Only attend classes you feel comfortable in
- Verify the qualifications of your trainer or instructor to ensure you’re receiving proper instruction
- Be especially careful when using free weights by:
- Always make sure the weights are clipped to the barbell
- Check that the weight is evenly distributed
- Don’t stand too close to other members or mirrors when using free weights
- Avoiding lifting more weight than you can handle safely
- Always have a spotter
- Use chalk or weightlifting gloves to enhance your grip and avoid dropping the weights
- Practice proper form
- Keep the area clear of stray weights and other equipment to prevent falls
- If you’re attending group fitness classes, attend classes with appropriate participant limits
- Ensure there’s enough space to move safely
- Notify instructors if you have any injuries or limitations
- Enlist the help of a personal trainer if you want to learn how to perform more complex workouts correctly
- Get a medical release from a doctor prior to exercising if you were recently injured or live with a limiting medical or physical condition
Use these tips to minimize gym accidents and make workouts safer for yourself and others. Should negligence cause an accident, a gym accident lawyer can advise you on your rights and help you claim compensation for your injuries.
When to Consult a Gym Accident Injury Lawyer
If you believe negligence caused your injuries, it’s crucial to consult a lawyer. A gym accident injury lawyer can help you by:
- Collect evidence including witness statements, maintenance logs, and security camera footage
- Review the evidence to help you file a personal injury claim
- Seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more
Most gyms have members sign waivers, but these generally only cover risks that are an inherent part of physical activity. Gym liability insurance typically excludes claims related to gross negligence, hazardous conditions, or inadequately maintained equipment. By consulting a lawyer, you can better understand your rights and hold negligent parties accountable.
Injured at the Gym? Contact a Nevada Gym Injury Lawyer
Gyms should always prioritize the safety of their members, but that doesn’t always happen. When negligence occurs, injuries at the gym can happen. If this has happened to you or a loved one, a gym accident injury lawyer can help you determine who is liable and fight for your justice and compensation.
Our dedicated team of personal injury attorneys is here to help you understand your legal options, fight for the compensation you deserve, and achieve the best possible outcome for your case. We’ve helped clients in Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City, and Pahrump obtain compensation for their injuries. We are available 24/7 to help.
Contact us today by calling 702-878-7878, via LiveChat, or by filling out our contact form for your free case consultation.