An active lifestyle is a key component to a healthy and balanced life and visiting the gym is a regular occurrence in most of our daily and weekly routines, whether that be to attend an aerobics class or CrossFit, to lift weights, go for a run, or simply to have fun. But what do we do when something goes wrong? Who is at fault? And can we receive compensation for any injuries we may sustain?
When you sign up to any gym, it is expected that the gym itself is well maintained and safe to use. In any case, gym owners and operators owe a duty of care to its users to keep them safe and prevent accidents occurring.
Every staff member working at any gym should be given adequate and comprehensive training to minimise the risk of gym users suffering injury. Given the vast array of heavy-duty, specialist equipment inside each gym, it is no surprise that if any minor thing goes wrong, serious injury may occur. It is vital that strict health and safety rules are followed by all gym staff at all times.
The three main components for claims of this sort are:
- You have been involved in an accident at a gym
- It was caused by the owner or operator’s negligence
- You have suffered injury as a result of the accident
So, what sort of things could cause an accident then?
- Faulty, defective or inadequate equipment
- Improper maintenance of equipment
- Weights not being cleared and put away properly
- Poor user inductions and advice by gym staff
- Hazards like wet floors, uneven flooring
I’ve been injured at the gym, what should I do next?
You should seek medical attention immediately after an accident occurs, report the accident to gym staff if you are able to and make a note of anyone who may have seen or witness what happened. It is strongly recommended to seek legal advice in conjunction with this.
Are there time limits to making a gym-related personal injury claim?
The usual 3-year limitation period for personal injury claims applies here too. If you don’t learn about your injuries until later on, this period may be extended but it is best to seek legal advice as soon as your accident occurs.
How can our personal injury solicitors help?
Contact our specialist personal injury team for a no-obligation phone call on 0161 696 6235 or fill in an online enquiry form and a member of our team will get in touch with you.
By graduate paralegal, Lucy Moran
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