Slip and Fall Hazards in the Gym

Lever & Ecker, PLLC July 2, 2015 Slip Trip & Fall

A gym is a place where one goes to improve their body, getting hurt while working out is not what members want to worry about while they’re there.  Unfortunately, gyms and heath clubs can be very hazardous if the owners do not maintain the place well.  Slip, trip, and fall injuries are all too common in gyms and this article will help you be more aware of the hazards next time you go to work out.

Premises Liability, What Does That Mean?

The legal term that refers to the responsibility of a property owner to maintain a reasonable level of safety on their property for others is called premises liability.  The property owner, in this case the owner of the gym, is responsible for maintaining a clean, clear, and safe environment including floors, stairs, and entry ways and failing to do so is considered negligent.  A gym owner may be considered liable for injuries that happen in their facility if they fail to maintain this level of reasonable safety or if they act negligent in some way.  Since negligence of property upkeep is usually a factor in a slip and fall lawsuit, premises liability is often discussed.

Slip Trip and Fall Hazards in a Gym

There are many hazards that can result in a slip trip and fall accident in a gym.  Gyms are usually crowded and busy during their peak hours, causing management staff to slack on upkeep of the space.  Members can even be more susceptible to a slip and fall accident after they have had a particularly strenuous workout and their body is sore and tired.  Some common hazards for a slip and fall accident are listed below.

Floor Hazards

Hazards related to unsafe floor conditions can be very common in a gym. For instance, hazards in which the floor is wet can come from maintenance mopping and failing to place a ‘Wet Floor’ sign in the area.  Dangerous wet floors can also be found in saunas, showers, and locker rooms.  In these areas the floor is usually tile which can be especially slippery even when there is not much water there and wet spots are harder to spot.  Gyms that have pools on the premises present additional hazards.  Slippery pool decks can be dangerous for everyone, but especially to elderly people who may be in the pool area for a senior citizen water aerobics class, which many gyms around the country offer.  A slip and fall injury can be serious for anyone, but is even more serious for a senior citizen.

Additional floor hazards can include broken tiles in the locker room and shower or torn or worn carpet in reception areas or on the work out floor.

Equipment Hazards

A lot of work out equipment can be hazardous if operated incorrectly, but it can also be dangerous when it is broken and not being operated at all.  Broken gym equipment that was not properly cleared away or that is waiting for maintenance can create tripping hazards if left in what otherwise would be a walk way.  If members are used to walking a certain way around a machine and then the next day a piece of it is lying on the floor with no sign or warning around it, they may not notice it is there and trip over it.

Many machines in a modern gym run off of electrical power thus need to be plugged in.  Wires running from machines to power outlets that are not fully secured or covered also can create a tripping hazard, especially since the wire may blend in with the color of the floor.  Equipment that is left lying around, such as free weights that were not placed back on the rack correctly, can create a tripping hazard too.

What Should I Do After a Slip and Fall Accident?

1. Calm Down and Observe Your Surroundings

It is extremely important to take very detailed notes of your surroundings at the time of the accident.  If you know what caused your slip and fall, note it and take some pictures of the area if you can.

2. Go See a Medical Professional

Even if you do not feel that you are hurt from the accident it is important to see a medical professional immediately anyway.  They will be able to make sure that you are free of any injury that you may not have noticed yourself and will be able to professionally document any injury.  This documentation will be very important if in the future you decide to file a slip and fall injury claim.

3. Contact an experienced slip and fall attorney

An experienced slip and fall attorney will be able to help you navigate the process of filing a personal injury lawsuit and ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve.

Lever Law Can Help Slip and Fall Victims