It’s a well-established fact that exercise is good for the body and mind. More people know and understand the risks of being inactive, which is why more people are increasing their physical activity.
For many, going to the gym is seen as the best way to get fit. It offers a wide variety of workout options, equipment, and facilities. However, as with any physical activity, there is a risk of injury. In fact, research has shown that the rate of injuries sustained at the gym is on the rise. In fiscal 2019, there were almost 75,000 active claims for gym and fitness injuries — an 18 percent increase compared to 2014-2015.
No one likes getting injured, especially when it sidelines you from your favorite activities. When injuries happen at the gym, it can be difficult to identify who is at fault. Is it the gym for not providing proper equipment or signage? Is it the individual for not paying attention or using the proper form? Let’s explore this issue in more depth.
Common Gym Injuries
There are a variety of gym injuries that can occur, from minor strains and sprains to more serious injuries like fractures and concussions.
Muscle strains are very common gym injuries. They occur due to overstretching or twisting of muscles during strenuous workouts. Sprains are injuries that occur when a ligament is stretched or torn. Your ligaments play a very important role in your body by connecting a bone to other bones, making sure that your joints are stabilized.
A fracture is a break in the bone. It can be a simple fracture, which is a break that doesn’t go through the bone’s entire thickness, or it can be a compound fracture, which is a break that goes all the way through the bone. A concussion is a brain injury that occurs when the brain is shaken or hit. It can cause dizziness, headache, confusion, and other symptoms.
Who is at Fault?
Many factors can contribute to gym injuries. Sometimes, the gym is responsible for providing proper equipment and signage. Other times, it is the individual’s responsibility to pay attention and use the proper posture.
If the gym doesn’t have the proper equipment, it can be difficult for individuals to safely workout. For example, if there are no Dumbbells available, people may resort to lifting heavier weights than they are used to, which can lead to injury.
If the gym doesn’t have proper signage, individuals may not be aware of potential hazards. For example, if no sign indicates that a weight lifting machine is out of order, someone may use it and get injured.
However, even if the gym has properly functioning equipment and clear signage, the individual can still get injured if they don’t pay attention. For example, if someone is not paying attention to their form while lifting weights, they may drop the weights on themselves or others nearby.
This is why gyms should look into insurance to protect themselves in case of an injury. There is also insurance for fitness professionals. It doesn’t matter if the gym owner or the fitness trainer has taken appropriate safety measures to protect clients; recklessness or even just a simple mistake can cause disastrous accidents.
Can You Sue?
In some cases, the injured party may be able to sue the gym. If the gym doesn’t have proper equipment or signage, and you are injured as a result, you may be able to file a lawsuit.
If the gym is at fault for your injury, you may be able to recover damages like medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
It is important to note that not all injuries sustained at the gym will be grounds for a lawsuit. To win a lawsuit, you would need to prove that the gym was negligent — meaning that they did not take the proper precautions to prevent your injury. It will not be easy to prove. You need to be able to collect and present evidence to support your claim.
If you are considering suing the gym, you must speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can evaluate your case and help you determine if you have a valid claim.
It is important to note that sometimes injuries happen even when all parties involved are acting responsibly. In these cases, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible and follow up with your doctor to ensure a full recovery.
When it comes to gym injuries, there is usually some level of responsibility on both the individual and the part of the gym. Individuals need to pay attention and use proper form while working out. It is also important for gyms to provide proper equipment and signage so that people can safely work out.
