Compensation For Gym Accidents & Injuries

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Accidents & Injuries Sustained At The Gym

Gyms and gym memberships in the UK have risen dramatically since the 1980's as our busy lifestyles have placed an increased premium on physical fitness and time efficiency. Roughly 4.5 million UK adults hold gym cards, while the Fitness Industry Association (FIA) report that there are now nearly 6,000 gyms and private health clubs across the country. The increased number of accidents in gyms can be partly attributed to the recent explosive growth in both establishments and members. The other major contributing factor is the inherently dangerous nature of gym equipment and the gym environment. Complicated machines, heavy weights and slippery floors all pose a consistent threat to visitors and employees alike. When accidents do occur they can be life-threatening, such as in the case of Kataryna Woja who was fatally crushed by a falling lift at an upmarket London gym in 2003. Gym proprietors must abide by The Occupiers Liability Act 1957, and ensure that their premises are reasonably safe for visitors. Gyms are however part of a comparatively unregulated, highly competitive industry where cost-cutting and profit maximisation are constant requirements for operators. All these factors explain the sharp rise in compensation claims for gym accidents and injuries over the past 20 years.

Typical Causes Of Gym Accidents

The immediate causes of gym accidents are varied. Gym equipment may be faulty, poorly maintained, dated, or unsuitable for a commercial gym. Most accidents of this type occur on treadmills and running machines which malfunction causing users to fall onto or off them. Some gyms also attempt to cut corners by providing equipment specifically designed for home rather than commercial purposes which will inevitably break if subjected to excessive use. Another major area of liability for gym owners is where new visitors are injured because they have not received a proper induction session on how to use gym apparatus. Otherwise visitors may receive inappropriate direction from gym instructors either in how to use equipment or the recommended individual training pattern to adopt. This extends to gym classes where an over-zealous instructor may push members too hard causing injury, or not allow enough time for participants to warm up. Accidents may also occur near swimming pools and in changing rooms, where wet floors pose a constant threat of slips, trips and falls. Equipment left lying around in the gym, and obstacles or uneven surfaces in reception areas and car parks may cause similar accidents. Infections and illnesses may also be contracted from spa pools, saunas and steam rooms which are not properly maintained or cleaned. The most common injuries caused by gym accidents are strains and sprains. More serious injuries include back and spinal injuries caused by the application of excessive weight, and damage to knees, hamstrings and Achilles tendons.

Gym Accident Compensation Claims

Gym owners have a duty of care to both customers and employees to ensure their premises are reasonably safe for 'lawful visitors' and to reduce the risk of injuries occurring a far as possible. All gym equipment must be in good working order, properly maintained, regularly checked and suitable for the purposes for which it is intended. In certain circumstances however liability for injuries resulting from faulty malfunctioning equipment may rest with the manufacturer. Staff must be trained to a high standard and be competent to offer technical instruction in the use of gym equipment use and to prescribe suitable exercise regimes for new members. Under The Occupiers Liability Act 1957 potential hazards to visitors, such as wet floors and obstructions which may cause trips must be eliminated as soon as they are identified, and where this is not possible clear signs and barricades put in place to minimise the risk of accidents.

Bartletts Solicitors are specialists in gym and health club accident compensation claims on behalf of both clients and employees. We work on a no win no fee basis meaning if you win your case the gym or health club's insurance company will pay all of your legal fees, and if you lose you will not pay a penny.

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