Gym Injury Lawsuits: We Can Do the Heavy Lifting

Gyms and fitness centers are designed to promote health and strengthen bodies, but they can sometimes be hotspots for accidents and injuries. 

Whether you’re lifting weights, running on a treadmill, or participating in a fitness class, unexpected accidents can occur. 

To make matters worse, many of these injuries are avoidable and due to mere negligence by gym management and staff.

Common Types of Gym Injuries

Gyms offer various activities and equipment, each posing unique risks. Here are some of the most common injuries that occur in fitness centers.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and- all accidents are among the most frequent injuries in gyms. These can occur due to:

• Wet floors in locker rooms or near pools.
• Spilled water bottles or sweat on workout floors.
• Poorly maintained or uneven flooring.

Equipment-Related Injuries

Faulty or improperly maintained gym equipment can lead to severe injuries, such as:

• Treadmill Falls: Malfunctioning treadmills or misuse can cause sprains, fractures, or head injuries.
• Weightlifting Accidents: Broken cables, defective machines, or dropped weights can result in muscle tears, broken bones, or back injuries.

Group Class Injuries

Participating in group fitness classes like yoga, spin, or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can result in:

• Injuries from improper form or lack of instructor guidance.
• Collisions or falls in crowded classes.
• Accidents caused by defective class equipment (resistance bands or bikes).

Overexertion and Training Injuries

Overexertion or improper guidance from personal trainers can lead to injuries, including:

• Strains and sprains.
• Herniated discs or other back injuries.
• Cardiac events due to overexertion.

Two of the most common overexertion and training injuries involve the wrist and the shoulder:

Wrist Injuries

Wrist injuries can result from either repetitive motions or impact traumas.

Some of the most common circumstances that result in severe wrist injuries include:

• Falling on the wrist joint
• Having the wrist crushed by a weight
• Improper weightlifting technique
• Lifting too much weight
• Repetitive motions during exercise
• Slip and fall accidents
• Tripping accidents 

Some wrist injuries are the unavoidable result of physical activity. But other wrist injury gym accidents happen because of someone’s negligence or carelessness. Those preventable wrist injuries can be avoided by using specific techniques.

Shoulder Injuries

The shoulder is composed of a ball-in-socket joint. This gives the shoulder joint a particularly large range of motion when it functions properly. 

However, the design of the shoulder joint also contributes to the risk of dislocation. When your gym routine involves weight training, you face a higher risk of a shoulder injury.  

Improper lifting techniques and attempting to lift too much weight are common causes of joint and muscle damage. Each injury is unique.  

The nature of the physical damage resulting from your accident will determine how to recover. Shoulder/gym injury accidents can be complex, depending on the circumstances of your case. The most common types of shoulder injuries caused by gym activities are:

Rotator Cuff Injuries

Rotator cuff damage is the leading cause of gym shoulder injuries. The rotator cuff is composed of muscles that sit along the outside of the ball of the shoulder. 

The four muscles of the rotator cuff function to move the shoulder. These muscles can become damaged as the result of repetitive motion. For instance, overhead lifting can cause the shoulder blade to pinch the rotator cuff muscles. Over time, this may result in damage to the muscles.  

Rotator cuff damage can also lead to overworked tendons. Tendonitis may be an outcome of overwork or repetitive motions. Ignoring this type of pain may result in a tear in the muscles of the rotator cuff. 

If you believe that you have sustained damage to your rotator cuff, make sure to seek medical treatment immediately. A medical professional can help you understand how to recover. A shoulder injury in gyms is not uncommon, unfortunately. In some instances, rotator cuff injuries may require surgery.

Weightlifter’s Shoulder (Distal Clavicular Osteolysis)

Another common gym injury is known as the “weightlifter's shoulder.” Any type of weightlifting motion that requires the person to lower their elbows behind their shoulders can cause this condition. 

The location where the shoulder connects to the collarbone is called the “acromioclavicular” (AC) joint. Weightlifter's shoulder occurs when this joint is affected by tiny fractures or tears in the associated bone or soft tissue. 

Common lifts that require this type of movement include the bench press and chest fly. When this joint is overworked, you can experience the following symptoms: 

• Aching and dull pain
• Tenderness
• Decreases in strength
• Pain in the upper extremities
• Disruptions in sleep 

If you believe that you have sustained this type of gym injury, speak with a medical care provider.

Shoulder Dislocation

Gym members of all levels of investment can experience shoulder dislocation injuries. This type of accident happens when the ball of the shoulder joint slips out of place.

When the ball has become dislocated, it can shift forward, backward, or down. Typically, this type of shoulder injury occurs as the result of a significant impact. But over-rotating the shoulder can also cause the joint to become dislocated. 

Some of the common symptoms of a shoulder dislocation include: 

• Visible deformity of the shoulder
• Bruising and swelling
• Inability to move the shoulder or decreased range of motion
• Intense and lasting pain
• Weakness
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Pain in the neck or arms
• Muscle spasms 

You should speak with a doctor as soon as possible following a shoulder dislocation. They can ensure that you receive a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatments for your injury. 

Who Is Liable for a Gym Injury?

Determining liability in gym injury cases depends on the circumstances surrounding the accident. Potentially responsible parties include:

The Gym or Fitness Center

Gyms are responsible for maintaining a safe environment for their members. They may be held liable for:

• Failing to fix known hazards, such as broken equipment or slippery floors.
• Not providing adequate instructions for using equipment.
• Neglecting to hire qualified staff or personal trainers.
• Insufficient cleaning and maintenance protocols.

Equipment Manufacturers

If your injury resulted from faulty or defective equipment, the manufacturer could be held accountable under product liability laws.

Personal Trainers

In some cases, a personal trainer’s negligence—such as failing to provide proper guidance or pushing a client beyond their limits—may result in liability.

Other Gym Members

If another gym member caused your injury (e.g., by dropping a weight on your foot), they could be held responsible.

The Role of Gym Waivers in Injury Cases

Most gyms require members to sign waivers acknowledging the risks associated with using the facility. These waivers often attempt to release the gym from liability in the event of an injury. However, signing a waiver does not automatically bar you from pursuing a claim.

When Waivers May Not Apply

You may still have a valid claim if:

• The injury resulted from gross negligence or intentional misconduct by the gym staff.
• The waiver is overly broad or not legally enforceable in your state. This is usually up to a judge to determine if a waiver is too “vague and ambiguous” to be enforceable.
• The injury was caused by defective equipment or a hazard unrelated to the typical risks of gym use.

Consulting an experienced attorney can help determine whether the waiver affects your ability to file a lawsuit.

Steps to Take After a Gym Injury

If you’ve been injured at a gym, you should prioritize your health and safety and first seek medical attention. Even if your injury seems minor, get evaluated by a medical professional, as some injuries don’t show symptoms or signs of pain immediately but can worsen over time if left untreated. A medical professional can assess the extent of your injuries and document them for future legal proceedings.

Notify gym management of your injury as soon as possible. Request that they create an official incident report and ask for a copy for your records.

If you are able, take photos or videos of the area where the injury occurred before leaving the scene of the accident, including any hazards that contributed to the accident. If other gym members or staff witnessed the incident, collect their contact information and statements. Witness testimony can be invaluable in supporting your claim.

If defective equipment caused your injury, take photos and avoid tampering with the equipment. Your attorney may request that the equipment be preserved for inspection.

Finally, your next step should be to contact Morgan & Morgan for a free case evaluation to learn more about our legal options. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can evaluate your case, identify liable parties, and guide you through the legal process.

What Damages Can You Recover in a Gym Injury Lawsuit?

If you’ve been injured at a gym due to negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for the following damages.

Medical Expenses

• Emergency room visits
• Surgeries
• Physical therapy
• Medication
• Future medical treatments

Lost Wages

If your injury prevents you from working, you may recover compensation for lost wages and future earning capacity.

Pain and Suffering

This includes compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.

Other Costs

You may also be eligible to recover out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury, such as transportation costs for medical appointments.

How to Prove Negligence in a Gym Injury Case

To win a gym injury lawsuit, you must prove that negligence caused your injury. This involves demonstrating the following elements:

• Duty of Care: The gym, trainer, or equipment manufacturer had a legal obligation to ensure your safety.
• Breach of Duty: The responsible party failed to meet this obligation through their actions or inaction.
• Causation: The breach of duty directly caused your injury.
• Damages: You suffered measurable harm as a result of the injury, such as medical bills or lost wages.

Can I sue my gym if I signed a waiver?

The short answer is yes—if your injury resulted from gross negligence or an issue not covered by the waiver, such as defective equipment or unaddressed hazards. However, understanding waivers may help you determine if you have an eligible case.

Most fitness studios and gyms require their members to sign a waiver of liability before they can use the facilities. Liability waivers are documents that indemnify the gym owner against possible legal actions.  

It is very common for intense physical activity to result in injuries. For that reason, gym owners want to be reasonably protected against foreseeable injuries. 

When people decide to engage in weight training or other exercises, they should assume certain risks.  

If you signed a liability waiver when you joined your gym, it might be difficult to successfully pursue a personal injury claim. To determine your legal options, contact Morgan & Morgan for a free case evaluation. Your ability to recover financial compensation will depend, in part, on the type of liability waiver that you signed. 

Some of the most typical types of liability waivers are:

Total Waivers of Liability

Waivers of total liability are intended to protect the gym from any legal claim against them. But these waivers are often very broadly worded. 

In some cases, waivers of total liability are determined to be invalid. If the court rules that the waiver you signed is overly broad, you may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the gym.

Waivers for Negligence

This type of document prevents injury victims from suing the gym for damages that result from negligence. Oftentimes, waivers for negligence can be enforced in court.  

However, the viability of a negligence waiver will depend on the specific circumstances of your claim. If you signed this type of document, an attorney can help you understand the best course of action following your injury.

Waiver of Intentional Actions

Waivers of liability for intentional actions are usually unenforceable. This is because they often contradict public policy. 

One of the compassionate attorneys from Morgan and Morgan will review the facts of your case and build a strong claim to recover compensation. We will leverage our legal expertise and significant resources to secure maximum financial recovery in your gym injury claim.

How long do I have to file a gym injury lawsuit?

The amount of time you have to file a personal injury claim, known as the statute of limitations, varies by state and the specifics of your case. However, some exceptions may apply, such as in cases involving minors, government entities, or when the injury wasn’t discovered right away.

It's important to file your claim as soon as possible to preserve your legal rights. Failing to file within the statute of limitations could result in your case being dismissed, meaning you may lose the opportunity to recover compensation for your injuries.

Since deadlines can vary by state and situation, it's best to consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the incident to understand the specific timeline for your case. An attorney can help ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time.

Can I sue a gym for emotional distress?

If you’ve experienced emotional distress due to an incident at a gym, you may wonder whether you have grounds to file a lawsuit. Emotional distress claims are complex and depend on several factors, including the circumstances of the incident, the gym’s liability, and the extent of the harm caused. 

Emotional distress refers to the mental anguish or suffering caused by an incident. It can include symptoms such as:

• Anxiety or depression.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Insomnia or difficulty concentrating.
• Loss of enjoyment of life.

In legal terms, emotional distress is often classified as non-economic damages, meaning it’s not tied to specific monetary losses like medical bills or lost wages.

You may be able to sue a gym for emotional distress if you can prove the gym’s negligence, misconduct, or intentional actions caused your suffering. Common scenarios include:

Negligence

If the gym failed to maintain a safe environment, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. Examples include:

• Poorly maintained equipment causing an accident.
• Lack of proper security leading to harassment or assault.
• Failure to address hazardous conditions, such as wet floors.

Intentional Acts

If a gym employee or another party intentionally caused you harm, such as through harassment or assault, you might have a claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress (IIED).

Breach of Duty or Contract

Gyms typically require members to sign contracts outlining their responsibilities and rights. If the gym violated its duty to protect you, either through negligence or breach of contract, you could pursue a claim.

An experienced personal injury attorney at Morgan & Morgan can walk you through the legal process and help you to understand your options.

Morgan & Morgan Can Help

At Morgan & Morgan, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a gym injury can take. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys is committed to holding negligent parties accountable and fighting for the compensation you deserve. 

With over 35 years of experience, we’ve handled thousands of personal injury cases and recovered billions for our clients. Plus, our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure a settlement or verdict in your favor. That’s right—the Fee Is Free™, and you only pay if we win.

As the largest personal injury law firm with offices in every state across the country, we have the resources to take on large corporations and gym chains and win. Hiring one of our lawyers is easy and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation.