Common Trip and Fall Hazards at a Gym and How to Avoid Them
A trip and fall lawyer can assist you with filing a claim if you’ve been injured at the gym due to negligence. Negligence is when the owners of a property fail to act within a reasonable amount of time to address existing hazards. Loose floor mats, clutter, and spills can cause serious injuries, from abrasions to broken bones. Here are a few hazards to look out for at your local gym:
Hazardous Surfaces
One common cause of injuries that a trip and fall lawyer will assist you with involves uneven flooring. Exercise mats, changes in flooring materials, and unsecured weather mats create subtle ledges that you may not notice. Catching your foot on these surfaces may cause you to trip and fall into gym equipment, resulting in bruises or fractures.
Unsecured weather mats during the winter months also pose a potential hazard. They must be secured to the floor with weatherproof tape or held in place with Velcro strips on carpeted surfaces. Regular mats are not sufficient to prevent slips and falls, as water could pool on and around the mat. A high-quality weatherproof mat will be both absorbent and difficult to move once it is in place.
Carpeted and hardwood flooring must have a smooth transition free of bumps and ledges. This prevents you from tripping across different areas of the gym, such as the cardio section and weightlifting area. Ruined or damaged flooring must be replaced within a reasonable amount of time to prevent injuries. It is the property owner’s responsibility to provide safe pathways on the inside and outside of the building.
Insufficient Lighting
Dim areas in the gym, like stairwells and dressing rooms, are a safety hazard that can cause trip and fall injuries. Lightbulbs need to be replaced regularly as part of your gym’s maintenance routine to avoid dark areas. Electrical issues such as flickering lights, breaker tripping, and buzzing sounds should be addressed by a licensed electrician within a reasonable timeframe.
Dim rooms can also make it difficult to find exits in case of an emergency. Emergency exits should be clearly marked with the proper signage, and they can’t be locked during operating hours.
Know Your Rights
The statute of limitations for your injury in Philadelphia is within two years of the date of your injury. We recommend contacting a lawyer as soon as you are able to. Even if you feel that you are at fault for your injury, the court assigns different levels of fault to each party. A caution sign alone may not be sufficient enough evidence to deny your injury claim. The state of Philadelphia requires specific evidence to prove who is at fault for your injury.
There are four main pieces of evidence required for the court to determine which party is at fault for your injury claim. The property owner has the responsibility to provide a safe area for you to exercise in and travel through, which is known as duty of care. We may be able to prove that the property owner breached this duty of care, causing your injuries. Documenting your injuries by seeking immediate medical care will assist us in gathering clear evidence.
If you have suffered mental anguish because of your injury, you may be able to file for additional damages for pain and suffering. Avoiding specific places or situations, losing joy in your daily life, or developing anxiety are signs of mental distress. A mental health professional can document this type of mental condition for us to file along with your injury claim.
Wear Gym-safe Clothing
Avoid wearing overly baggy clothing at the gym, as the fabric can snag on equipment or handrails. This may cause you to lose your balance unexpectedly. Baggy tank tops and sweatpants may also get caught on treadmill rails, pedals, and shelving units. Wear clothing that is breathable to exercise in without being more than a size larger than what you currently wear.
Your shoes should offer non-slip soles that are able to grip smooth surfaces such as polished concrete, tile, and hardwood floors. Some manufacturers make footwear options with rough soles. They provide traction even if you accidentally step in a water spill. These shoes also help to enhance your exercise experience, allowing you to run, jump, and walk more comfortably during your workout.
Contact a Trip and Fall Lawyer Today
At Philly Slip and Fall Guys, we provide legal guidance and support if you’ve been injured in an accidental slip and fall at your local gym. Our team of experienced attorneys works on contingency, which means that we only get paid after we have won your case. This allows you to recover from your injuries while we handle the legal process of submitting evidence and speaking with the property owner. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
