Three Causes for Slipping in a Gym
A gym or a health club can have slipping and falling hazards. If you experienced injuries due to an accident at a gym, consult with a slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible. Our lawyers at Philly Slip and Fall Guys are knowledgeable about personal injury law and these types of cases. Here are three situations that can cause slipping in a gym:
1. Spills or Wet Floors
A slip occurs when your foot loses traction with the ground. Wet or slippery surfaces cause this lack of traction. Spills from food, energy drinks, or water bottles in a locker room, foyer, or weight room pose a slip-and-fall hazard.
There may be wet flooring in bathrooms and locker rooms, near a pool, or near entrances after rainy or snowy weather. Having absorbent weather mats at entrances and exits during the winter helps reduce wet flooring after a storm. These should be secured with weatherproof tape or Velcro to avoid creating another hazard.
When visiting the gym, be cautious to avoid slipping on wet floors and follow all warning signs. Wipe your feet on the mat when you enter the gym. Do not run near the pool or in the locker or shower rooms. Watch where you step, and notify the staff if there are any spills that need to be cleaned. Non-slip shoes with rough soles also help protect you against slipping.
Even if you are partially at fault for a slip and fall, Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence act states that it is possible for you to receive partial compensation. This applies if you are 50% or less at fault for your accident. A slip and fall lawyer will meet with you at Philly Slip and Fall Guys to help determine if you are entitled to compensation.
2. No Warning Signs
Spills, construction areas, leaks, or other potential hazards in a facility should have warning signs or caution tape around the area to warn patrons. Gyms are responsible for having warning signs for hazards. A lack of signage can make a slip-and-fall accident more likely, as patrons will not be aware of the danger and may not see the problem in time to avoid falling.
Premises liability law holds private or commercial property owners responsible for keeping their buildings safe for their guests. This includes putting up warning signs if there are hazards that are not able to be handled or repaired immediately. Warning signs are also required if the gym or health club has water features. This helps warn patrons of wet floors.
3. Faulty Flooring
Torn carpet, broken tiles, or unsecured mats in a cardio or weight room are slipping or tripping hazards. Slipping on a mat in a weight or cardio room may result in falling on equipment, causing injuries such as fractures. Falling while carrying weights may cause additional injury to yourself or others.
Philadelphia property owners have the responsibility, or a duty of care, of maintaining their facilities and buildings. A slip and fall lawyer will tell you that this responsibility includes making sure guests have safe pathways to walk on inside the building. Failing to replace damaged flooring in a practical amount of time breaches this duty of care, which may make the owner or manager liable for your accident.
What To Do After a Fall
After a slip and fall at a gym, take pictures of the hazard that caused you to slip and your injuries. If there are any witnesses of your fall, ask them for their contact information. Seek medical attention immediately.
Schedule a meeting with a lawyer as soon as your health allows. A lawyer will examine your personal injury case and determine who may be held liable. Bring the evidence of your accident, such as photos and witness statements. Having your medical bills and records available also allows your lawyer to calculate damages. If your injury has resulted in lost wages or if it was severe enough to cause you to lose the ability to participate in your favorite activities, these factors will be factored into your potential compensation.
Gyms typically require guests and members to sign a waiver. Carefully read over your waiver and bring a copy to your lawyer during your consultation. The waiver will provide more information about what the property owner may be held liable for.
Consult With a Slip and Fall Lawyer
The lawyers at Philly Slip and Fall Guys are familiar with premises liability law. We offer free consultations. Our legal services for your slip and fall case include communication and negotiation with insurance companies and court representation. We will also help you turn in all relevant paperwork on time to prevent your claim from being denied. To schedule a meeting with a Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer, we invite you to fill out our online form or give us a call today.
