Working out at the gym is inherently dangerous. Any physical activities can lead to injuries if you're not careful. Also, the weights you may use to engage in strength training can be deadly if they fall on you. However, if your gym is unreasonably dangerous, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

The Assumption of Risk

Gym owners will usually try to avoid liability by telling their guests that they will be assuming a risk if they workout at the gym. However, even if you sign a waiver, you should never assume that you won't be able to seek compensation for your injuries. If you are required to sign a waiver, see if you can avoid doing so and consider contacting an attorney before signing anything. If the gym owner is reckless or intentionally hurts you, a waiver would not be enforceable.

There are several ways that a gym could be unreasonably dangerous.

Defective Equipment

One of the most common reasons why a gym might be held responsible for an accident is that the equipment is defective or dangerous. For example, the equipment might break and cause your weights to fall and injure you. An aerobics machine might collapse when any amount of weight is placed on it. Good gyms will usually repair equipment that becomes broken and will replace old equipment.

The weights are also sometimes not put back on the rack where they belong. This can lead to the weights becoming tripping hazards or falling on guests. The gym personnel are responsible for making sure that the weights are put back where they belong.

Poor Building Maintenance

The gym must follow the same building codes as any other type of building. If the building is not properly maintained, this might lead to dangerous hazards.

Wet Floors and Slippery Surfaces

Slippery surfaces in a gym are unacceptable because they can easily lead to serious injuries. You might slip, fall and land on a rack of weights, for example. Any spills should be cleaned up immediately. For example, a customer might be carrying a bottle of water and spill the entire bottle on the floor near a treadmill. Staff members should clean up this spill immediately.

If you are injured as a result of the negligence of your gym, it's important to get in contact with a personal injury law firm that can help you make your case.