People go to the gym to improve their health, but any hazard in the facility can cause patrons to leave with severe injuries. If you suffered harm due to a defective machine, slick floor, or piece of shattered glass, you should get in touch with an Omaha premises liability attorney.
Gym owners and managers have a responsibility to keep their patrons safe, and you can hold them accountable for their negligent actions. With help from an Omaha gym injury lawyer, you can easily navigate the civil litigation process and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Proving Liability for a Gym Injury
Fitness centers assume that patrons understand the inherent dangers of free weights, resistance machines, and other equipment. Consequently, gym owners and their insurance companies often argue that this assumption of risk frees them from liability for any injuries that occur on their property.
While it is true that fitness centers are not generally liable for injuries commonly associated with physical exertion, they can bear fault for known hazards. Patrons do not expect to encounter faulty machines and slippery floors at the gym, meaning the owner can face liability for any injuries caused by those types of dangerous conditions.
How Can Waivers Impact Liability Claims?
Many gyms require potential members to sign waivers of liability before using the facilities. Owners use these forms in anticipation of personal injury lawsuits, meaning you may have difficulty recovering compensation if you signed a waiver.
However, an Omaha injury attorney can contest the validity of a gym liability waiver based on ambiguous language. Likewise, a legal professional can help you prove that the fitness center’s negligence was egregious enough to warrant litigation in spite of the waiver.
Pursuing Compensation from a Fitness Center in Omaha
Assuming you have the standing to file suit against your gym, you may seek restitution for a variety of losses. Most accident claims focus primarily on recovery for economic damages, such as:
- Medical expenses an injury necessitates
- Wages lost due to time missed at work
- Costs of repairing or replacing damaged personal items
- Costs of home accessibility modifications
If you suffered a severe or permanent injury, it is also important to pursue compensation for non-economic damages. These subjective losses may include physical pain, emotional suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. A diligent lawyer can help you value all your losses and help you obtain the maximum amount of compensation for your gym injury.
Discuss Your Legal Options with an Omaha Gym Injury Attorney
Because gyms are inherently dangerous, the owners of these facilities often bury new members and visitors in paperwork meant to absolve the fitness center of liability for injuries. While these documents are often tough to overcome, they are not insurmountable, especially if the facility’s ownership or management engaged in gross negligence.
If you wish to pursue a personal injury claim after an accident in a fitness center, meet with an Omaha gym injury lawyer to discuss your case. Call our office today to set up a free consultation with a dedicated attorney.