Accidents at the Gym: When Exercise Equipment Causes Injury

In today’s health-conscious world, gyms are busier than ever. From Park Slope to Flatlands, residents across Brooklyn rely on local fitness centers to stay active. But sometimes, what’s meant to promote your health ends up doing just the opposite. At Gelbstein & Associates, PLLC, we’ve seen firsthand how serious injuries can happen due to defective or poorly maintained exercise equipment—and we’re here to help when they do.

How Do Gym Accidents Happen?

While many people associate personal injuries with car accidents or construction sites, gyms present their own set of risks. Here are a few common causes of injuries in fitness centers:

• Defective Equipment: A broken treadmill belt, malfunctioning cable machine, or faulty weight bench can lead to severe injuries in an instant.
• Lack of Maintenance: Gym owners have a duty to inspect and maintain their equipment. When they fail to do so, worn parts or loose bolts can cause equipment to fail during use.
• Improper Supervision: In some cases, a lack of trained staff or personal trainers can contribute to unsafe environments, especially for high-risk equipment or classes.
• Slippery Surfaces: Whether it’s a locker room or weight room floor, water and sweat can lead to dangerous slip and fall incidents.

Common Injuries from Gym Equipment

When gym equipment fails, the resulting injuries can be life-altering. We’ve represented clients with:

• Traumatic brain injuries from falling weights or being thrown off machines
• Spinal cord injuries from improper machine use or collapsed benches
• Fractures and dislocations caused by dropped dumbbells or sudden machine failure
• Back and neck injuries from faulty rowing machines, treadmills, or improper guidance

As experienced personal injury lawyers, we know how to investigate the cause of these injuries and determine whether negligence played a role.

Who’s Liable for a Gym Injury?

Many injured clients come to us unsure of whether they even have a case. That’s where we come in. Gym accidents often involve several possible liable parties, including:

• The gym owner or operator
• Equipment manufacturers
• Maintenance companies
• Trainers or supervising staff

By reviewing contracts, maintenance records, and surveillance footage, we can identify who should be held accountable. If your injury resulted from negligence, you have a legal right to pursue compensation.

What to Do After a Gym Injury

If you’re injured at a fitness center, your first priority should always be your health. But documenting the situation is just as crucial. Here’s what we recommend:

1. Report the Injury Immediately – Notify gym staff and ensure an official report is filed.
2. Seek Medical Attention – Get evaluated by a healthcare professional right away, even if symptoms seem minor at first.
3. Take Photos and Videos – Capture the equipment, the surroundings, and your injuries.
4. Get Witness Info – If others saw what happened, their statements could strengthen your case.
5. Contact an Injury Lawyer in Brooklyn – The sooner we can review your case, the better positioned we are to help.

We’ve successfully recovered damages for medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering. If you’re searching for a personal injury attorney or injury lawyer in Brooklyn with a proven track record, our team is ready to fight for you.

Why Clients Choose Gelbstein & Associates

With over 100 years of combined experience and a former senior judge on our team, we bring unparalleled insight into how the court system views injury claims. Clients throughout Brooklyn—including Park Slope, Flatbush, and beyond—trust us for our honesty, tenacity, and results.

We don’t just work cases—we build relationships. Whether you’re recovering from a gym injury or need a trusted Brooklyn car accident lawyer, we provide guidance every step of the way with integrity and professionalism.

If you’ve been hurt due to faulty gym equipment, don’t try to face the system alone. Contact Gelbstein & Associates today to schedule a consultation and get the justice and compensation you deserve.