Injuries sustained while using exercise and fitness equipment can be caused by the defects in the equipment.
What types of Injuries Can Happen When Using Exercise Equipment?
Exercise and sports equipment are very prone to causing injuries that result from their defects. Whether the accident happened at a gym, or at your own home, those involving exercise equipment can result in some of the most devastating injuries that arise from their defects, due to the nature of these products. These products cause tens of thousands of injuries every year, and some specific types of exercise equipment, such as treadmills, are among the most recalled products in America.
When are the Producers of Exercise Equipment Liable for Damages Caused by Faulty Products?
Creators of defective exercise equipment are liable for the damages caused when it is clear that the injuries or other damages arose directly due to the product defect. These damages can be to property that you own, or bodily damages in the form of injuries.
Examples of Situations Where A Manufacture Could Be Liable for Damages Sustained Due to Defective Exercise Equipment
Here are some examples of situations where a manufacture would likely have to compensate the victim for damages:
- Joseph uses a pull-up bar that he installed in his doorframe, when suddenly, the bar breaks. The accident left a gaping hole in his wall and also caused him to hit his head very hard, giving him a concussion.
- Mary uses a brand new machine at her local gym, and the cord on the machine breaks, causing her to pull a hamstring
- Fred was using his treadmill at home, and a circuit issue causes the treadmill to catch fire and burn many of his belongings
How Do Exercise Equipment Manufactures Defend Themselves Against Product Liability Lawsuits?
There are plenty of possible defenses to a product liability lawsuit, but generally, all of these defenses espouse the same 3 things. They are:
- The defendant was negligent when using the equipment
- The defendant, “assumed the risk,” meaning that they did something (signed a contract) specifically accepting that there was risk to using the product
- The accident did not cause the damages in question
Let’s apply these to our earlier examples:
- The pull-up bar producer points out that their manual clearly states the product should not be used by those over 300 lbs, and Joseph is 325 lbs.
- Mary signed a contract before entering the gym, agreeing not to sue the gym or any of the producers of the equipment if she is injured
- The maker of the treadmill was able to show that the fire was caused by an electrical issue in Fred’s home, not because of the treadmill itself
See also Injuries Caused by Defective Products
See also Product Liability
See also Oven Defects
See also Motorcycle Part Defects
See also Motorcycle Accidents
See also Personal Injury
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