What are my rights if I was injured at the gym due to an improperly maintained piece of equipment?
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What are my rights if I was injured at the gym due to an improperly maintained piece of equipment?
Recently I was working out at the gym at my apartment complex when a piece of their equipment malfunctioned, due to lack of maintenance, and broke my 2 front teeth. These teeth cost me $4000 in dental work and lost time at work. The apartment management acknowledges it was their fault (there was a camera in the gym and lots of pictures taken) but is trying to avoid reimbursing me for my dental work and lost time. They claim they are not liable because I signed a waiver saying that I work out at my own risk. My gym manager at my local community gym says this is false. That this only applies to you hurting yourself at your own doing. But if I am hurt because they failed to maintain their equipment, then they are at fault. Can I sue for my dental damages and lost work time? Should I speak with a personal injury attorney? In Harris county, TX.
Asked on June 6, 2011 under Personal Injury, Texas
Answers:
Richard Weaver / The Weaver Law Firm
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
I would like to examine all contracts that you have with the apartment complex where you live. I would also like to hear more about the situation. Please feel free to call to discuss.
Richard D. Weaver
Attorney At Law
The Weaver Law Firm
1800 Bering Drive
Suite 305
Houston, Texas 77057
Phone: 713-572-4900
Fax: 713-626-9708
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
The gym manager at the community gym is correct about the waiver not applying to malfunctioning equipment.
You already have the dental bill, but you should also obtain the dentist's report which will document the nature and extent of your injury. The report will be used to determine the amount of compensation you receive for pain and suffering. Compensation for pain and suffering is an amount in addition to the dental bill. Your personal injury claim should include the dental bill, dental report and documentation of your wage loss. Your personal injury claim should be filed with the insurance carrier for the apartment complex. Compensation for the dental bill and wage loss is straight reimbursement. As mentioned above, compensation for pain and suffering should be an amount in addition to the dental bill. If you are dissatisfied with settlement offers from the insurance carrier, you can reject the offers and file a lawsuit against the apartment complex for negligence. You will need to file your lawsuit prior to the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations or you will lose your rights forever in the matter. It would be advisable to speak with a personal injury attorney.
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