Weight lifting injuries are injuries that result from the use of free weights or weight machines for exercise. These types of apparatuses and implements place unique demands on the user’s body, and must be handled with care and the proper training. Weight lifting is commonly used for:
- Training for competitive sports
- Training for weight-lifting competitions
- Personal exercise routines
- Participation in gym programs
Injuries from weight training can result for various reasons. The most common types of weight lifting injuries include:
- Muscle strains or tears
- Joint injuries
- Broken bones (especially from falling weights)
- Injuries to cartilage and other tissues
- Various other types of injuries
Who Can be Held Liable for a Weight Lifting Injury?
Weight lifting injuries can be traced to various causes. In many cases, legal liability for the injuries can lead to a lawsuit or legal action. For instance, legal liability from a weight lifting injury can be attributed to:
- A personal trainer who acted or instructed a person negligently
- Gym personnel or management (for instance, for the negligent upkeep of weights or machines, or for negligent conducting of an exercise class)
- Manufacturers of weight lifting equipment (for instance, for designing defective exercise equipment)
As with any injury claim, liability for a weight lifting injury can be traced to multiple causes depending on the facts of the case.
What are the Legal Remedies for Weight Lifting Injuries?
Weight lifting injuries can lead to a lawsuit. Legal remedies for weight lifting injury claims typically involve a monetary damages award to compensate the injured person for their losses. Depending on state laws, these can cover costs such as medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, and other losses.
Other remedies may include the requirement that a gym or other organization rework their safety policies and procedures. For injuries resulting from a product defect, measures may include a product recall, stop-sales of the product, or class-action injury lawsuits.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
Weight lifting injuries can be very serious and may lead to various types of losses. You may need to hire a personal injury lawyer in your area if you need any assistance with a weight lifting injury claim. Your attorney can provide you with legal guidance and research for your claim. Also, if you need to make an appearance in court, your lawyer can provide you with representation and direction during those important times.
Jose Rivera, J.D.
Managing Editor
Editor
Last Updated: Jul 4, 2018