Swimsuit season brings a rush to gyms and fitness centers as people aim to get in shape for summer outings and vacations. This means that treadmills, stationary bikes, and other equipment also get quite the workout as people step up to shape up.
“In 2012, the US Product Safety Commission estimated that 460,000 people were sent to hospital emergency rooms with injuries caused by faulty exercise equipment in 2012. Of these, nearly 32,000 individuals required hospitalization to treat their injuries,” remarked Reno product liability attorney Matthew L. Sharp.
Manufacturers of exercise equipment are responsible for defects and faulty construction that causes injury or death. These injuries can include broken bones, lacerations, concussions, abrasions, as well as damage to tendons, ligaments, or muscles. In cases where the equipment uses rubber bands to create resistance, these machines can cause serious eye injuries such as those experienced by Senator Harry Reid last year.
“Each year, Reno product liability attorneys see injuries caused by faulty motors on treadmills, deficient welds on weight machines, and defective rubber bands attached to resistance training equipment. When fitness equipment fails, the results can seriously impact an individual’s health and quality of life,” commented Reno product liability attorney Matthew L. Sharp.
When these parties fail to fulfill their responsibility to users of exercise equipment, they may be held liable for product liability, negligence, or breach of warranty. In Nevada, individuals who are injured by defective or improperly maintained/utilized exercise equipment have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury or product liability claim.
The statute of limitations is extended to three years for any damage caused to property; for example, if a falling weight were to damage flooring, or an errant rubber band to break a window. Individuals who have been injured or suffered property damage due to defective exercise equipment should contact a Reno product liability attorney to determine the appropriate course of action for their case.