How a Gym Injury Almost Ruined a Fitness Business?

Gyms are great places to forget your worries and train to your limits. With the recent opening of gyms, it’s time to get in shape and reach physical goals. However, anyone who works out knows the various risks of gym injuries.

Gyms and personal trainers are experts who know about these risks and how to prevent injuries. They also recognise slight negligence can result in lawsuits due to injuries or damage.

Some injuries can result from poor form, trainer negligence, or faulty machines or equipment. This case study will explain how personal trainer insurance covered a shocking gym injury claim due to equipment fault.

Client Background

Our client is a small local gym in Hong Kong that offers weightlifting and cardio equipment. It has around 2000 members and aims to grow in the city. Members can use the equipment to train and attend personal training sessions. Additionally, the gym ensures that all its professional personal trainers are training and gym safety experts. It takes pride in its safety and professional services.

Furthermore, as a gym business, it must always be careful and alert to avoid unwanted incidents. All fitness centres are liable for gym injuries or severe property damage on the premises.

Additionally, even if gym injuries are common, members will have the right to sue the business if they feel it was the gym’s fault. Whether the claim is minor or major, it can result in financial loss and brand damage.

Client Problem – How Did The Gym Injury Occurred?

The gym believed it had done its best to keep the premises and equipment safe from unexpected incidents. Unfortunately, its safety checks were insufficient, as a loose, damaged part caused a severe injury and expensive claim.

The workout injury occurred on the bench press.

The equipment involves lifting a weighted bar off the bench hooks onto the chest, then up while lying on the bench and finally pushing it back on the hook. In this case, the member placed the bar back on the hook, but one of the hooks did not hold. As a result, the broken hook caused one side of the bar to fall onto the member’s shoulder.

The injury included the member cracking his collarbone and needing hospital treatment immediately. The injured member sued the gym for negligence (not checking and fixing damaged equipment). As a result, the fitness business will have to pay for medical and compensation costs. All these costs can add up to a hefty amount and result in a significant financial loss for the business.

How did Personal Trainer Insurance Cover The Gym Injury Claim?

Sadly, even if the gym checks equipment daily, faulty equipment injuries can happen. Fortunately, the gym had personal trainer insurance covering public liability claims. Personal trainer insurance involves different policies to help personal trainers and gyms manage possible risks. The public insurance segment covers the injured party’s medical bills, legal fees, and compensation costs.

Many gyms believe that members cannot sue the business for injuries if they have signed a liability waiver. This is wrong; the member has the full right to sue if the injury is due to faulty equipment or negligence.

Personal trainer insurance covered most costs related to the gym injury claim, which included:

• Medical expenses: HKD 120,000

• Legal Costs: HKD 50,000

• Compensation costs: HKD 160,000

  
  

Total costs covered: HKD 330,000

Gym Injury Case Conclusion

Every gym and personal trainer needs personal trainer insurance to protect themselves and their businesses from third-party injuries or damage. The insurance includes professional indemnity, public liability, and property all-risk protections. These three powerful insurances will cover any professional or business working in the fitness industry.

Additionally, gyms are full of public liability risks, from damaged equipment to clients slipping in the washroom. Therefore, personal trainer insurance is a valuable asset for a fitness business. It can protect the liability of employees, brand image and the property itself.

To Learn More about personal trainer insurance and get the best coverage for your fitness business, contact Red Asia Insurance.