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Unforeseen Danger at the Gym
If you’ve joined a gym, you know the standard contract you sign relieves the facility of liability for personal injury under a variety of circumstances, such as injuring yourself while incorrectly using the machinery. However, Consumer Reports discusses a new type of threat at the gym – one that leads to serious skin infections.
Research into the diversity of bacterial communities of fitness center surfaces has found that gyms are breeding grounds for germs. More than 25 types of bacteria are typically present on exercise equipment, toilet handles, and handrails. The most prevalent type of bacteria found was Staphylococcus (“staph”), a common source of skin infections. Gyms are, unfortunately, a perfect breeding ground because many types of bacteria thrive in sweat and warm, moist areas. Staph, in particular, has grown resistant to antibiotics and can live on exercise machines and other equipment for days. It’s important that you speak with a Boca Raton attorney as early as possible, so that information can be gathered in preparation for filing a claim.
If you believe you have contracted an infection at the gym, it’s important that you speak with a Boca Raton attorney as early as possible. We’ll gather essential information and begin research in preparation for filing a claim.
If you or a loved one has been wrongfully harmed by an infection obtained at the gym, it’s time to speak to an experienced personal injury and commercial litigation attorney right away. The team at Lavalle, Brown & Ronan, P.A. is here to help.
Common Infections & Treatments
The most common skin infections you can contract at the gym include:
- Athlete’s Foot & Jock Itch: skin typically develops an itchy rash that can blister. Wash the area well and treat with an over-the-counter antifungal containing clotrimazole, terbinafine, or miconazole.
- Pool & Hot Tub Rash: Caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa when chlorine levels are too low. This same bacteria can also cause a “swimmer’s ear” infection in the outer ear canal. Hot tub rash can appear as a bumpy red rash in the swimsuit area and develop into what appears to be folliculitis. It will typically clear up without specific treatment.
- Impetigo: Highly contagious and caused by staph or strep; typically spread through broken skin or a cut, through contaminated sports equipment or towels. It starts out as pimple-like sores with pus which break open and form a yellowish-brown crust. You will need a prescription antibiotic cream to treat.
- Plantar Warts:Warts on the bottom of your feet caused by human papillomavirus from walking around barefoot in the locker room. Typically, a callus forms which is painful to walk on. Treat with an over-the-counter product with salicylic acid for several weeks unless you suffer from diabetes, as a serious foot infection poses a particular threat.
- Staph Infections & MRSA: Staph typically lives in the nose or on the skin. While most people carry the common staph bacteria, approximately two percent instead have the antibiotic-resistant form (MRSA). You must see a doctor for antibiotics if you have one of these infections; MRSA, in particular, can turn into a life-threatening infection.
Prevention of Common Infections at the Gym
There are steps you can take to avoid skin infections at the Gym.
Before you join a gym, it is worthwhile speaking with management about the gym’s cleanliness and how to keep yourself protected. Always bring your own towel, mat, etc., and always wash after using the equipment.
Can You Sue a Gym for Skin Infections?
Most gyms will have members sign a waiver to absolve the business of liability for injuries and infections. However, even when signing such a waiver, it may be possible to file a civil case against the gym, especially if an infection has been caused by negligence.
The problem with these cases is that it can be extremely difficult to prove that the infection originated from the gym, and not from your home, workplace, or any other place that you have visited in your work or personal time. It’s important that you speak with a Boca Raton attorney as early as possible, so that information can be gathered in preparation for filing a claim.
There are several factors that could increase the likelihood of winning a civil suit and securing compensation from the gym owner.
- If more than one member has developed symptoms, this can indicate that conditions are unsanitary at the gym. This could allow for the filing of a class-action lawsuit, which may result in court-ordered compensation for all affected parties.
- Evidence of negligence can be gathered by looking at steps the gym has taken to promote cleanliness and a safe environment. For example, if a gym lacks hand sanitizer dispensers, soaps, and other disinfectants, this could be evidence of negligence.
- If the gym has received complaints relating to unsanitary conditions but fails to act on them, it could indicate a culture of neglect. This could be used as evidence in a suit filed against the gym. If you have personally complained or know other gym members that have, Boca Raton attorneys can help you to gather necessary information and build your legal complaint.
- If the gym is visibly unclean, unsanitary, or unacceptable worn-down, it could be evidence that the premises are neglected or poorly maintained. This may be valuable evidence in a lawsuit.
From the points above, it’s clear that there are many steps involved in building a viable lawsuit against a gym for unclean facilities and negligence. It’s critical that you have expert representation on your side. You can talk to the team at Lavalle, Brown & Ronan, P.A. to begin exploring your options for compensation.
If You’ve Been Affected, Speak with an Attorney
If you or a loved one has been wrongfully harmed by an infection obtained at the gym, you should speak with an experienced personal injury and commercial litigation attorney right away. Contact the attorneys at Lavalle, Brown & Ronan today to find out how we can help.
For more information and in-depth analysis, please contact Attorney Ken Ronan at kronan@bocalaw.comand Case Manager Richard Bagdasarian at rbagdasarian@bocalaw.com.
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