Can You Sue Your Personal Trainer If Injured?

In Canada, the fitness industry is thriving. This growth is fueled by consumer trends and the large number of public health campaigns that advocate fighting obesity and improving your health. With the rate of adult obesity projected to continue to rise, the Public Health Agency of Canada emphasizes the benefits of a sound dietary regimen, living a healthy lifestyle, and committing to an exercise plan.

The same organization reports that over 60% of adults over the age of 18 are obese or overweight. There are many factors contributing to this statistic such as poor food choices, genetics, and stress. Seeking someone to help them reach their fitness goals, individuals hire a personal trainer to improve their overall conditioning, endurance, strength, and physical appearance. Trainers also provide the encouragement and knowledge needed for their clients to reach their fitness objectives.

But retaining the services of personal trainer does not guarantee you will not sustain an injury. A personal injury lawyer can discuss the merits of your case and determine if you are eligible for compensation for your medical expenses or lost wages if you are unable to work as a result of the negligence of a personal trainer.

How You can Get Injured by a Personal Trainer

The human body is a group of complex systems working in unison. If one system fails, it can affect the others and the result can be devastating. Injuries sustained while working with a personal trainer can be as simple as a minor bruise or cut. Or they can be more life-threatening:

For example:

• By overexerting yourself, your cardiovascular system can suffer damage.
• If you fall, hurt your back or are hit on the head with a piece of gym equipment, you may incur neurological damage that can cause paralysis or another disability that is temporary or permanent.
• If you use incorrect form while doing an exercise or perform one that is too challenging for your body to handle, you can break a bone or strain a muscle taxing your musculoskeletal system.

When is a Personal Trainer Liable for Your Injuries?

In Ontario, persons owe a “duty of care” to other people. This means members of society are expected not to cause harm to others and be reasonably careful with their actions. Personal trainers are not exempt from a duty of care. They must be prudent and responsible when training their clients.

Overall, personal trainers should at least:

• Have an in-depth conversation to learn of any medical conditions or physical limitations of their clients;
• Create a personalized program that factors in the client’s age, current physical condition, and fitness goals;
• Supervise their clients when exercises are performed to ensure the exercises are done properly;
• Act immediately if their client struggles or complains of pain; and
• Have the necessary training and certification that qualifies them to give advice.

If a personal trainer fails in any of these areas, he or she may be found negligent.

Before a personal trainer will work with you, it is likely you will be obligated to sign an agreement absolving the trainer from any responsibility if you are injured. Fighting this agreement may be difficult. You will need the help of a professional. To speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer about your options, contact our firm as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the less likely you will be successful in your case.