What to Do If Your Child Is Injured at Your Gym

9 November 2016
 Categories: , Blog


Knowing that taking care of their children takes priority over everything else in the lives of busy parents, many gyms and fitness centers are adding childcare centers to attract new members. Oftentimes, childcare is provided for free to members during their time in the gym, and that can be a big relief. That allows you to get a break from taking care of the kids while also getting the chance to do something good for your body. Unfortunately, childcare that's provided in fitness centers is typically not regulated in the way that paid daycare facilities are, and inexperienced staff members may unintentionally put your child in harm's way. Here's what to do if your child is injured at the gym.

Step #1: Document All Medical Care

Of course, the first thing any parent is going to do is get their child medical attention for the injury. When your child sees a doctor and is treated for her injuries, be sure to get all possible documentation for this visit. Additionally, write down any notes that the nurse or doctor said about the injury. All billing statements need to be saved as well.

Step #2: Go See a Personal Injury Attorney

It's critical that you see a personal injury attorney as soon as possible regarding the specifics of the situation and the injury that your child experienced. Your gym may have asked you to sign some sort of waiver of responsibility before they watched your child, but that will not relieve them of all responsibility in the care of your child. If the caretakers in the center were negligent in watching your child, you may very well have a case against the gym. An attorney like those at Fitzsimmons & Vervaecke Law Firm can help you build your case.

Step #3: Be Careful with Communication

Keep in mind that it's very important to be very cautious in your communication with any representative of the gym. Speak to your personal injury attorney before sharing any information with them directly. It's even better to simply refer them to speak only to your lawyer until the matter is settled. You may also proceed with caution when you communicate with others who could be asked to speak on the case.

Step #4: Consider All Options

The gym may decide to try to settle the case with you out of court, or you may need to go to court if you and your lawyer decide that a lawsuit is the best way to proceed. Be sure to carefully consider all your options and discuss them with your attorney if you have any questions. Once you accept a settlement, that decision is typically irreversible, so make sure you think it's fair.

Finally, keep in mind that you may want to think twice before leaving your little one in a childcare facility within a fitness center in the future. While some provide top notch care, you need to carefully research the rules and standards of each center. Without the typical oversight that paid daycare centers receive, there may be widely different standards for gym child care centers. 


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