Public Safety Alert: How Defective Gym Equipment Can Lead to Serious Injuries

In 2001, a California gym-goer, Michael Bostick, suffered a life-altering spinal injury when a Smith machine at Gold’s Gym malfunctioned, leading to a $14.4 million verdict against the equipment manufacturer, Flex Equipment Co. Decades later, in 2025, the danger of defective gym equipment remains a pressing concern. According to the National Safety Council, exercise equipment-related injuries sent over 409,000 people to emergency rooms in 2021 alone—a stark reminder of the risks lurking in fitness facilities. For victims, a gym injury lawsuit faulty equipment claim can be a path to justice, covering medical costs, lost wages, and more.

At VB Attorneys, we’ve seen firsthand how defective gym equipment can turn a routine workout into a life-altering ordeal. 

Let’s take a closer look at the dangers of faulty gym gear, the types of injuries it can cause, and why these cases matter for gym-goers everywhere.

The Hidden Dangers of Defective Gym Equipment

Gyms are designed to promote health, but when equipment doesn’t function properly, the risks can outweigh the benefits. Defective gym equipment can include everything from poorly manufactured machines to improperly maintained cables or treadmills.

Common examples of equipment-related issues include:

• Treadmills that stop or speed up unexpectedly
• Weight machines with fraying cables
• Ellipticals with unsteady or broken frames

Even a small malfunction—like a resistance band snapping mid-rep—can lead to an unexpected injury and possibly even a gym injury lawsuit faulty equipment. These issues might originate with the manufacturer or result from general wear and tear. Either way, the outcome can be the same: someone gets hurt.

Read More: Man injured at gym hires VB Attorneys

Types of Injuries Linked to Equipment Failures

When gym equipment fails, the injuries can be significant. Here are a few of the more common ones:

• Fractures and Broken Bones: A dropped weight stack or malfunctioning treadmill can easily cause a fall or crush injury.
• Head Injuries: Falls or impacts from broken parts can lead to concussions or more severe brain trauma.
• Muscle and Ligament Tears: Instability or sudden jerking motions from equipment can strain or tear soft tissues.
• Cuts and Bruises: Exposed edges or sharp metal on worn-down machines can result in surface injuries that may still require medical care.

Even minor injuries can disrupt routines, cause pain, and lead to unexpected medical expenses.

What to Do If You’re Injured by Faulty Gym Equipment

If you’ve been hurt while using gym equipment, your response in the moment can make a big difference. Whether or not you choose to pursue a claim later, taking these steps can help you protect your health and ensure the situation is well documented:

• Seek Medical Attention: Your health comes first. Even if the injury feels minor, it’s worth getting checked out to rule out deeper issues.
• Report the Incident: Let gym staff know what happened as soon as possible. Ask them to document the incident and request a copy of the report if available.
• Document the Scene: If you’re able, take photos of the equipment involved and any visible injuries. If anyone witnessed the incident, ask for their contact info.
• Keep Records: Save any relevant paperwork, including medical bills, gym communications, and receipts for related expenses.

These steps don’t guarantee a legal case, but they help create a clear picture of what happened, which can be important if questions come up later.

Read More: Five reasons to hire a personal injury lawyer. 

A Path Toward Recovering After a Gym Equipment Accident

No one heads to the gym expecting to get hurt—but when equipment fails, knowing what to do next matters. While this blog isn’t legal advice, it’s meant to help you stay informed, prepared, and protected. If you're unsure about your next steps after an injury, speaking with a law firm that specializes in consumer protection can help you understand your options and whether legal action is appropriate.

At VB Attorneys, we’re here to answer your questions and support your recovery—whatever that looks like for you.

Need more guidance? Contact the team at VB Attorneys to schedule a free case consultation and learn more about your rights after a gym-related injury.