The 4 Laws of Fitness Liability

Every fitness business owner and professional should understand the fundamental principles of liability that govern our industry. These four “laws” of fitness liability form the foundation of a sound risk management strategy.

Law #1: Duty of Care

Every fitness professional and facility owner has a duty of care to their clients and members. This means you are legally obligated to provide a reasonably safe environment and to act in a manner consistent with the standard of care expected of a fitness professional.

This duty includes:

• Maintaining equipment in safe working condition
• Providing proper instruction and supervision
• Screening clients for health risks before beginning an exercise program
• Having emergency procedures in place

Law #2: Negligence is the #1 Cause of Fitness Lawsuits

The vast majority of lawsuits in the fitness industry are based on claims of negligence — that is, the failure to act with the level of care that a reasonable fitness professional would have exercised in the same situation.

Common examples of negligence in fitness settings:

• Failing to maintain or inspect equipment
• Providing inappropriate exercises for a client’s fitness level
• Ignoring signs of distress or injury
• Not having AEDs or trained staff to use them

Law #3: Waivers Help, But They’re Not Bulletproof

As we’ve discussed in previous articles, waivers are an important risk management tool, but their enforceability varies by state. A waiver should never be your only line of defense against liability.

Law #4: Insurance is Your Financial Safety Net

No matter how careful you are, you cannot eliminate all risk. Liability insurance is the financial safety net that protects your business when things go wrong.

The right insurance policy will:

• Cover your legal defense costs
• Pay settlements or judgments
• Protect your personal and business assets
• Allow you to continue operating while a claim is resolved

Protect Your Business

Understanding these four laws is the first step toward protecting your fitness business. The next step is making sure you have the right insurance coverage in place.

Contact SFIC today for a quote, or call us at (800) 844-0536. We’ve been protecting the fitness industry for over 30 years.