Fitness club member injured after stepping on moving treadmill sues

GRETNA – A New Orleans woman who was allegedly injured when she fell after stepping on a moving treadmill is suing a Terrytown fitness club.

Nancy T. White filed suit against Jefferson Parish Hospital District No. 1 and West Jefferson Medical Center in the 24th Judicial District Court on March. 7.

White claims she was a member of a fitness club located at 175 Hector Ave. in Terrytown owned and operated by West Jefferson Medical Center when she stepped on a moving treadmill and was thrown to the floor.

The plaintiff alleges that she stepped on the treadmill in front of a staff member and that there were no signs that the machine was dangerous. White asserts that she had used the same treadmill before, but the safety device on the machine was bypassed and it was running at a high rate of speed. The plaintiff alleges she received severe personal injuries in the fall including knocking out her two front teeth, a broken nose, lacerations and tissue tears in her mouth, bruising and contusions to her face and upper body, various lacerations to her knees and lower extremities and other pain and discomfort.

The defendant is accused of failing to exercise a high degree of care for business invitees, failing to provide competent employees and supervisory personnel and agents to inspect and maintain its premises, failing to provide competent employees and supervisory personnel, failing to provide and hire sufficient and competent officers and supervisory personnel, failing to incorporate adequate safeguards to prevent foreseeable risk, allowing a dangerous condition to exist in bypassing safety devices and creating a dangerous condition.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for pain and suffering, medical expenses, hospital expenses, pharmaceutical expenses, mental anguish, emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment of life and lost wages.

White is represented by Richard M. Exnicios of New Orleans-based The Law Offices of Richard M. Exnicios LLC.

The case has been assigned to Division J Judge Stephen C. Grefer.

Case no. 724-567.