A recent lawsuit filed in Harris County, Texas, highlights the potential dangers lurking in everyday activities such as visiting a gym. On January 2, 2025, Gabriel Kurczyn filed a complaint against Fitness International, LLC, doing business as LA Fitness, in the District Court of Harris County. The case raises significant concerns about safety standards and maintenance practices at fitness centers.
The incident at the heart of this lawsuit occurred on March 30, 2024. According to the complaint, Gabriel Kurczyn was using a cryotherapy chamber at an LA Fitness location in Houston when a metal grate fell from the ceiling and struck him on the head. Kurczyn alleges that this accident was due to faulty maintenance by LA Fitness staff who failed to properly secure the grate. The plaintiff's petition claims that "Defendant Fitness International, LLC had performed faulty maintenance on the chamber" and accuses them of negligence for not ensuring customer safety.
Kurczyn's lawsuit accuses LA Fitness of premises liability and negligence. He argues that LA Fitness was aware or should have been aware of the dangerous condition posed by the unsecured grate but failed to take appropriate action to mitigate this risk. The complaint states that "Defendant knew or reasonably should have known...that the condition of the property posed an unreasonable risk." Furthermore, it alleges that LA Fitness did not adequately supervise or inspect their equipment and neglected to warn customers about potential hazards.
The plaintiff is seeking damages exceeding $1 million for medical expenses incurred from his injuries and other related costs such as future medical care, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of earnings, and permanent disfigurement. Kurczyn has requested a jury trial to resolve these issues and hopes for a judgment against LA Fitness that includes pre-judgment interest from the date of injury until payment is made.
Representing Gabriel Kurczyn is attorney Brad G. Leigh from The Leigh Law Firm based in Woodlands, Texas. As per court records filed under Case ID 2025-00028 in Court 152 of Harris County District Court with Judge Marilyn Burgess presiding over initial filings.