$350 Million Lawsuit: Gymnastics Academy Blamed for Teen’s Quadriplegia

Gymnastics, a sport celebrated for its grace, strength, and precision, unfortunately carries a significant risk of injury. A recent incident has brought the dangers of the sport into sharp focus, highlighting the potential for catastrophic outcomes when safety measures are allegedly compromised. A $350 million lawsuit filed against a Chesapeake gymnastics academy underscores the severe consequences that can arise from negligence in maintaining a safe training environment. This case, involving a teenage gymnast who suffered quadriplegia, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety and supervision in gymnastics facilities.

The Incident and the Lawsuit

On July 24, 2024, Cody Bennett, a 16-year-old Level 10 gymnast, was participating in an open gym session at Evolution Gymnastics Academy in Chesapeake, Virginia. During a routine maneuver on the high bar, Bennett landed on the edge of the foam pit, resulting in a traumatic cervical spine distraction with spinal cord injury, leading to quadriplegia.

The lawsuit, filed by Breit Biniazan Trial Lawyers on behalf of Bennett and his parents, Megan Buchholz and Doug Bennett, alleges that the gymnastics academy was negligent in maintaining a safe environment. The suit claims that the foam pit was dangerously narrow, short, and shallow, and that the academy failed to adequately equip and replace foam blocks within the pit. The lawsuit names Evolution Gymnastics Academy, LLC; 409 Network Station, LLC; Hurricane Gymnastics, Inc.; Wheatheart Investments, LLC; Anthony G. Hampton; and Britney K. Ranzy as defendants.

According to the complaint, the defendants chose to install a loose foam pit that was shallow in depth and deficient in length and width and chose not to install shock-absorbing layers, such as a trampoline bed. The lawsuit also faults the lack of supervision at the time in an open gym in a coach-free setting.

Gymnastics Injury Statistics

Gymnastics has the highest injury rate among female athletes, with approximately 12.3 injuries per 100,000 participants. About 40% of all gymnastics injuries involve the lower extremities, while 30% involve the upper extremities. Sprained ankles are the most prevalent injury in gymnastics, often occurring when a gymnast lands awkwardly. Spinal injuries, though less frequent, can have devastating consequences.

According to one study, the injury rate in women’s gymnastics is 9.37 per 1,000 athlete exposures. Female gymnasts also more commonly suffer major injuries compared with men and more commonly undergo surgery after injury (24.4% of female injuries required surgery vs 9.2% in males).

Liability in Gymnastics Injuries

When a gymnastics injury occurs, determining liability is complex. Generally, the gym has a responsibility to provide a safe environment for its members, including maintaining equipment, offering proper instruction, and ensuring a clean facility. When an injury results from a failure in these areas, the gym might be considered negligent.

Several factors can influence liability:

Negligence: If the gym or its staff failed to provide a safe environment or proper supervision, they could be deemed negligent.
Liability Waivers: Most gyms require members to sign liability waivers, which can complicate claims. However, these waivers are not always all-encompassing, and gross negligence or deliberate harm cannot be waived.
Equipment Malfunction: If faulty equipment caused the injury, the manufacturer might be responsible.

The Role of Foam Pits in Gymnastics Safety

Foam pits are a common feature in gymnastics facilities, designed to provide a safe landing area for gymnasts practicing complex skills. However, if not properly maintained, these pits can become hazardous. Factors contributing to foam pit-related injuries include:

Inadequate Depth and Size: If the pit is too shallow or narrow, it may not provide sufficient cushioning, increasing the risk of impact injuries.
Insufficient Foam Blocks: Over time, foam blocks can degrade and lose their ability to absorb impact.
Lack of Maintenance: Regular inspection and replacement of worn or damaged foam blocks are essential to ensure the pit’s safety.
Inadequate Supervision: Proper supervision is needed to ensure gymnasts use the pit safely and avoid risky behavior.

Legal Considerations and Potential Outcomes

The $350 million lawsuit against Evolution Gymnastics Academy raises several critical legal questions:

Was the gym negligent in its maintenance and supervision of the foam pit?
Did the gym’s actions directly cause Cody Bennett’s injury?
What is the extent of damages that Bennett and his family are entitled to recover?

If the court finds the gym liable, damages could include:

Medical Expenses: Covering past and future medical care, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
Lost Earnings: Compensating for Bennett’s inability to work and earn a living.
Pain and Suffering: Addressing the physical and emotional distress caused by the injury.
Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence, the court may award punitive damages to punish the gym and deter similar conduct in the future.

Advice for Gymnastics Participants and Parents

Given the inherent risks of gymnastics, it is crucial for participants and parents to take proactive steps to ensure safety:

Choose a Reputable Gym: Look for facilities with certified coaches, well-maintained equipment, and a strong safety record.
Inspect the Facility: Before enrolling in a program, carefully inspect the gym, paying close attention to the condition of foam pits and other safety equipment.
Inquire About Safety Protocols: Ask about the gym’s safety protocols, including supervision policies, emergency procedures, and coach-to-gymnast ratios.
Ensure Proper Training and Progression: Gymnasts should receive proper training and gradually progress to more complex skills under the guidance of qualified coaches.
Report Concerns: If you observe any unsafe conditions or practices, report them to the gym management immediately.
Understand Insurance Coverage: Ensure that the gym has adequate liability insurance and consider supplemental accident insurance for your child.

Conclusion

The $350 million lawsuit against the Chesapeake gymnastics academy serves as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of negligence in sports training facilities. Gymnastics, while rewarding, demands stringent safety measures and vigilant supervision to protect athletes from catastrophic injuries. This case underscores the legal and ethical responsibilities of gyms and coaches to prioritize the well-being of their participants. As the legal proceedings unfold, it is hoped that this case will lead to greater accountability and improved safety standards in the gymnastics industry, preventing similar tragedies in the future.