Sporting goods store sued for treadmill injury

A New Jersey man injured while operating a treadmill purchased at a Philadelphia Sports

Authority store has filed a personal injury lawsuit at the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas against the national chain.

Robert Samanns, of Franklinville, N.J., seeks damages in excess of $50,000 from the Colorado-based company on three counts, including negligence and breach of warranty. His wife, Stephanie, also claims loss of consortium from her husband as a result of the accident.

According to the suit, Samanns was walking on a Sportcraft treadmill at his home in Franklinville on Feb. 5, 2013, when he was unexpectedly thrown from the machine. The claim says that the plaintiff sustained injuries to his back, neck, head, right shoulder and hip.

As a result of the injuries, Samanns has endured great pain and suffering, inconvenience, embarrassment and mental anguish. He has also been forced to pay for increased medical expenses for his rehabilitation while experiencing a diminished capacity to earn income.

The complaint says the representatives from Sports Authority failed to equip the treadmill with additional safety devices, allowed the machine to be sold in a defective state, did not investigate or inspect the treadmill for any possible hazards to the customers, and did not warn Samanns of possible dangers associated with the treadmill.

Samanns' injury was completely caused by the defective treadmill, the complaint says, making Sports Authority strictly liable to the plaintiff for its breach of warranty guaranteeing the safety of the device.

The personal injury suit originally included the manufacturers of the device, Sportcraft, but the company has filed for bankruptcy and dismissed from the litigation.

The plaintiffs are represented by attorneys at Sacchetta & Baldino.

The case ID is 140702173.