Man who allegedly suffered chemical burns from hot tub sues LA Fitness

A city man who claims he suffered chemical burns after soaking in a hot tub at a local gym is suing the fitness chain in civil court.

Newtown, Pa. lawyer Christopher J. Culleton, of the firm Swartz Culleton, P.C., filed the personal injury lawsuit against LA Fitness on July 18 at the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.

The plaintiff, Leonard Ricca, of the city’s Roxborough neighborhood, claims he suffered chemical burns after sitting in waist-high water at the hot tub at the LA Fitness at 701 Cathedral Road on Feb. 27 of this year.

The lawsuit states that Ricca suffered chemical burns on his legs, experienced pain and suffering, as well as a loss of life’s pleasures, all due to the incident at the local gym.

The lawsuit accuses LA Fitness of negligence and carelessness for failing to remove, fix, alter or modify the hot tub water to prevent club members from suffering chemical burns; failing to inspect the entire premises in such a manner as to identify defects; failing to correct a dangerous and hazardous condition; and failing to provide a safe place for business invitees.

The complaint states that Ricca has had to expend various sums of money on medical treatment, and that he is expected to do the same into the future.

Ricca, the suit states, has suffered “great physical pain, suffering and mental anguish” because of the incident.

The plaintiff demands judgment against the defendant in an amount not in excess of $50,000.

The non-jury case has been scheduled for arbitration in late March 2012.

The case number is 110701578.