Suit: Screw protruding from gym machine caused man's trip and fall

The owner of a chain of gyms is facing a lawsuit over claims a member was injured by a screw protruding from a machine.

Michael J. Hinko filed suit against Fitness International LLC, doing business as LA Fitness,  on Feb. 17 in the Cook County Circuit Court.

According to the complaint, Hinko was at the LA Fitness on Highland Avenue in Tinley Park on April 9, 2013, when he tripped over an unprotected screw protruding from workout machinery, causing him to sustain injuries.

Hinko accuses the defendant of failing to repair, alter or otherwise manage gym equipment in order to prevent members from tripping and falling on the protruding screw, and not warning users of the dangerous condition.

He seeks more than $50,000 in damages and is represented by Chicago attorney Perry W. Hoag of Cameli & Hoag P.C.

Cook County Circuit Court Case No. 2015L001657.

This is a report on a civil lawsuit filed in Cook County Circuit Court. The details in this report come from an original complaint filed by a plaintiff. Please note, a complaint represents an accusation by a private individual, not the government. It is not an indication of guilt and represents only one side of the story.