I was injured on a construction project. From start to finish they were totally awesome.
— Chris · Read Chris’s full review on Google
Premises liability laws hold property owners responsible for the safety of their guests.[1] Whether you own a private home or a business that’s open to the public, it’s your job to protect visitors against hazards in your space.
Injuries in a gym aren’t uncommon. That’s why gyms are quick to have you sign a waiver before you work out. But despite these attempts to shield against legal claims, gyms can still be held liable when someone gets hurt.
In a case at Fulginiti Law, a 78-year-old man received $2.2 million after falling at the gym. He also had Parkinson’s disease, a disorder that’s known to increase the risk of falls. Here’s what his story means for others who think they don’t have a case after an injury.
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Liability in the Context of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is an age-related neurological disease. It commonly causes muscle stiffness, slowed movements, shakiness, and balance issues.[2]
After falling, the man in this case required surgery for various orthopedic injuries. His lawyers at Fulginiti Law argued that the traumatic incident aggravated and accelerated his Parkinson’s disease. But the defense wasn’t quick to accept fault.
Fulginiti Law needed to prove the gym was at least 50% responsible for the damages this man sustained on their property. Like many states, Pennsylvania is ruled by “modified comparative negligence.” That means, even if you’re considered partially liable for the incident, you can still collect as long as the other party (in this case, the gym) is at least halfway at fault.[3]
Calculating the Ripple Effects of Trauma
Dr. Mary A. O’Neal is the Chief of General Neurology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. She’s board-certified in neurology and specializes in neurological disorders.
Dr. O’Neal said there’s evidence connecting Parkinson’s disease and traumatic brain injuries.[4] But the potential impact of orthopedic injuries may be harder to quantify.
According to Dr. O’Neal, “Trauma doesn’t change the course of Parkinson’s disease, but it does increase the risk of medical complications. For example, a hip fracture in a patient with Parkinson’s is a more serious issue.” She explained how someone with ongoing mobility issues from Parkinson’s disease could face further immobility after a fracture.
Lawsuits like this case from Fulginiti Law are difficult to prove. Clients need an attorney who can do the research necessary to build an ironclad case. That’s why it’s imperative to choose a legal team with a proven track record of success.
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Has a Traumatic Incident Changed Your Life?
If you have a chronic condition like Parkinson’s disease, the magnitude of an injury may be greater than you realize. Too often, patients’ concerns are dismissed as a normal progression of their preexisting condition. Making matters worse, large businesses and their insurance companies work hard to avoid blame. Fighting against them becomes an uphill battle.
However, no one should be left drowning in debt after a traumatic incident that wasn’t their fault. Ken Fulginiti and his team have won more than $500 million for clients like you.
At Fulginiti Law, you can rest assured that highly skilled attorneys are working tirelessly on your case. Your legal team won’t rest until your story is heard and you get justice.
References:
- Premises Liability Law. Justia. Updated October 2024.
- Parkinson’s Disease. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Accessed September 14, 2025.
- Pennsylvania General Assembly, Section 7102 – Title 42 – Judiciary And Judicial Procedure, retrieved from: https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.071.002.000..HTM
Ferrazzoli D, Ortelli P, Versace V, et al. Post-traumatic Parkinsonism: The intricate twist between trauma, inflammation and neurodegeneration. A narrative review. Journal of the Neurological Sciences. 2024;466:123242. doi:10.1016/j.jns.2024.123242
NOTABLE RESULTS
Broader personal-injury results reported by Fulginiti Law:
$38,000,000 jury verdict · $36,000,000 settlement · $28,000,000 settlement
Read more about these results
- $38,000,000 jury verdict: Fall from a Temple University roof. Case result source
- $36,000,000 settlement: School field-trip injury causing paralysis. Case result source
- $28,000,000 settlement: Child injured on unsafe property. Case result source
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case is different and must be evaluated on its own facts.
What Our Clients Say
Excerpts from client reviews on Google.
Ken was a great advantage in my case. He was detailed and thorough, not only dealing with the details of the case, but also with me personally.
— Marcus · Read Marcus’s full review on Google
Fulginiti Law provided outstanding legal service for me. They were professional and went above and beyond on explaining the legal process to me on my case to get the best outcome possible.
— Victor · Read Victor’s full review on Google
Professional Recognition
Published Writings by Ken Fulginiti
- The One Piece of Evidence Nobody Appreciated — Ken Fulginiti, The Legal Intelligencer (Law.com), June 25, 2026.
Broader personal injury reading by Ken Fulginiti:
- Working to Ensure Juries Can Fully Value the Claims of Injury Victims — Ken Fulginiti, The Legal Intelligencer, October 9, 2025.
- When Justice Is Delayed, Trauma Is Reopened — Ken Fulginiti, The Legal Intelligencer, August 21, 2025.
Related Practice Resources
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