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Matrix ClimbMill incident at Vancouver YMCA prompts B.C. Supreme Court lawsuit

A Vancouver woman is suing Taiwanese exercise equipment manufacturer Johnson Health Tech and the YMCA after she was allegedly tossed from an out-of-control Matrix ClimbMill climbing machine.

In a B.C. Supreme Court notice of civil claim, Mitra Zaltash says she was working out at the Robert Lee YMCA in October 2014 when she climbed onto the treadmill and pressed 'Go'.

"Suddenly and without warning the ClimbMill went very fast," the claim says.

"The Plaintiff pressed the 'GO' button to try to decrease the speed and pressed the 'Stop' button to stop the speed yet the ClimbMill continued moving very fast. The Plaintiff eventually fell off the ClimbMill and was thrown to the ground."

Thumb, legs, hip injured

Zaltash claims she injured her right thumb, legs, shoulder, arms, hands and right hip in the accident.

She says the company failed to adequately test the treadmill and warn users about the possibility of danger. She also says the YMCA failed to adequately maintain and inspect its equipment.

A spokesperson for the YMCA said its insurance agents are in discussions with the exercise equipment manufacturer and Zaltash's legal counsel.

Lawsuits and treadmills

The lawsuit is one of a number of international claims against exercise equipment manufacturers and gyms over allegedly faulty gym equipment.

Last year, a Louisiana man claimed he suffered severe and disabling injuries to his knees as the result of a defective treadmill. And an Australian woman claimed she was sent flying by a speeding walking machine.

An Indiana man received $9 million in 2004 after suffering spinal injuries when a treadmill suddenly stopped at high speed, causing him to hit his head against the display panel.