In a gripping legal battle that underscores the responsibilities of fitness centers towards their patrons, a couple has taken action against a well-known gym franchise. On March 26, 2025, Janice Vinson-Mullen and her husband Adam A. Pirhofer filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, targeting Planet Fitness Franchising, LLC and an individual identified as John Doe.
The case revolves around an incident that occurred on March 8, 2024, when Janice Vinson-Mullen was injured while attending a training session at a Planet Fitness location in Clearwater, Florida. The plaintiffs allege that the negligence of both the fitness center and its employee led to serious injuries for Janice. According to the complaint, John Doe failed to properly instruct Janice on using gym equipment safely, resulting in her fall and subsequent injuries. The lawsuit accuses Planet Fitness Franchising, LLC of failing to supervise and train its staff adequately and not maintaining safe protocols for members.
The complaint details numerous instances of alleged negligence by the defendants. It claims that they did not perform proper fitness evaluations or consider Janice's prior medical conditions before creating an exercise routine. Furthermore, it accuses them of failing to warn her about potential risks associated with her workout regimen. As a result of these oversights, Janice suffered from bodily injury, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages exceeding $50,000 for Janice's injuries and additional compensation for Adam Pirhofer's loss of consortium—meaning his loss of companionship due to his wife's condition. They also demand attorney fees and costs associated with the trial. The lawsuit highlights gross negligence on part of the defendants by outlining their failure to adhere to industry standards and internal procedures meant to ensure member safety.
Representing the plaintiffs is John F. McGuire from McGuire Law Offices based in Clearwater. The case is being heard under Case Number 25-001466-CI in front of judges at the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court in Pinellas County.