How to File a Complaint Against Lifetime Fitness

The most important reason why gyms and fitness center put a binding arbitration clause in their terms of use policies is to prevent the filing of potentially costly class action lawsuits. As the Lifetime Fitness terms of use policy demonstrates, you can still sue Lifetime Fitness in a small claims court. However, there is a small claims court limit of $10,000, which means a small claims court will not financially take care of you, if you suffer a serious injury that requires months, if not years of treatment and rehabilitation. The minimum amount awarded by a small claims court is $2,500.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) the represents the federal government’s sounding board for consumer complaints. When a company or an organization reaches a specified number of complaints, the CFPB has the right to impose some type of penalty on the company or organization to motivate it to correct its mistakes. For example, if a slip and fall incident is one of dozens of similar incidents, enough member complaints to the CFPB can lead the consumer advocacy agency imposing a fine and/or suspending the operations of the company or organization facing the consumer complaints.

Although the CFPB acts the enforcement agency for consumers that have complaints against companies and organizations, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has more influence when it comes to influencing consumer behavior. The BBB offers consumers an outlet to voice legitimate complaints. The consumer advocacy organization also conducts extensive research on every company that appears on one its web pages.

With more than 30 years in business, Lifetime Fitness has received the highly coveted A+ rating from the BBB. However, the company has received more than 340 complaints from members over the past three years. Potential members should read the reviews and complaints left on the Lifetime Fitness BBB web page.

Filing a lawsuit in small claims court not only limits how much you can win in a judgment; it also is a non-binding judicial decision because it does not end a dispute. It merely awards or does not award just compensation to the plaintiff. If you want a clear end to a dispute with Lifetime Fitness, you should go through the binding arbitration process. A decision handed out by an objective arbitrator ensures a ruling that results in the conclusion of a dispute between a member and the fitness center. FairShake helps clients resolve disputes administered by the American Arbitration Association.

What is the Binding Arbitration Process?

The binding arbitration process begins when both parties agree on a neutral arbitrator that is on the recommended list published by the American Arbitration Association. Arbitrators hear and review evidence presented by both sides, before rendering a decision that both parties must follow. Having a FairShake representative by your side during a binding arbitration case ensures your side is presented in the clearest and most convincing manner.

What are the Costs Associated with Binding Arbitrations?

The terms of use policy you signed when joining Lifetime Fitness describes which party is on the financial hook for taking care of court costs, as well as any of the expenses generated by a binding arbitration representative. Carefully read the terms of use to determine whether you or Lifetime Fitness is responsible for taking care of binding arbitration fees. Some terms of use policies require both parties to chip in for fees.

It can take several months for a binding arbitration hearing to conclude. Most of the cases FairShake handles take much less time. Contact one of our experienced representatives today to make sure your best interests are served during a binding arbitration hearing.