Family Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit After Fatal Gym Accident in Elizabeth, N.J.
A 72-year-old Union County man’s family filed a wrongful death complaint after a Planet Fitness gym accident last summer. A automobile drove through the gym’s glass exterior on Newark Avenue on August 26, killing Elizabeth resident Jose Antonio Chez. After the tragedy, the family is holding the gym and property owners liable.
The December 11 Superior Court of Union County lawsuit alleges that Planet Fitness, its franchise owner, and the property management business neglected to construct safety barriers or bollards that could have avoided the accident. The family alleges the gym and its employees “knew or should have known about the foreseeability of vehicles crashing into storefronts.”
At the time of the crash, witnesses said Chez was working out in the gym. The gym was hit by a 69-year-old driver who swerved to avoid another car in the parking lot at 12:20 p.m. The motorist who hit the building has not been charged, and the other driver has not been recognized.
The gym reopened a month after the crash despite severe damage. In addition to Planet Fitness and property affiliates, the family sued Geico Insurance. The family alleges Geico rejected their Chez insurance claim for the unnamed driver’s recklessness in “bad faith”.
HVAC mechanic Jose Antonio Chez had over 45 years of experience. According to his obituary, he worked hard and persevered to succeed. It also described his kindness and generosity, showing that he appreciated both his work and his people.
The lawsuit holds all parties accountable and urges companies and property owners to prevent foreseeable incidents to safeguard consumers and the public.
This lawsuit highlights issues about public safety in commercial spaces and property owners’ obligations to prevent car accidents.
Sources:
- Superior Court of Union County, New Jersey
- Official statements and lawsuit filings related to Planet Fitness, Inc.
- Obituary and family statements of Jose Antonio Chez
