Gold's Gym sued by man who claims injury from kicking punching bag

A man blames the gym where he was training in martial arts for causing his injury after he kicked a “heavy bag.”

Sydney Mulder of St. Clair County claims he suffered an unspecified injury when he kicked a “heavy bag” while he was in the midst of martial arts training at an O'Fallon Gold’s Gym, which was owned by defendant GGI Holdings. Mulder contends the gym should have warned him of the danger of kicking the punching bag. The alleged incident occurred on Oct. 14, 2011.

In addition to his injury, Mulder experienced pain and suffering, endured disability, incurred medical costs and lost wages, according to the complaint filed Sept. 20 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

Mulder blames GGI Holdings for causing his injuries, saying it negligently failed to maintain its premises, failed to warn of hazardous conditions and allowed the heavy bag to be present when it knew it could cause injuries during martial arts training.

Mulder is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, plus other relief the court deems just.

Blake G. Meinders of Belleville will be representing him.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 13-L-485.