Q: I was injured on a piece of playground equipment. Unaware of what it did it collapsed and was injured seriously.
Not until a year and a half later was I aware of the full extent of my injury. It progressed and has gotten worse to now surgery on my cspine. I know this is a dangerous piece of equipment and me being an adult was unaware of the danger at the time. If I would have known what it did I would have never taken that leap and am now worrying for the unsuspecting young child to do as I did which would not be good. I am now searching attorneys but I live in a tiny town and fear sear hing for attorneys around here because of retaliation or unfair treatment because everyone here is related or was born here and I am not originally from here. What can I do?
A:
Cases like this have many criteria for being a viable case. The brief description you gave seems to indicate that you were on an apparatus, and then JUMPED off (or out of) the seat. When you landed, you believe that this triggered the fracture or vertebral compression in your back. Each state has laws that control whether or not a person who is partially or mostly at fault for injuries suffered, which might preclude you being able to sue.
First, all states set forth a time period for which a claim must be asserted. You need to look up personal injury lawyers in the State where this occurred and get a free consultation. In addition, all states generally have special rules that may shield a municipality (city or county) from being sued, or (if suit is possible) then will have a cap (limit) for which they will pay.
Additionally, you hopefully have other witnesses who can verify the time, date and how the injury was incurred.
Tim Akpinar agrees with this answer
A: In terms of your question of what you could do, one option is to try to line up a free initial consult with a South Dakota attorney. A law firm could investigate the matter in detail if they felt you might have a basis for a case - in terms of timeliness, applicable defendants, and other issues. Good luck
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