Suit Over Defective Tree Steps Preparing To Begin Trial

A personal injury suit involving tree steps that allegedly collapsed in October 2004 is set to go to trial on July 13.

One defendant has already asked that the court approve a settlement worth $2,500. Three of the original defendants in the suit won dismissals.

In the case, Michael Spann filed suit against Ameristed Inc., Stokes Steel Treating Company Inc., Hindley Manufacturing Company Inc., Gordon Johnson DBA Ultra Product LTD, Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Ultra Products LTD., and Mid-State Plating Company over what he claims were faulty tree steps.

Spann claims that after he purchased the steps from Wal-Mart, the steps were faulty and collapsed. He alleges that the incident caused him to suffer injuries to his right ankle and left knee, experience past and future pain and suffering and lost wages, and incur medical costs.

The original suit included multiple negligence counts against the defendants. He is seeking damages of more than $200,000.

In April of this year, Wal-Mart was dismissed from the case. In September 2006, Ultra Products LTD. was dismissed. Mid-State was dismissed in September 2008.

On June 22, Stokes asked that the court approve a settlement that would grant Spann $2,500 after reaching the settlement 11 days prior.