Lakeland district faces lawsuit

A former Timberlake High School student is suing the Lakeland School District and the school due to an injury she suffered in the school weight room in March 2006.

In a complaint filed in 1st District Court, Madeline Cameron, who was 16 at the time, claims there was no supervisor or spotter in the room, she hadn't received adequate instruction on lifting and weights were left "haphazardly" on the floor when her small left finger was crushed and nearly severed.

Cameron is seeking $11,570 for medical costs, at least $10,000 for pain and suffering, mental anguish and loss of earning capacity, plus attorney fees and suit expenses.

"(She) has had to endure bodily injuries, including disfigurement, loss of sensation and strength in her left palm and left small digit ... ," the complaint states.

Both the school district and Richard Kuck, Cameron's attorney, declined to comment. Cameron could not be reached for comment.

Cameron was lifting free weights from her back position on a bench when her left hand sank below the bench and was crushed between the weight and a dumbbell that had been left on the floor prior to her being in the room, according to the complaint.

Physical education teacher Roy Albertson, named as a defendant, asked Cameron to lift weights rather than participate in regular activities that day because of an ankle injury, the suit states.

Aside from a video at the start of the year, Cameron had received no safety training or instruction in weight lifting, the complaint states. Further, there was no spotter or adult supervisor in the room when she was there and weights were left scattered throughout the room, including below the bench used by Cameron, creating an unsafe environment.