Motor Vehicle/Pedestrian Accident in Boynton Beach, Florida Results in Severe Pain and Permanent Injuries
This automobile/pedestrian accident occurred in the parking lot of a Catholic church in Boynton Beach, Florida as the victim in this case was walking through the parking lot on the way to her car. Unfortunately for the victim, the driver of an automobile in the parking lot was not paying attention and driving carelessly when he plowed into the rear of another vehicle, causing a chain reaction collision with two other vehicles, one of which eventually struck the victim, knocked her to the ground and ran over her right leg.
Due to the severity and extent of the impact of the vehicle with the victim, several church parishioners stood over her and began praying until the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Department arrived to stabilize and transport her to the emergency room at Bethesda Memorial Hospital. The victim complained of severe pain in her right ankle and left shoulder. As a result, she underwent x-rays which revealed a fractured left clavicle as well as a transverse fracture involving the medial malleolus of the distal tibia of her right ankle. Unfortunately, after the x-rays were reviewed by an orthopedic surgeon, he gave the victim the shocking news that in all reasonable medical probability, her right ankle fracture would not heal with osseus union, putting her at risk for chronic pain and possible arthritis. As a result, the victim reluctantly agreed to surgery to avoid the risk of nerve/artery/tendon injury, stiffness, chronic pain, arthritis and instability.
On the day after her admission, the orthopedic surgeon performed an open reduction with internal fixation of the medial malleolus fracture of the right ankle which was done under general anesthesia and required an anteromedial J-incision to protect the saphenous vein. Subsequently, the fracture site was reduced under direct vision using a cannulated 4.5 x 50 mm screw which was securely fixed.
The victim was discharged from the hospital once arrangements were made to provide in home care. In addition, she was required to follow up with her primary care physician as well as her orthopedic surgeon, who confirmed an assessment of closed fracture of the mid-shaft left clavicle and right medial malleolus fracture as well as cervical disc injury, thoracic spondylosis with scoliosis and lateral collateral ligament strain/spain. In addition, she was prescribed physical therapy, which, as you might imagine, was quite extensive and painful.
Fortunately, her fractures eventually healed to the orthopedic surgeon’s satisfaction. However, her cervical spine pain and complaints remained persistent. As a result, an MRI of the cervical spine was performed and revealed that the victim was suffering from degenerative changes noted with reversal of the normal cervical lordosis which was obviously aggravated by the accident.
This victim incurred medical bills in excess of $44,000.00, will have significant and substantial future medical costs, and has had to face the fact that she will have to live with significant disabilities and physical restrictions for the rest of her life. Directly following the accident, she was in a cast for 2 to 3 months and unable to use crutches because of her left shoulder/clavicle injury. As a result, she was confined to a wheelchair for that lengthy period of time. In addition, and due to the fact that this victim lived alone, her entire recovery period was marred by severe limitations and restrictions and she could not have survived without the assistance of the home care personnel and her daughters who flew down from up north to provide assistance.
Now that the victim has reached maximum medical improvement, she finds herself with severe physical restrictions which include trouble and pain when walking, particularly when walking for any significant distance which also results in swelling and throbbing in her right foot/ankle. In addition, while her cervical spine injuries have all but resolved, her shoulder remains a significant problem with severely limited range of motion and strength and a significant visible deformity.
The victim in this case contacted Attorney Jason D. Weisser for assistance in obtaining some relief from her economic loss resulting from the accident. Mr. Weisser was successful in settling this case with the defendant for a substantial amount for this victim without the necessity of a trial.
