Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers | November 8, 2024 | Personal Injury

Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture Settlements

An ankle fracture occurs when you break one or more ankle bones. The broken bone may be partial or complete and occurs on one or both sides of the ankle. It is a serious injury that often requires surgery and a lengthy recovery period.

Trimalleolar ankle fractures are severe ankle fractures that can have long-term impacts on a person’s quality of life. They can be caused by many types of accidents, including car accidents, slip and fall accidents, and recreational activities. If you sustain a trimalleolar ankle fracture because of another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to a substantial trimalleolar ankle fracture settlement.

What Is a Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture?

A trimalleolar ankle fracture occurs when you break your tibia and fibula in your lower leg. The bones create a three-sided frame that supports your ankle and lets you move your foot and ankle.

In addition to breaking the bones in your ankle, trimalleolar ankle fractures can damage the ligaments and tendons that support your bones. You could have a permanent limp and are at risk of developing arthritis in your ankle. Some individuals may develop a permanent impairment that could impact their ability to work.

Symptoms and Treatment of a Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture

If you sustain a trimalleolar ankle fracture, you will experience severe pain. You may be unable to put weight on your ankle or walk. If you walk, it will be difficult and excruciating. Walking could cause additional damage.

Your ankle may begin to swell. The swelling may be severe. You may also notice bruising around or on your ankle.

Doctors use imaging to diagnose an ankle fracture, including X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. A doctor may perform an arthroscopy to examine the ankle’s interior. You will likely receive medication for pain and be scheduled for ankle surgery. You will likely need extensive physical therapy after the cast is removed.

What Influences Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture Settlements?

A broken ankle settlement depends on several factors. Factors that impact the value of a trimalleolar ankle fracture settlement include:

The Severity of the Ankle Fracture

The extent of the damage to your ankle, the treatment required, and the length of your recovery period impact how much your damages are worth. Generally, as the severity of an injury increases, the value of damages increases. You have more expenses and increased pain and suffering.

Medical Expenses

The cost to treat a trimalleolar ankle fracture can be extensive. 

You will likely have medical expenses that include:

  • Emergency room services
  • Surgery and hospitalization costs
  • Bills for medical providers
  • Diagnostic tests
  • Prescription medications
  • Medical devices, including casts, wheelchairs, crutches, etc.
  • Physical therapy
  • Ongoing care and treatment

Higher medical expenses for an injury increase the settlement amount. It is important to keep track of all expenses, including out-of-pocket costs related to your trimalleolar ankle fracture.

Loss of Income

You will likely be out of work for an extended period while you recover from a trimalleolar ankle fracture. Loss of income includes the money you would have earned had you been able to work. It may also include benefits you would have received, including matching retirement benefits, vacation days, and paid time off.

Pain and Suffering

The severity and duration of your injury significantly impact your pain and suffering. Because trimalleolar ankle fractures are severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment and lengthy recoveries, pain and suffering damages are often more significant than in cases involving minor injuries.

Long-Term Impacts

A trimalleolar ankle fracture can cause permanent impairments and disabilities. If so, you can receive compensation for future lost wages, diminished earning capacity, ongoing pain and suffering, and decreased quality of life. Settlement values increase as the severity of the impairment increases.

What Damages Are Available for a Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture Claim?

Florida personal injury laws include compensation for economic and non-economic damages. 

Examples of damages in cases involving trimalleolar ankle fractures include:

The value of your claim depends on the facts of your case. For example, if you contributed to the cause of your injury, your damages may be reduced under Florida’s comparative fault laws. An attorney can review your case to determine the types of damages available and the value of damages.

You must prove that the other party is liable for your claim. Therefore, you must have evidence proving negligence or other wrongdoing before recovering damages. The strength of your evidence can also be a factor in determining how much your case is worth.

Get Help With a Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture Settlement

If you sustained a trimalleolar ankle fracture or other injury, contact a free consultation with a Port St. Lucie personal injury lawyer. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling complex injury claims.

Contact Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers For Help Today

For more information, please contact the Stuart, Port St. Lucie, or Palm Beach Gardens personal injury law firm of Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.

We proudly serve Martin County,  St. Lucie County, Palm Beach County, and its surrounding areas in Florida:

Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Stuart
73 SW Flagler Ave
Stuart, FL 34994
(772) 444-7000

Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Port St. Lucie
1100 SW St. Lucie West Blvd. Ste 202
Port St Lucie, FL 34986
(772) 247-3374

Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Palm Beach Gardens
300 Avenue of the Champions Ste 220
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
(561) 944-4000