Serious Ankle Injury After Slip-and-Fall on Ice—Metzger & Kleiner Demands Justice
Metzger & Kleiner represented a dedicated community volunteer who suffered a severe ankle injury after slipping on untreated ice. This devastating injury significantly disrupted her daily life, independence, and ability to support her family.
What Happened
Our 65-year-old client, actively involved as a volunteer trustee at her local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post in Philadelphia, had spent the evening playing shuffleboard and cards. As she left the building, bundled warmly against the cold weather, she headed towards her friend’s car parked nearby. She quickly realized trash cans on the adjacent property blocked her direct route and turned to navigate around the back of the car.
She tried to regain her footing but fell a second time, injuring herself further. After crawling between parked vehicles, she fell once more, experiencing intense pain and difficulty walking. Eventually, she managed to enter her friend’s car and was taken home, where her husband, a nurse, assessed the injury as severe enough to require immediate medical attention.
Severe and Life-Changing Injuries
Emergency responders transported her to the hospital, where x-rays revealed a displaced fracture of her right ankle (distal fibula fracture), necessitating emergency treatment, heavy pain medication, and a splint.
Her injuries included:
- Displaced fracture of the distal fibula
- Significant swelling, preventing immediate surgery
- Multiple fractures requiring surgical intervention
Ultimately, surgery included open reduction and internal fixation, involving seven screws and a metal plate placed in her ankle. Post-surgery recovery was extensive and painful, including:
- Weeks of immobilization and elevation
- Physical therapy
- Transition from a cast to a fracture boot, then to regular footwear with compression support
Despite completing therapy, our client continues experiencing pain, limited mobility, and ongoing discomfort in daily activities.
Personal and Emotional Impact
This accident deeply impacted our client’s quality of life. Once active and independent, she faced humiliation and distress needing assistance with basic tasks, including personal hygiene. She became dependent on her husband for everyday care during her recovery, placing significant stress on their lives—especially challenging as her husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, making caregiving and mutual support increasingly difficult.
Today, she still struggles with:
- Difficulty navigating stairs and uneven surfaces
- Chronic pain and soreness, especially after extended activity
- Continued reliance on her husband despite his declining health
Liability and Responsibility
Investigations clearly indicated the defendants’ negligence, as they failed to adequately clear ice from their sidewalk. Earlier snow and freezing conditions made proper maintenance essential, yet the property owner neglected this basic responsibility, creating a hazardous environment.
Seeking Justice
Metzger & Kleiner demanded accountability, pursuing fair compensation for the severe, lasting impact of the defendants’ negligence. Our legal actions aimed to provide our client with the financial resources needed to manage ongoing medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and significant lifestyle adjustments.
Why We Fight
At Metzger & Kleiner, we understand the profound physical, emotional, and financial toll of injuries caused by negligence. We fight to secure the justice our clients deserve, helping them reclaim dignity and independence after preventable injuries.
Have You Been Injured?
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence, such as untreated ice or unsafe premises, contact Metzger & Kleiner today. We provide free consultations and dedicated support, ensuring you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
Metzger & Kleiner is here to stand by your side, advocating fiercely for your rights.