A bimalleolar fracture is a serious ankle injury that can significantly impact your mobility and quality of life. These fractures often occur due to slip and fall accidents, trip and falls on stairs, car accidents (such as force from a brake pedal), or sports-related trauma. No matter the cause, the pain is typically severe and the recovery process long, often involving surgery, casting, physical therapy, and time off work.
How much compensation you get for a bimalleolar fracture settlement in Florida varies based on the unique circumstances of each situation and the severity of your injuries. Based on our own settlement data on this page, the average bimalleolar fracture settlement value is between $110,000 to $215,000.
If you’ve suffered this type of injury due to someone else’s negligence, it’s important to understand your bimalleolar fracture settlement value. This value depends on several factors, including the severity of your fracture, the treatment required, how the injury has impacted your daily life, and the total cost of your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, our legal team has helped many clients pursue compensation for serious orthopedic injuries, including bimalleolar fractures. We know how emotionally and financially overwhelming this kind of injury can be, and we’re here to help you seek a fair settlement that reflects the full impact of your injury. Contact us today to speak with a Florida personal injury lawyer and learn more about your potential bimalleolar fracture settlement value.
How a Bimalleolar Fracture Affects the Ankle
To fully grasp the seriousness of a bimalleolar fracture, it helps to understand the basic anatomy of the ankle. The ankle joint is formed by the connection of three major bones: the tibia, fibula, and talus. When trauma occurs, such as a fall, car accident, or sports-related injury, the lower ends of the tibia and fibula are especially vulnerable to fractures in the malleoli.
Key parts of the ankle include:
- Lateral Malleolus – the outer bump of the ankle located at the lower end of the fibula.
- Medial Malleolus – the inner bump of the ankle located at the lower end of the tibia.
- Posterior Malleolus – the bony protrusion at the back of the ankle.
By understanding how these bone structures work together to stabilize the ankle, it’s easier to comprehend why injuries like a bimalleolar fracture can significantly affect mobility and joint function.
What Is A Bimalleolar Fracture?
A bimalleolar ankle fracture involves a break in both the medial malleolus, as well as the lateral malleolus. There is a fracture to both the inner and outer parts of the ankle. This dual-sided injury results in an unstable ankle joint. The bimalleolar fracture compromises the structural integrity of the joint, making it vulnerable to further damage and potentially early onset ankle arthritis if it is left untreated.
The standard course of treatment for a bimalleolar fracture includes surgical intervention to repair the fracture and stabilize the ankle joint. Surgical intervention aims to reduce the risk of complications and facilitate proper healing.
Symptoms of a Bimalleolar Fracture
A bimalleolar fracture can sometimes mimic the symptoms of a severe ankle sprain, but it typically causes much more intense pain and functional impairment. One of the hallmark signs is a sudden, sharp pain in the ankle immediately following an accident such as a motor vehicle collision, slip and fall, or sports-related injury. This pain is usually severe enough to prevent the individual from walking or putting any weight on the affected foot.
Other common symptoms of a bimalleolar fracture include:
- Significant swelling around the ankle
- Bruising or discoloration near the fracture site
- Pain that radiates to the foot or up the leg toward the knee
- Increased pain when pressure is applied or when attempting to move the ankle
Because a bimalleolar fracture involves both sides of the ankle, the joint becomes unstable. Symptoms often escalate quickly without treatment. Prompt medical attention is crucial to reduce the risk of long-term complications and to begin the healing process effectively.
Case Examples of Bimalleolar Fracture Settlement Values
Case 1: $110,000 Bimalleolar Fracture Settlement
In this unfortunate accident, our client was headed northbound in the left lane on U.S. 19 in Homosassa, Florida on his motorcycle. The defendant, also riding a motorcycle, pulled out of a business on the east side of the road directly into the path of our client. Our client was forced to brake hard to avoid an impact which caused him to lose control of his bike, and it overturned onto its right side. Witnesses on scene supported the fact that the defendant was wholly responsible for causing the accident.
Our client was taken to the hospital when X-rays revealed a bimalleolar fracture of his right ankle. A bimalleolar fracture involves the breaking of the ends of the two bones of the lower leg, the tibia and the fibula. The fracture required a surgical procedure known as an open reduction and internal fixation approximately two weeks after the accident. The surgery was a success, and our client made a good recovery.
After providing a detailed demand package to the insurance companies involved, we negotiated hard with them in an effort to obtain the compensation our client deserved. After rejecting several offers as insufficient to properly compensate our client for his damages, we were finally able to reach an agreement to settle the claim for $110,000.00. This allowed our client to conclude the case without the prolonged time, expense, and uncertainty of formal litigation. He was pleased with the result, and we were happy we could help him obtain much-needed compensation.
Case 2: $215,000 Bimalleolar Fracture Settlement
On the date of this accident, our client was working as a security guard at the security gate at the entrance to Top of the World in Clearwater, Florida. She was standing beside a vehicle which had stopped at the gate to ask for directions. At this point, the defendant driver approached behind the vehicle that was stopped. The defendant driver apparently became impatient and attempted to go around the stopped vehicle by crossing over the double yellow no passing lines and entered the oncoming traffic lane. Unfortunately, this negligent action resulted in the defendant driver striking our client who was standing near the stopped vehicle.
As a result of the collision, our client’s right leg was seriously injured. Doctors diagnosed multiple fractures, including a bimalleolar fracture to the right ankle. Surgery was required to repair the fractures.
We provided the insurance companies involved with very detailed descriptions of our client’s injuries and their effects on her. We initially received low ball offers which failed to fully compensate our client for what she’d been through. We negotiated persistently until the companies finally agreed to pay our client $215,000.00. Our client was pleased with the result and with our representation.
Speak With a Personal Injury Lawyer About Your Bimalleolar Fracture Injury
If you or someone you love has suffered a bimalleolar fracture due to an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we understand how serious and life-altering these injuries can be. Our experienced legal team is here to advocate for your rights and help you pursue the settlement you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Florida personal injury attorney.