Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture: Definition, Causes, and Legal Aspects

A trimalleolar ankle fracture is a severe injury that involves the breaking of bones around the ankle joint. This type of fracture is one of the most complex and serious forms of ankle fractures. 

When someone else’s negligence causes this fracture, you can file a personal injury lawsuit and get a trimalleolar ankle fracture settlement. It helps you cover medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.

This blog will explain what a trimalleolar ankle fracture is, what the causes are, and the legal aspects.

What is a Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture?

A trimalleolar ankle fracture refers to the breaking of three bones surrounding the ankle. One is the bony knob that sticks outside of the ankle, called the lateral malleolus; the second one is the bony knob that sticks inside of the ankle, called the medial malleolus; and the last one is the bone present at the back of the tibia, called the posterior malleolus.

When these three bones get fractured, it can cause significant pain, swelling, and instability in the ankle joint. Only a complex surgery helps restore normal function, and it takes months to heal completely.

Causes of Trimalleolar Ankle Fractures

Trimalleolar fractures are typically caused only by high-impact injuries because the force required to break three bones is substantial. Common causes are:

• Car Accidents: When a car collides in a high-speed impact, it can lead to severe injuries, including trimalleolar fractures, as the force of the collision can cause the ankle to twist or compress in unnatural ways.
• Falls: If a person falls from a height, it can cause the ankle to bend or twist beyond its normal range of motion, leading to a trimalleolar fracture.
• Sports Injuries: Contact sports or activities involving rapid movements and changes in direction, such as football, basketball, or skiing, can result in ankle fractures, like trimalleolar type.
• Workplace Accidents: Certain work environments, especially those involving heavy machinery or construction, can also increase the risk of trimalleolar fractures.
• Pedestrian Accidents: When pedestrians are hit by a vehicle, or sometimes the pedestrian’s legs or ankle is struck under the vehicle in a serious hit, it may lead to deadly injuries to the lower legs and ankles, often leading to complex injuries like trimalleolar fractures.

Legal Aspects of Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture Claim

If the trimalleolar fracture occurs due to someone else’s negligence, the injured party can claim compensation. 

When a Victim Can Claim Compensation

There are various situations in which a person can claim compensation for a trimalleolar fracture. They are:

• Vehicle Accidents: If another driver’s negligence caused the accident, leading to the fracture, the victims have the legal right to file a lawsuit and claim compensation.
• Premises Liability: If the injury occurred on someone else’s property due to unsafe conditions such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or inadequate warning signs, the victim can hold the property owner liable.
• Workplace Accidents: If the workplace safety violations contributed to the injury, the employee can claim workers’ compensation or pursue a third-party liability claim if applicable.

What Compensation Victims Can Get

The victim can get compensation for economic and non-economic damages.

• Economic Damages: These may include the cost of current and future medical treatments, lost wages, and property damages.
• Non-economic Damages: It may include compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.

In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded when the defendant’s actions were intentional.

Conclusion

A trimalleolar ankle fracture is a serious injury that can have long-term consequences. If you are suffering from a trimalleolar ankle fracture, it is important to seek immediate medical attention and also consult with a personal injury lawyer to know your legal options and receive the compensation you deserve.

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