A trimalleolar ankle fracture is one of the most severe ankle injuries a person can suffer. These fractures virtually always require surgery and extensive rehabilitation. They can lead to serious long-term complications and impairment. 

If you suffered a trimalleolar fracture due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Our experienced personal injury attorneys in St. Petersburg are here to guide you through the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Here’s what you may be entitled to recover for this serious type of ankle injury. 

What Is A Trimalleolar Fracture?

Ankle fractures account for about 9% of broken bones. Most are isolated malleolar fractures; trimalleolar fractures make up about 7% of ankle fractures.

A trimalleolar ankle fracture is a break in all three bony areas of the ankle:  

  • Medial malleolus: the inner part of the tibia  
  • Lateral malleolus: the outer part of the fibula  
  • Posterior malleolus: the back portion of the tibia  

This type of fracture is particularly serious because it destabilizes the ankle joint, making weight-bearing and movement extremely difficult. 

These fractures usually result from high-impact injuries with a twisting mechanism, including the following:

Older women are at the highest risk of a trimalleolar fracture, usually from a fall. In older people, these fractures often lead to loss of independence. About 60% of older adults who suffer an ankle fracture go to a nursing home after discharge, and they face an increased risk of another fall. Young and middle-aged men are at an increased risk from high-impact trauma such as a traffic accident. 

Unlike minor ankle sprains or single-bone fractures, a trimalleolar fracture almost always requires surgery and long-term rehabilitation.

Factors Affecting Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture Settlements

Every injury case is unique, but certain factors play a significant role in determining how much a trimalleolar ankle fracture settlement is worth. 

Common factors your lawyer will consider during negotiations include: 

  • The severity of the injury. The more severe the injury, the higher the medical costs and impact on daily life, which can increase settlement amounts.
  • Need for surgery and rehabilitation. Cases requiring multiple surgeries or long-term physical therapy tend to have higher settlements because of increased medical expenses and prolonged recovery time.
  • Future medical needs. A settlement considers ongoing medical care you will need after your accident. 
  • Reduced earning capacity. If the injury prevents a person from returning to work or forces them to take a lower-paying job, this lost income is factored into the settlement.
  • Impact on daily life. Settlements often include compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. Chronic pain, difficulty walking, and permanent mobility issues increase the value of non-economic damages.
  • Strength of evidence. With strong evidence proving the at-fault party’s liability, you are more likely to reach a fair settlement agreement. 
  • Comparative fault. If the injured person was partially at fault for the accident, their compensation may be reduced based on their percentage of fault under Florida comparative negligence law
  • Insurance policy limits. The available insurance coverage from the at-fault party plays a significant role in how much compensation is possible.

An experienced personal injury lawyer will help you build the strongest case possible to seek maximum compensation. 

What Is A Trimalleolar Fracture Worth?

Settlement amounts for trimalleolar ankle fractures depend on the unique details of the case. In general, these serious injuries usually result in settlements of $100,000 to $1 million. However, your case may be worth more or less depending on the circumstances. 

Personal injury settlements are not public, but jury verdicts are. There have been several personal injury cases in Florida in recent years involving trimalleolar fractures. 

A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help With a Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture Settlement

A trimalleolar ankle fracture is a serious injury that can change your life. If your fracture was caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering. 

Schedule a free consultation today and learn how a personal injury lawyer can fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery.

Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Florida

If you’ve been injured in an accident, please contact our experienced Personal Injury lawyers at Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group to schedule a free consultation today. We have three convenient locations in Florida, including Vero Beach, St. Petersburg, and Port St. Lucie.

Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group – Vero Beach
2651 20th St
Vero Beach, FL 32960
(772) 758-1966

Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group – St. Petersburg
200 Central Ave Suite 304
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(772) 569-8155

Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group – Port St. Lucie
10805 SW Tradition Square Unit 024A
Port St. Lucie, FL 34987
(772) 677-0373