Injuries Alleged: Fractured ribs and extended hospitalizations
Amount of Settlement: $1,400,000.00
Case Summary:
84 year old man leaving the premises of his local dry cleaners where he had previously worked. He leaned against a wrought iron hand rail on the landing outside of the rear door, which unbeknownst to the plaintiff was not properly secured to the wall of the building, as the lock had rotted out. The railing swung open sideways, causing plaintiff to lose his balance and fall approximately four feet down to the concrete drive below. He was taken by ambulance to a local hospital where he was diagnosed with a displaced right rib fracture. However, after a day and a half at home, he was taken back to the hospital with complaints of shortness of breath. Further imaging studies revealed five broken ribs and a hemothorax. Plaintiff was previously in relatively good health for his age. However, his health deteriorated rapidly, complicated by hospital borne infections, multiple pulmonary and cardiac issues, resulting in an extremely prolonged hospital stay. Plaintiff's counsel retained a well regarded pulmonologist who conducted an extensive medical record review resulting in a comprehensive report linking the fall to the host of subsequent medical issues. Substantial hospital bills were negotiated and substantially compromised, and case was settled at pre-suit mediation on behalf of plaintiff and his wife.
