Our client, a college student, was walking near 183 Massachusetts Avenue in Boston with a friend after returning from the gym. As they made their way to a nearby store, our client’s foot slid forward along a slick metal grate, causing his left foot to catch on an angled, outward-raised concrete frame surrounding the grate.
The dangerous condition created by the improperly maintained sidewalk infrastructure caused our client’s knee to give out violently, resulting in his kneecap dislocating and his lower leg bending outward at an unnatural angle. The force of the incident caused our client to perform an involuntary split, leaving him unable to walk and in immediate, excruciating pain.
Campus police officers who witnessed the incident advised our client to seek emergency medical attention. Due to his inability to walk, the responding officer had to partially carry our client to an Uber vehicle for transport to the hospital.
Severe Knee Injury Requiring Immediate Surgery
The accident resulted in a catastrophic knee injury that required immediate surgical intervention. Medical evaluation revealed:
- Severe knee effusion with inability to fully extend without pain
- X-rays revealing significant joint damage
- Large suprapatellar joint effusion requiring immediate orthopedic referral
Surgical Reconstruction and Extended Recovery
Given the severity of the knee damage and the high risk of recurrent instability, our client required immediate surgical reconstruction. The surgery left our client with permanent scarring and initiated a lengthy rehabilitation process that significantly impacted his college experience and future athletic activities.
Following surgery, our client underwent extensive physical therapy treatment spanning over 18 months.
Life-Altering Impact on Young Student
This preventable accident had devastating consequences for our client’s college experience and future opportunities, including:
- Unable to seek summer employment due to physical limitations
- Limited mobility during the critical end-of-semester period
- Required assistance from family friends to pack dormitory belongings
- Forced to rely on others for basic transportation and daily tasks
Additionally, the accident affected his athletic and recreational activities, which included:
- Permanent loss of ability to participate in running and sports activities
- Chronic pain, which affected his quality of life and independence
- Long-term physical therapy requirements, disrupting normal college activities
- Ongoing concerns about future knee stability and re-injury risk
Premises Liability and Property Owner Responsibility
This case highlights the serious consequences of poorly maintained sidewalks and dangerous infrastructure. Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe walking surfaces and address hazardous conditions that could cause injury to pedestrians.
The combination of a slick metal grate and an improperly elevated concrete frame created a dangerous trap that caused our client’s catastrophic knee injury. Our legal team thoroughly documented the hazardous condition and pursued full compensation for the life-changing consequences of this preventable accident.
Fighting for Student Safety and Maximum Recovery
Our $200,000 settlement demand reflects the comprehensive impact this accident has had on our client’s life, including substantial medical expenses, ongoing physical limitations, lost opportunities, and long-term pain and suffering. We are committed to holding property owners accountable for maintaining safe conditions and ensuring injured students receive the compensation they deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to dangerous sidewalk conditions, defective infrastructure, or other premises liability hazards, our experienced legal team is here to help. We understand the unique challenges faced by students and young adults whose injuries can impact their education, career prospects, and long-term quality of life. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your premises liability case and learn about your legal rights.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is unique and results depend on specific facts and circumstances. This case result is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.