The Case
A wheelchair-dependent patient was being transported in a medical van when the vehicle stopped suddenly. The patient was thrown forward and suffered a femur fracture—a broken thighbone, one of the largest and strongest bones in the body.
A femur fracture is a serious injury that typically requires surgery, hospitalization, and lengthy rehabilitation. For a patient already dependent on a wheelchair, this type of injury creates additional complications in terms of mobility, transfers, and daily care.
After the incident, testing showed that the wheelchair locking mechanism was functional. This raised questions about whether the wheelchair was properly secured at the time of the incident or whether the force of the stop was severe enough to overcome a properly engaged lock.
The patient pursued a claim based on unsafe vehicle operation or failure to properly secure the wheelchair during transport.
The Resolution
The case settled for $237,500. The settlement compensated the patient for the injury, medical treatment, and the impact on an already-limited level of mobility and independence.
Why These Cases Matter
Medical transport providers serve patients who cannot transport themselves. Many of these patients have limited ability to brace for sudden stops or protect themselves during vehicle movements.
Even when safety equipment like wheelchair locks is functional, transport drivers must operate vehicles in a way that accounts for the vulnerability of their passengers. Sudden stops, rapid acceleration, and abrupt turns can all create dangerous conditions for secured passengers.
Patients who are already managing significant disabilities should not have to face additional injuries due to unsafe transport practices. These injuries often compound existing challenges and require care that goes beyond what a non-disabled person would need for the same fracture.
If you or a family member was injured during medical transport, contact us to discuss your case. We handle these cases on a contingency basis—there is no fee unless we recover compensation for you.