A George Washington Law School professor is suing the University of Denver for more than $100,000 for damages associated with a broken heel she suffered while accepting an award on their campus in 2011.
In the lawsuit, Dinah Shelton claims that she broke her heel after stepping off a podium platform that was “unreasonably small in width and depth.” Shelton was at the University of Denver to accept the Myres S. McDougal Distinguished Lecturer award, which had never been awarded to a female professor. She was taking a step backwards to set down her glass of water when she fell and injured her heel.
The lawsuit claims that the broken foot has caused Shelton numerous problems over the last two years, including out of pocket expenses. She alleges that travel has become increasingly difficult and painful because it often “involves walking on uneven ground, sitting for extensive periods of time, and limitations on movement.” Shelton also claims she has had to pay out of pocket at nonprofit events because they cannot afford to accommodate her discomfort.
Popular opinion seems to be against the Shelton, as some see the lawsuit as a money grab.
“I’m ashamed this woman teaches law at our university when she’s clearly exploiting it for financial gain,” said one person on the George Washington student newspaper website.
“Wasteful litigation. Take responsibility for your own actions and lack of grace,” said another person.
Dr. Silverman comments
A fracture to the heel is no small event. The injury usually involves a fall from a reasonable height, and the energy of the body is concentrated into one small area in the heel. The hardest bone of the body, the Talus, drives into the heel bone.
As the Talus drives downwards, a complicated but typical fracture pattern develops. The joint surface beneath the ankle joint is crushed into 1-3 pieces, the heel collapses inward and then widens.
Standard calcaneus fracture surgery involves putting the pieces back together through a large open incision. At Silverman Ankle & Foot, we will almost always use the minimally invasive approach to realign the foot and get the desired result.
Even when the bone is put back together perfectly, great results are hard to attain. The subtalar joint, which is responsible for lateral movement and allows us to walk comfortably on uneven ground, can become stiff and develop post-traumatic arthritis. The fat on the bottom of the heal is permanently altered and never feels as comfortable as it did before the injury. Also, tendons can be damaged and rupture.
As an ankle and foot specialist, I am always intrigued to see how different people react after this surgery. Some people heal amazingly quick, while others are slower to regain comfort in their heel. Regardless of the outcome of the suit, I wish Dinah the best of luck in getting back to full health. I strongly recommend that she visit a foot specialist.
Related source: GW Hatchet