Shopper sustains severe injury when detergent bottle hits leg — $2 million settlement

Injuries alleged: Hematoma leading to cellulitis and necrotic tissue, severe edema, lymph fluid drainage

Date resolved: Oct. 1, 2024

Attorneys for plaintiff: Justin Sheldon, Breit Biniazan, Richmond; Geoff McDonald and Theodore W. Briscoe III, Geoff McDonald & Associates, Richmond

Description of case: The plaintiff was checking out at a retail establishment when the clerk pushed a large bottle of detergent onto the plaintiff’s leg. The heavy bottle caused immediate trauma and acute pain in the plaintiff’s right calf at the point of impact.

Initially, the plaintiff ignored the pain, hoping it would improve, but worsening symptoms led her to seek emergency care. A hematoma was identified, and she was discharged with pain medication and care instructions.

Over the next few days, the hematoma burst, leading to increased pain and redness, prompting further medical evaluations. Multiple visits to emergency rooms and wound care centers followed, revealing severe complications, including cellulitis and necrotic tissue. The plaintiff underwent several surgical procedures, including debridements and skin grafts, as the wound became increasingly complex, exposing muscle and requiring extensive care.

Despite receiving various treatments, including IV antibiotics, wound VAC therapy, and skin substitutes, the plaintiff faced ongoing challenges such as anemia and edema. Eventually, after multiple surgeries and careful management, she received an autograft to close the wound. Despite ongoing treatments, she developed infections and experienced graft loss.

The plaintiff continued exhibiting concerning symptoms, including severe edema and lymph fluid drainage. Despite ongoing medical management, her condition deteriorated, culminating in a significant decline during her last appointments before she died.

Plaintiff’s counsel’s law firm, Breit Biniazan, provided case information.

[024-T-159]