FedEx worker sues over broken ankle at icy airport terminal

A FedEx worker who claims his broken ankle requiring the placement of 11 surgical screws and a metal plate was a direct result of his fall at Philadelphia International Airport is suing those responsible for the terminal buildings where the alleged incident occurred two winters ago.

Attorneys Michael J. Olley and Lawrence A. Katz, of the Bala Cynwyd, Pa. law firm of Coffey Kaye Myers & Olley, filed the personal injury complaint Oct. 25 at the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas on behalf of Philadelphia resident James Bryant, and his wife, Barbara.

The defendants named in the lawsuit are Cargo Acquisition Company, Aero Philadelphia Services, and John Rayer Plowing.

The lawsuit claims that while making deliveries at the airport for FedEx on Dec. 19, 2009 at about 9:30 in the morning, James Bryant, while in the process of traveling between buildings C8 and C7, lost his balance and fell after coming into contact with icy conditions in the walkway.

As a result of his fall, James Bryant suffered injuries to his back and right ankle. The latter required open reduction and external fixation surgery consisting of the placement of a metal plate and 11 screws, the lawsuit states.

The incident caused James Bryant to suffer physical pain and mental anguish, and has prevented him from attending to his daily duties and occupations. Furthermore, James Bryant has suffered a loss of earnings because of his inability to work.

The lawsuit accuses the defendants of negligence for allowing the dangerous condition to exist on the walkway, failing to properly and safely maintain the ground and walking surfaces between the two buildings, failing to eliminate the slipping hazards, failing to provide salt, chemicals, rock salt and other substances to treat the ground conditions, and failing to warn the plaintiff of these dangerous conditions.

Bryant’s wife further claims that she has been deprived of her husband’s companionship due to his accident.

The plaintiffs demand judgment against the defendants in a sum in excess of $50,000.

A jury trial has been demanded.

The case number is 111003245.