Texas Father Suffers Devastating Double-Leg Fractures After Falling Nearly 20 Feet

A Texas father survived a terrifying fall from a ladder—but the impact left both of his legs severely fractured and his family facing what could be more than a year of recovery.

Michael, from Sinton, Texas, has been hospitalized since Monday after falling nearly 20 feet while working for a landscaping company.

According to his fiancée, Kaylee, Michael was trimming a tree when the limb he was cutting suddenly came down and struck the ladder. The impact shook the ladder and sent him plunging to the ground.

He landed on his feet, but the force of the fall was devastating.

Michael suffered fractures to both tibias, along with numerous additional fractures. He has already undergone two surgeries and currently cannot put weight on his legs for at least three to four months. His family has been told that a full recovery could take more than a year.

Doctors initially placed external fixators—metal rods and frames designed to stabilize his injured legs—during his first surgery.

A second procedure involved a fasciotomy to relieve dangerous pressure caused by extensive swelling in his legs.

Now, that swelling is delaying the next major step in his treatment.

Kaylee says Michael will need to undergo anesthesia again within the next 24 to 48 hours so doctors can close the surgical openings. The external fixators are expected to remain in place until at least Monday.

If the swelling has not improved by then, the family may have no choice but to continue waiting.

“It’s uncertain what’s ahead, but it’s definitely a life changing event,” Kaylee said. “The uncertainty is so incredibly scary for both of us.”

The injury has also turned the family’s everyday life upside down.

Michael and Kaylee have six c