Stephanie Benz gave an unsworn victim-impact statement at sentencing on Day 67 about surviving the second blast at the Forum restaurant. She described persistent pain and impaired mobility despite surgery, along with hearing difficulties, anxiety, and out-of-pocket treatment costs.
Mentioned
Stephanie Benz
Boston Marathon spectator injured at the Forum restaurant, near the second blast.
Appeared2015 Federal Trial
2 lines·2 proceedings·2 mentions
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Stephanie Benz addressed the judge in an unsworn victim-impact statement at sentencing on Day 67. She described being on the Forum restaurant patio at the second blast while watching the marathon with friends. After the explosion, she moved inside, where her friend and other civilians helped her before she was taken to the hospital.
Benz said her initial X-rays showed no broken bones and that surface shrapnel was removed before she was discharged. She described months of pain, mobility restrictions, and medical consultations, followed by left-ankle surgery nearly ten months after the bombing. She reported extensive scar tissue and continuing pain despite surgery and rehabilitation.
Her statement also described ringing in her ears, difficulty distinguishing sounds, anxiety, disrupted sleep, and limitations on dancing and everyday movement. She said treatment she found helpful cost thousands of dollars out of pocket. She closed by expressing hope that she would regain full foot and ankle mobility and be able to sleep without pain.
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