96 t-bird driver door problem

The other day when I opened my door on my T-bird, I heard a funny sound then noticed a major problem. The area in the door jam around the bolt, that catches the door was busted out. We are talking about a piece of metal about 1" 1/2 by 4" that is totally cracked and busted free. This is around the catch bolt, and this is now wobbling around. When the door is shut, it sticks out about a 1" 1/2. Has anyone seen anything like this? I'm thinking of tearing the backseat and interior panel out, to see if I can look at it from behind and possibly putting a plate in. Any help greatly appreciated. Sam