A boxing match last November in New York resulted in serious brain injuries to a Russian heavyweight boxer. The boxer’s family recently filed a lawsuit against several parties, including five doctors from the New York State Athletic Commission. The family believes that several medical errors, including not transporting him to a hospital after the fight, contributed to the serious nature of his injuries.
Instead of being transported by an ambulance, the boxer ended up being taken by taxi from Madison Square Garden to Mount Sinai Roosevelt Hospital. Three hours after the fight ended, the boxer underwent surgery to remove a blood clot from his brain. However, he suffered several strokes and remained in a coma for a week. A doctor at the hospital says that, while the boxer has regained some movement, he remains bedridden and may never recover the ability to walk or speak.
The family’s attorney says that the doctors acted recklessly when they did not give the boxer the medical attention he needed. He also believes that the fight should have been stopped after the boxer’s opponent hit him in the face with a forearm. By the end of the fight, the boxer’s face had become disfigured and bloody. In addition to the recent filing in New York State Supreme Court, which did not specify damages, a Court of Claims filing indicated that the family intended to seek $100 million from the state and athletic commission.
Medical errors, such as delaying much needed treatment, can cause injuries or illnesses to worsen rapidly. Those who believe that such mistakes may have contributed to an injury or worsening illness for themselves or a family member may have the right to seek compensation from those who are responsible.
Source: ESPN, “Injured boxer’s family files lawsuit“, William Weinbaum, March 27, 2014
