Negligence lawsuit filed in Maryland after boxer was left in coma

It is understood that Maryland boxing contenders understand that their jobs can be dangerous and painful. Stepping into the ring to battle another human being until the last one standing wins, or a panel of judges declares a winner, can take a lot of dedication and physical training. Attending physicians are require to sit ringside and tend to the boxers during breaks in the rounds, checking for any signs that may indicate the athlete cannot safely continue the match, including the harder to diagnose concussions. Should a ringside physician fail to stop a fight when a brain injury is possible, negligence could be assumed.

An up and coming boxer has been left in a coma after a welter-weight match two years ago. The match was going as predicted, until the opponent landed some illegal rabbit punches to the back of the young boxer’s head during the 7th round. The man fell to all fours and then awkwardly got to his feet and retreated to a neutral corner, keeping a gloved hand to the back of his head.

After a disqualification in the 10th round, the athlete returned to his dressing room where he complained of dizziness, vomited and lost consciousness. He was transported to a local hospital and received emergency surgery for a brain bleed. The boxer remains in a coma and under the care of his parents in their out-of-state home.

Regardless of the job one does, safeguards should and usually are in place to keep employees and athletes safe. An attending physician is typically required at any professional or semi-professional sporting event. The attending physicians are responsible to see to the welfare of the athletes, as these are now their patients. When a physician does not treat accordingly, negligence can be cited and lawsuits can follow. Should a Maryland resident be a victim of medical negligence, he or she has the option to seek legal recourse in civil court to help cover any medical costs, lost wages and other documented monetary losses due to the incident.

Source: The Washington Post, “Family of Prichard Colon files $50 million lawsuit over fight that left boxer in coma“, Gene Wang, May 4, 2017