New York Settles Lawsuit After Boxer Suffers Major Brain Damage

Sep 13,2017

The State of New York has agreed to a settlement with former boxer Magomed Abdusalamov, who suffered brain damage in a Madison Square Garden boxing match four years ago. New York will pay Abdusalamov and his family $22 million. The settlement is the largest personal injury payout the state has made.

On November 3, 2013, the heavyweight boxer went up against Mike Perez in a 10-round fight televised by HBO. In the first round, Abdusalamov took a blow to the face. For the rest of the fight, he had trouble breathing out of his nose. The fight ended and his face was bloody and swollen.

What Happened After the Fight?

According to his attorney, the ringside physicians examined him after the fight. After suturing a gash on his face, they advised him to be X-rayed for a potential facial fracture after he returned home to Florida. There were ambulances available at the venue, but the doctors did not urge the boxer to take one to the hospital. Shortly afterward, the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) inspector assigned to monitor Abdusalamov found blood in his urine sample. He then urged him to take a taxi to the hospital. The boxer lost consciousness once he arrived at the emergency room.

Abdusalamov underwent emergency surgery for extensive brain damage, and he was left in a coma for weeks afterward. He was hospitalized for more than 10 months. The 36-year-old is still paralyzed on his right side. Abdusalamov is married with three children, and he remains unable to walk or speak in complete sentences.

Who was to Blame?

After investigating the incident, the state inspector general determined that the NYSAC mishandled Abdusalamov’s care. He also concluded that NYSAC chief medical officer Barry Jordan was partly responsible for the post-fight situation, and that NYSAC inspector Matt Farrago failed to take appropriate action. The report also recommended reforms to the NYSAC.

The state of New York will pay $10 million into structured settlement annuities for Abdusalamov and $10 million into an account overseen by a court-appointed property guardian. An additional $2 million will be paid to Abdusalamov’s wife.

“Boxing is certainly a dangerous sport with obvious risks. However, it is clear that this boxer’s care was mishandled and as a result his life will never be the same,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today at (760) 777-7777 for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.