05/07/2004
NEWS STORY
It's understood that Ralf Schumacher is talking with his lawyers with regards the possibility of suing the American doctors who failed to correctly diagnose his injuries following his high-speed crash in the recent US GP at Indianapolis.
"If we discover neglect in Ralf's medical treatment at the Methodist Hospital we will bring forward charges," said the WilliamsF1 driver's manager Willi Weber.
"A German lawyer is working on the case," he revealed. "We simply need a few documents including doctors' reports."
The German was originally said to have been suffering from concussion and a bruised back, and following an overnight stay was released. However, on returning to Germany, and following a further examination, it was discovered that Ralf had cracked two vertebrae in his back, which ruled him out of racing for up to three months.
A legal expert in Indianapolis has claimed the it could take up to five years before the outcome is known, should Ralf pursue his claim. Even then, the payout would depend on whether the doctors involved had insurance. In the case of insured doctors, the payout would not exceed $1.25m, however for uninsured doctors there is no limit on the compensation.
"These doctors are insured," said Weber.
Ralf has up to two years to make his claim, at which time an independent doctors commission would decide if there is a case to answer. If there is, the most likely scenario is that the insurance company would wish to settle out-of-court.