Paralyzed hockey player may lose lawsuit against opponent after on-ice injury
A tragic incident occurred during a German hockey championship match on February 3, 2023, between Starbulls Rosenheim and Riessersee. Rosenheim forward Mike Glemser suffered a devastating spinal injury following a collision with Riessersee defenseman Pitch, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down.
According to Bild, Glemser filed a lawsuit against Pitch, demanding compensation for his injury and associated damages. The claim sought €650,000 in direct compensation, with the total potential payout reaching €822,000.
However, the case has hit a legal roadblock. The Munich District Court has redirected the lawsuit to the labor court, complicating Glemser’s chances of success. During Thursday’s hearing, the judge did not issue a ruling but instead presented the plaintiff with a provisional order. Glemser’s lawyer must now reformulate and resubmit the claim, though there is a strong possibility that the lawsuit will be dismissed.
This case could have significant implications for contact sports. If Glemser were to win, it could set a precedent where physical incidents in sports could be legally classified as bodily harm, potentially changing the legal landscape of competitive athletics.
Yasmine Green
Dailysports's expert
Translated by the editors
