Colorado Crush Team Physician Accused of Malpractice

Former Colorado Crush arena football team player Clay Rush has filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against team physician Dr. Saurabh Mangalik and his employer, HealthONE Clinic Services, for failing to properly treat his concussions. Rush was the kicker for the Colorado Crush in 2008, and alleges that he sustained several blows to the head during various games. Rush alleges that his concussions were mistreated, resulting in permanent injuries. The lawsuit did not disclose the nature or extent of Rush’s injuries, but concussions are a form of brain injury.

The lawsuit contends that the doctor treated Rush for headaches and sent him back on the field so that the doctor could “properly evaluate and observe him.” The doctor disputes this claim, asserting that “his records indicated that he had repeatedly told Rush and team trainers that Rush should not play or practice until his symptoms, like headaches and dizziness, cleared. The modern standard of care for sport-related concussions is to forbid physical activity until all symptoms subside because sustaining another head injury too soon can cause far greater damage.”

Concussions

Concussions may be mild to severe. A person may not necessarily lose consciousness from a concussion, and symptoms may not appear for several days or weeks. Signs to watch out for include:

• Headache or neck pain that persists
• Light-headedness, balance problems, or dizziness
• Nausea
• Increased sensitivity to light and sound
• Double or fuzzy, blurred vision or tired eyes
• Loss of sense of smell or taste
• Ringing in the ears
• Difficulty remembering, concentrating, or making decisions
• Slowness in thinking, speaking, acting, or reading
• Getting lost or easily confused
• Feeling sluggish, tired, listless, or unmotivated all of the time
• Inexplicable mood changes
• Changes in sleep patterns

Cases involving medical malpractice or traumatic brain injuries require an attorney with the right combination of legal experience and medical knowledge. If you believe that you or someone you love has been the victim of medical negligence or medical malpractice, contact our office for help.