Ex-Cowboys RB Ron Springs Sues Doctors
Posted by
Dan FrithJanuary 25, 2008 1:04 PMFormer Dallas Cowboy running back, Ron Springs, had a tiny cyst on his left forearm. Not a big medical problem when you remember he received a new kidney about 7 months ago in a much publicized kidney transplant from friend and fellow former Cowboy Everson Walls. However, the treatment of this small cyst was about to change Ron Springs' life, and the lives of his family, forever.
Mr. Springs checked into Medical City Dallas Hospital on October 12, 2007, the same hospital where he received his kidney months before. He was assured the procedure to remove the cyst was minor and believed he would be back in his Plano home before nightfall. But something went terribly wrong before the cyst could be removed. While the anesthesia was administered, Mr. Springs lapsed into a coma and has remained hospitalized at Medical City.
Adriane Springs, Ron's wife has filed a medical malpractice case against her husband's anesthesiologist and plastic surgeon. Neither the anesthesiologist, Dr. Joyce E. Abraham, nor the plastic surgeon, Dr. David M. Godat, have publicly commented on the suit.
The suit will also attack the constitutionality of the $250,000 cap the Texas Legislature has placed on pain-and-suffering awards. Texas voters approved the cap as a state constitutional amendment in 2003. It is quite possible that Ron Springs will never emerge from his coma. Is $250,000 adequate compensation for a lifetime in a coma...developing decubitus ulcers and lung infections? How could it! Texans...better hope one of your family members doesn't end up like Ron Springs!
Mrs. Springs refuses to give up hope that her husband may someday awake from the coma.