German hockey player files lawsuit against opponent over paralysis

Mike Glemser endured several months in the hospital, focusing on his rehabilitation and physical therapy. His fourth and fifth vertebrae were fractured, leaving him with permanent paraplegia. By September, he was discharged with limited movement returning in his shoulders, biceps, and left wrist. Additionally, he was fortunate to receive close to 700,000 Euros in donations, which will support him and his partner as they navigate the challenges of this profound injury.

Mike Glemser has filed a lawsuit more than a year and a half after the incident, targeting Jan-Niklas Pietsch, the player who shoved him into the boards and left him paralyzed. Although he had previously stated that he didn't hold Pietsch responsible, his legal team brought the case to Munich's second regional court, seeking over 800,000 Euros in damages. The defense team warned that the case could set a dangerous precedent for future hockey injury claims, even though Glemser's need for compensation is evident. His lawyers proceeded in the absence of any other party to hold liable.

No one can deny Mike Glemser's life has been changed forever. It is an unfortunate situation, as Pietsch did not intentionally try to injure him; he simply made an unlucky hit in a tough spot. Hockey is a contact sport, so there will be instances where a player is hit forcefully in a sensitive area, potentially resulting in a severe injury like this. Unfortunately, that's what happened to Mike Glemser, and Jan-Niklas Pietsch will have to live with the fact that he paralyzed him. If he could go back in time and not finish the hit, I'm sure he would. However, if hockey players never finished their hits, it wouldn't be the same sport we all know.