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New Year's Day was a day of celebrating for the family of Formula One driver Michael Schumacher. It wasn't ringing in 2014 that was the cause for celebration, nor was the feeling exactly that of happiness or excitement. It was relief, as doctors reported that Schumacher had reached stable condition after sustaining a brain trauma caused by a skiing accident.
Schumacher and his family were spending the holidays at Meribel, near Grenoble, France. On December 29th, just a few days shy of his 45th birthday, Schumacher was skiing down an alpine slope when he crossed an area of open ground between two runs. Tripped on a turn by what seemed to be a hidden rock in the snow, he catapulted through the air, landing on his head onto another rock.
"The Greatest of Adventurers"
Schumacher, the most successful driver in Formula One history, is an avid sportsman. Known for his aggressive nature on the racetrack, he's no less intense when it comes to other sports he enjoys, like skydiving, horseback riding, and skiing.
One of Schumacher's predecessors in the racing world said, "There are those who keep out of mischief, and then there are the adventurers. Michael Schumacher is the greatest of adventurers."
However, this was an accident which, for Schumacher's experience level, can't really be looked upon as "mischief." His speed was normal for an experienced skier, the skis were in good condition, and the slope he was on was not very steep. Hitting a hidden rock in the snow is the kind of thing that can happen to anyone, even the most experienced and skillful sportsmen.
A week after his condition was stabilized, Schumacher is still in a medically-induced coma, and has undergone two brain surgeries. His doctors report that his condition, though stable, is still critical.
When "Mischief" Shows Up Unexpectedly
Accidents are expected for adventurers. But even for daredevils like Schumacher, sometimes the greatest injuries occur in activities considered low-risk. If you've suffered an unexpected brain injury and are unsure of where to turn, call Stephen M. Smith at 757-244-7000 for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation, or fill out the case review form on the left side of this page. You can learn what kind of help you're entitled to, and get started on recovering your health and vitality.
