Michael Schumacher health condition latest news: F1 legend cannot walk nor stand, lawyer reveals
Contrary to widespread rumors, F1 champion Michael Schumacher is still unable to walk or even stand, his lawyer has revealed.
Felix Damm, a lawyer for Schumacher and his family, revealed such in a German court as part of a lawsuit filed by Schumacher's family against a German magazine that published a false report that the world champion driver can walk again.
In December 2015, celebrity magazine Bunte printed a front page story in which it was said that Schumacher has recovered enough that he could take a few steps with the help of his therapists and even raise an arm. The magazine said that their information came from "a friend of Schumacher."
Two years prior, the seven-time world champion suffered a serious head injury during a skiing accident in the French Alps. Because he had suffered a traumatic brain injury, he was later placed in a medically induced coma. Schumacher was in the coma for six months. In September 2014, he was relocated to his home, where he reportedly continues to receive medical treatment.
Shortly after Bunte's Schumacher cover story came out, Sabine Kehm, his agent, released a statement, saying, "Speculation is irresponsible, because given the seriousness of his injuries, his privacy is very important."
"Unfortunately, [Bunte] also gave false hopes to many involved people," she added.
The F1 legend's family later took the magazine to court in Hamburg. Damm said that apart from making false claims, Bunte has also breached Schumacher's privacy.
"I told the court on Friday that the alleged claim that Michael Schumacher can walk again is false and simply not true," he told CNN after a hearing on the Schumacher family's lawsuit against Bunte. "Michael cannot even stand with the help of his special therapists. I cannot make any other comments about Michael's health situation," he added.
This unfortunate admission is a rare update from the Schumachers on their patriarch's health status.
According to ESPN, the presiding judge has pointed out that the Schumacher are likely to receive damages amounting to 40,000 to 100,000 Euros.
The final verdict is expected in October.