Paralyzed Chinese gymnast sues for $1.8 billion

Sang Lan, a Chinese gymnast who broke her neck during a vaulting accident at the 1998 Goodwill Games, filed a $1.8 billion lawsuit against Time Warner and the US gymnastics federation. Sang was paralyzed after being injured during a warm-up vault at the Nassau Coliseum in suburban New York at the global multisport event which is no longer contested but was at the time owned by AOL Time Warner. In a federal lawsuit, Sang, now 29, claims promises for care after her injury were broken and her condition has worsened because Time Warner and USA Gymnastics failed to make sure her medical bills were paid and other needs were met. Sang, paralyzed from below the middle of her chest, says she has been unable to obtain vital treatments after suffering spinal cord injuries and two broken and dislocated vertebrae. The lawsuit also claims Sang has suffered under the care of two Chinese-Americans who were appointed as her legal guardians after the accident by Chinese gymnastics officials, a move made over her parents' objections. The filing says her guardians have controlled her medical treatments and contacts with US physicians. "Living in China for the past 13 years, Ms. Lan was literally unable to sue in an American court or Chinese court," the lawsuit said. "Ms. Lan has been struggling for the past 13 years in China, without proper medical insurance coverage, without a penny compensatory damage for her... permanent injury, without freedom or recourse to seek justice."