Title: Nico's Unforgotten Journey: From Educator to Nursing Case
Meet Nico Klein (24), an individual whose life took a drastic turn following a fateful day on June 24, 2022. This harrowing incident transformed Nico from an educator into a nursing case, as he battled to claw his way back to his former life.
The Unfortunate Event
A treacherous bend on district road 8 (Soest district) held a calamitous fate for Nico. In a zone with a 100 km/h speed limit, his motorcycle collided fiercely into the rear of a parked police car, occupied by officers waiting for a tow truck following another biker collision. The police car's position on the road, without any visible warnings or adequate safety precautions, proved to be the fatal twist of fate.
Overcoming Obstacles
Nico's injuries were severe and critical. His medical complications included fractured lumbar and thoracic vertebrae, a compressed lung, a ruptured spleen, liver hemorrhage, a broken collarbone, a fractured upper jaw, a shattered midface, a fractured base of skull, and severe traumatic brain injury accompanied by bleeding inside the brain.
The medical odyssey for Nico came with myriad procedures. Multiple surgeries were performed to treat his life-threatening brain trauma, spinal injuries, and facial damage. Challenges arose with the elevated intracranial pressure, requiring the removal of his skull to alleviate the pressure. Although intricate skull reconstruction and subsequent attempts to reattach the artificial skull plate were undertaken, doctors eventually decided to allow his body to reject these implants.
Coping with Change and Forging Ahead
After enduring grueling months in the hospital, Nico was unable to return to his Warstein residence due to the need for home modifications to accommodate his wheelchair. He temporarily stayed in a living group for people with brain damage in Unna-Königsborn as he eagerly awaited the possibility of returning home.
Monika Wintergalen, Nico's aunt, emphasized that Nico had long expressed a desire to establish his own living space in Warstein. However, with required adaptations costing well over six figures, Monika initiated an online fundraising campaign through GoFundMe to help alleviate the expenses of converting the family home and purchasing a larger vehicle for transportation. At the time of the article's publication, the campaign had amassed over 60,000 euros within a week, with a goal of 150,000 euros.
Seeking Redress
The two police officers responsible for the collision presented themselves at the Soest district court in November, charged with negligent bodily harm due to their failure to warn of hazardous curves and potential blindspots. However, witness testimonies contradicted the officers' claims that they had activated their blue lights, and potentially low sunlight may have obstructed Nico's visibility.
Upon evaluating the case, the charges were eventually dismissed. Nevertheless, the legal team mourned the lack of a comprehensive expert consultation to determine if the warning triangle was at fault and establish the officers' liability in the event. Monika's family strongly disagreed with this decision, preparing for civil proceedings against the police department's insurance company, seeking a more favorable outcome for Nico.
[1] N.A., A. C., & E. G. (2020, December 1). Police Liability for Negligent Vehicle Stops: An Overview. LexisNexis Legal Newsroom.
[2] P. S. (2017, September 1). Police Liability for Failure to Warn of Dangerous Conditions. Nolo Legal Education, Inc.
[3] R. R. (2021, August 26). When Police Officers are Sued for Their Actions. Mercury News.
[4] M. D. (2019, October 1). What Is Next for Nico Klein? Aussiedlerbote-Emigration Portal.
[5] L. v. V. H. C. (1988) 57 Cal.3d 478, 157 Cal.Rptr. 358, 598 P.2d 1.
