Schumacher’s family is suing Bunte after it quoted an unnamed friend of the 47-year-old’s who said he was able to walk “a couple of steps” following his skiing accident in the Alps in December 2013.
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Bunte had quoted a source at the end of a year ago as saying that Schumacher could manage some steps with the help of therapists and could raise an arm.
Schumacher was inured while skiing off-piste in Mirabel at the end of 2013, suffering serious brain injury and spending months in a coma.
The Schumacher family chose to take the matter to court, with their lawyer Felix Damm claiming that as well as the story being false, information regarding the former F1 drivers’ health was a breach of privacy laws. “And he can also raise an arm”, the story continued. Since his accident the full extent of Schumacher’s injuries have been kept secret, but as part of the lawsuit Damm has had to confirm he “cannot walk” as the report stated.
“Such speculation is irresponsible, because given the seriousness of his injuries, privacy is very important for Michael”, Sabine Kehm, Schumacher’s manager, said at the time of the report.
His lawyer Felix Damm told the court that Schumacher “cannot walk” and even with the help of therapists is unable to stand.
The Schumachers have continued to fiercely protect the former Ferrari and Mercedes driver’s privacy since his return home, with Damm’s statement amounting to rare official comment on the F1 legend’s rehabilitation and recovery.
The judge presiding over the trial has indicated damages are likely to be awarded to the Schumacher family in the region of 40,000-100,000 Euros.
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‘Unfortunately they also give false hopes to many involved people, ‘ she added.
