Comedian George Wallace Wins Lawsuit Over Injuries

Comedian George Wallace won a $1.3 million in a civil lawsuit against a Las Vegas casino resort for injuries he suffered in 2007 when he tripped over audio cables during a performance. 
Wallace was appearing at a corporate holiday party at the Bellagio when he sustained a ruptured Achilles tendon from getting tangled in the cables. His attorney Dominic Gentile said that the cables should have been properly secured.
Wallace, who was in Jerry Seinfeld's wedding, filed the lawsuit against the casino in 2009 for negligence. An eight member jury found the Bellagio had breached its duty of care, according to a court document detailing the verdict. 
The comedian, 61, was awarded $1.2 million for loss of income, $100,000 for pain and suffering, and $8,500 for medical expenses.
Talking to reporters after the verdict was announced, Wallace said that the injury caused him to walk with a permanent limp. 
Gentile had asked that his client be awarded several million in damages and said that he respected the court's decision. 
The Bellagio's lawyers argued that its employees were not responsible for Wallace's injuries, said spokeswoman Mary Hynes. Hynes said the Bellagio was "reviewing the jury's verdict and our legal options."
Wallace is known for his work on "The Tonight Show", "Oprah", and "The Late Show With David Letterman". 
A ruptured Achilles tendon is a complete or partial tear that occurs when the tendon is stretched beyond its capacity. Forceful jumping or pivoting, or sudden accelerations of running, can overstretch the tendon and cause a tear. An injury to the tendon can also result from falling or tripping.
Achilles tendon ruptures are most often seen in "weekend warriors"- typically, middle-aged people participating in sports in their spare time. Less commonly, illness or medications, such as steroids or certain antibiotics, may weaken the tendon and contribute to ruptures.
A person with a ruptured Achilles tendon may experience the following symptoms:

• Sudden pain in the back of the calf or ankle- often subsiding with a dull ache
• A popping or snapping sensation
• Swelling in the back of the leg between the calf and heel
• Difficulty walking, especially uphill or up stairs, and difficulty rising up on the toes

These symptoms require prompt medical attention to prevent further damage. Until the patient is able to see a podiatrist, the R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) method should be used.
Treatment options for an Achilles tendon rupture include surgical and non-surgical approaches. The decision to proceed with surgery is based on how severe the rupture is and the patient's health status.
Non-surgical treatment is typically associated with a higher rate of re-rupture and is a good method for minor tears, less active patients, and those with medical conditions. This may include a walking boot, cast, or brace to restrict motion and movement.
Reference: Reuters
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