Encouraging medical and legal news for the young man Life Legal fought to protect.
We have encouraging news about the young man Life Legal fought to protect after he was struck by a car and left in a coma.
He has opened his eyes.
He is not yet tracking with his eyes, but doctors expect him to start visually tracking soon.
Although the hospital described him as being in a permanent “vegetative” state, a neurologist we work with said it is impossible to make that determination so early in his recovery.
There is good news from the courtroom as well.
This week, our Life Legal attorney represented the young man’s father in court. The case has now been assigned to a new judge, who appointed an independent attorney to represent the young man and determine what his wishes regarding medical care would be.
The new judge also ordered an important protection. Last week, the judge handling the emergency hearing ruled that the young man would not be resuscitated if he suffered a cardiac event. This week, the newly assigned judge instructed the hospital to attempt to resuscitate him if he codes.
We are profoundly grateful. A little more than a week ago, he was on a ventilator. When the ventilator was removed and he continued to breathe on his own—defying the doctors’ expectations—he was threatened with the removal of nutrition and hydration. Today, he is completely on room air, opening his eyes, receiving nutrition and hydration, and has additional legal protections in place.
Another hearing is expected later this month, so please continue to pray for this young man’s healing and for wisdom for everyone involved in decisions about his care.