Vladimir Konstantinov gets crucial update regarding his care

It was just over 26 years ago that former Detroit Red Wings defenseman Vladimir Konstantinov's life was changed forever in the horrific limousine accident just a week after he lifted the Stanley Cup at Joe Louis Arena in 1997 following his team's sweep of the Philadelphia Flyers. 

A new law that went into effect in Michigan a few years ago could cost Konstantinov the life sustaining care that he relies upon. Despite a GoFundMe account set up by Vladimir's daughter Anastasia Konstantinov, it failed to reach even 10% of the $250,000 goal. The National Hockey League Players Association was also said to be in touch with the family on how to provide assistance.

However, the good news is that a recent ruling will give Konstantinov access to the care that he needs.

Via AP News: 

"DETROIT (AP) — Major changes in Michigan’s car insurance system don’t apply to people who were catastrophically injured before a 2019 law kicked in, the state Supreme Court said Monday in a decision that delivers critical relief to thousands of people counting on long-term benefits.

For decades, crash survivors were entitled to lifetime payment for “all reasonable charges” related to care and rehabilitation. But a new state law set a fee schedule and a cap on reimbursements. Suddenly, 18,000 people already receiving benefits were forced to scramble as some care providers dropped out.

The Supreme Court, however, said a “vested contractual right” to ongoing benefits “cannot be stripped away or diminished,” especially when lawmakers failed to declare an intent to do so when they changed the law.

“This is an enormous victory for the rights of crash survivors, and we want to thank all the advocates who fought along with us to make this day a reality,” said Tim Hoste, president of CPAN, a coalition of medical organizations and consumer groups.

In an effort to lower Michigan’s insurance rates, which were among the highest in the U.S., the Republican-controlled Legislature and Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer agreed to sweeping changes in 2019. Drivers can save money by choosing certain injury-coverage options. But payments for certain care were also slashed.

The catastrophically injured include hockey star Vladimir Konstantinov, a former member of the Detroit Red Wings, who requires 24/7 care. He suffered severe brain damage in 1997 when a drunken limousine driver crashed the car he was traveling in, following the team’s NHL championship."