Sang's lawyer: US insurance to cover medical costs

New York (CNS)--U.S. insurance companies promised to cover all costs of medical treatment and future rehabilitation in China for Sang Lan, the champion Chinese gymnast paralyzed in an accident at the 1998 Goodwill Games, said her attorney Hai Ming.

He further explained the payment method, saying that on a monthly basis, the compensation will be sent directly to her American bank account in Beijing with no third party involvement. Sang Lan's health care expenses will be ensured for the rest of her life.

Both USA Gymnastics, the organizer of the 1998 Goodwill Games, and her insurance companies admitted that it was not her personal fault that led to the tragedy.

On July 11, Sang Lan closed a three-hour settlement meeting with representatives for the defendants, USA Gymnastics and three insurance companies, in Hai Ming's office. After agreements were reached, Sang Lan announced her decision to dismiss the lawsuit against the four parties, as she was satisfied with the results of the negotiation.

Hai Ming refused to divulge any details about the agreement,citing  confidentiality considerations. Though, this provoked doubts by some in the media. On the morning of the 13th, Hai Ming had emailed the media about a press conference that afternoon, saying that it would be possible to record and take pictures of the agreement.

However, right before the meeting, Hai Ming received a protest call from his counterpart lawyer and decided to keep the agreement secret. In spite of this, he made public several past letters from the insurance companies to prove the achievements of this negotiation. These letters showed that previous to this meeting, Sang Lan's health care was paid for only in the United States.