Westchester County, N.Y., officials agreed to pay $3.25 million to settle a lawsuit over the death of orthopedic surgeon Robert Small, MD, according to lohud.
Dr. Small was riding his bicycle when he hit a pothole and lost control. A witness said, Dr. Small rolled forward off his bike, hitting his head on the pavement. The orthopedic surgeon was wearing a helmet when he fell; however, the helmet slid backwards as he hit the ground. He was traveling 21 miles per hour.
Dr. Small was taken to the hospital after his fall. Four days later, after not regaining consciousness, Dr. Small passed away.
His wife sued the county for negligently maintaining the trail Dr. Small was riding on. The county was worried if the case were to go to trial they could end up paying Ms. Small as much as $12 million in damages due to Dr. Small's salary.
Dr. Small was a surgeon and president of the medical and dental staff at White Plains (N.Y.) Hospital.