Steve Gleason, the former New Orleans Saints player and ALS advocate, suffered an accident on Saturday while exiting his van en route to a public speaking engagement in Louisiana. Gleason’s family has since revealed details of the incident, expressing relief that the injuries were not more severe.
According to his wife, Michel, the accident occurred as Gleason was preparing to speak at the Gleason Life Skills Volleyball Clinic. “It was traumatic for him and for all of us who witnessed him mangled on the asphalt,” Michel shared.
Fortunately, she credited Gleason’s wheelchair restraints, the quick actions of his care team, a passerby doctor, and family members for preventing more serious injuries. Despite the ordeal, Gleason is now recovering at home and appears to be in good spirits.
Photos shared by the family show a visible bruise on Gleason’s forehead, a reminder of how dangerous even seemingly simple activities can be for individuals with limited mobility. Remarkably, the family was able to find a moment of levity after the incident, joking that the fall was Gleason’s preparation for a hypothetical fight against social media star Jake Paul.
Gleason, who is now 47, rose to fame as a Saints hero when he blocked a pivotal punt during the first home game at the Superdome following Hurricane Katrina. Diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in 2011, Gleason has since become a leading advocate for ALS awareness and support, turning his personal challenges into inspiration for countless others.
Gleason’s accident highlights the serious risks falls pose to individuals with mobility challenges or disabilities. Even under controlled circumstances, falls can lead to significant injuries, including fractures, bruising, and head trauma. Such incidents emphasize the importance of precautionary measures, like the use of safety restraints, well-designed ramps, and trained assistance, to ensure the safety of individuals with mobility limitations.
At Makkabi Law Group, we understand the profound impact a fall can have, particularly for individuals with existing health conditions or mobility challenges. Falls are one of the leading causes of injury, and negligence—whether through poorly maintained facilities, unsafe environments, or inadequate assistance—can often play a role.
We specialize in personal injury cases, including accidents resulting from falls, and are committed to helping victims and their families pursue justice and compensation. Whether the fall occurs at a private event, a public facility, or in transit, our team is here to investigate the circumstances, determine liability, and ensure your rights are protected.
Falls can cause lasting physical, emotional, and financial strain. At Makkabi Law Group, we are here to help you navigate the legal complexities of personal injury claims. Our experienced team works tirelessly to secure compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by negligence.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a fall, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation. Let Makkabi Law Group help you get back on your feet—because your well-being is our priority.
