The two people who say they sustained gnarly wounds in the Rashee Rice car crash earlier this year are now hoping the Chiefs star’s own recent injury will expedite an amicable resolution to their impending lawsuit.
Edvard Petrovskiy and Irina Gromova said in court documents filed back in April that they suffered brain trauma, lacerations to their face, bruises on their bodies, as well as internal bleeding after Rice and his friend lost control of their sports cars on March 30 and crashed into their ride while speeding down a Texas highway.
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Petrovskiy and Gromova asked for no less than $10 million in punitive damages — but there appears to be no disposition to the suit in sight … as court records show a trial in the case isn’t slated to begin until June 2025.
But, Sanjay S. Mathur, the attorney representing the plaintiffs, said in a statement to TMZ Sports this week that following the wide receiver’s knee injury Sunday … he’s hopeful things will now change.
“We are saddened to hear about Rashee Rice’s injury on the football field and hope for his quick recovery,” Mathur said. “We recognize that injuries can significantly impact one’s life, causing both physical pain and mental distress. They disrupt routines, hobbies, daily chores, and activities. Injuries often lead to medical procedures and bills, and they can hinder one’s ability to earn a living.”
“We are struck by the fact that Rice was injured at a time when the plaintiffs in our case against him are seeking justice for their own injuries,” Mathur continued. “We hope that these recent developments will foster empathy, a resolve to seek resolution, and, most importantly, an acceptance of responsibility toward the injured parties in our case.”
Rice, who has previously expressed remorse for his role in the wreck, was hurt while attempting to make a tackle following a Patrick Mahomes interception against the Chargers at SoFi Stadium. The extent of his injury has not yet been revealed — although the Chiefs have placed him on injured reserve … meaning he’ll miss at least the next four Kansas City games.
Prior to his injury, the 24-year-old — who’s also facing criminal charges and a possible NFL suspension for his role in the spring car crash — had been one of the best wideouts in the league … totaling 24 catches for 288 yards and two touchdowns.