New York paparazzo Sheng Li says he has been unable to work after suffering wrist and back injuries in a "brutal attack" by Australian celebrity duo Sam Worthington and Lara Bingle.
Li , wearing a wrist brace, appeared before a judge in Manhattan's Criminal Court on Tuesday.
"He's got some very serious medical injuries," Li's lawyer Mark Heller told the New York Post afterwards.
"As a result he may have to go in for a very extensive and expensive operation and he may be deprived of earning a living in the future.
"His hand has been impaired.
"He has torn tendons, he has bulging discs."
Li and Worthington were charged with assault and harassment counts following the February 23 incident in Greenwich Village.
Bingle was not charged but Heller is lobbying for her to be prosecuted and described Li as being the victim of a "brutal attack".
"She was the aggressor," Heller said.
"There has to be a warrant issued for her arrest, she has to be charged with a felony assault and attempted robbery."
Li refused the prosecution's offer to dismiss the charges in six months if he kept out of trouble and abided by an order of protection.
Heller wants an unconditional dismissal.
