Almost anyone who follows professional football happenings has probably heard about the class action lawsuit that some former players filed against the National Football League. The lawsuit had to deal with retired players getting help with medical expenses for injuries that were caused as a result of concussions caused by repeated blows to the head that are common in the sport.
Wisconsin football fans might like to know that the relief these retired players need is one step closer to becoming a reality. In the latest turn of events, the judge presiding over the case has preliminarily accepted the $765 settlement. A few months ago, the judge rejected a similar settlement saying the amount wasn’t sufficient. With the newest settlement, the cap has been removed, so the NFL will be out of pocket at least $765 million.
Despite the protests from other football players, some of the 4,500 men who sued the league are looking at the settlement from a positive standpoint. One retired player reminded people that this just means that those who need help now will be able to get it sooner.
The settlement requires former players to be able to prove they have cognitive damage caused by a brain injury before they are eligible for . Dementia, Lou Gehrig’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease are some of the conditions covered by the settlement. One problem that some players have is that living players who have chronic traumatic encephalopathy aren’t eligible for under the settlement. Once the players with CTE pass away, they are eligible.
Anyone who has suffered a brain injury because of someone else’s negligence can seek . Knowing how to do so can make the process easier to navigate through.
Source: Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “Former Steelers applaud decision in NFL concussion suit,” Ray Fittipaldo, July 8, 2014
