NFL Players Tackle Concussion Lawsuits and Win $765 Million

The risk and occurrence of personal injury in sports are not a recent phenomenon. However, in the violent and tackle driven world of football, the health risks associated with the sport have recently been scrutinized. In the NFL particularly, players are subjected to substantial injury risks every time they march onto the field. Some of these injuries are having a life altering affect on the players long after they retire.

Because of the violent nature of tackle football combined with the increasing size and speed of athletes, the incidence of head and spinal injuries have been increasing. “Major football leagues, such as the NFL and NCAA, have taken a tougher stance on helmet-to-helmet collisions after the US Congress launched an investigation into the effects repeated concussions have on players.” source

Any time a player experiences an impact to their head or neck region they can experience a concussion. “Concussions are traumatic head injuries that occur from both mild and severe blows to the head. Some head injuries may appear to be mild but research is finding that concussions can have serious, long-term effects, especially repeat head injuries or cumulative concussions.” source

These long-term effects have led to the implementation of new helmet-to-helmet regulations and several concussion lawsuits on behalf of the players and their families. “The rule prohibits runners and defenders from lowering their heads and hitting with their helmets when outside of two offensive tackles or what’s known as the tackle box.” source

A major lawsuit involving the personal injury of players in the NFL has recently been settled. The NFL has agreed to $765 million dollar settlement with several thousand former players who sued the league under concussion lawsuits, accusing it of hiding the dangers of brain injury while profiting from the sport’s violence.

“More than 4,500 players had accused the league of glorifying football’s ferocity while concealing the risks of concussions and long-term brain damage as a result of repeated hits to the head.” source

“About one-third of the league’s 12,000 former players eventually joined the litigation. They include a few hundred “gap” players, who played during years when there was no labor contract in place, and were therefore considered likely to win the right to sue.” source

Judge Phillips of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania stated, “This is a historic agreement, one that will ensure that former NFL players who need and deserve compensation will receive it, and that will promote safety for players at all levels of football. Rather than litigate thousands of individual claims over several years, the parties have reached an agreement that will provide relief and support where it is needed at a time when it is most needed.”

Dave Duerson, a former Chicago Bear Safety, who committed suicide and left a note asking that his brain be examined for football-related damage, was one of the original sparks in a stream of personal injury lawsuits filed by former players. His family filed a separate wrongful-death lawsuit against the NFL and the helmet manufacturer, Riddell this past year. However, his lawsuit was settled with other concussion-related cases by a judicial panel.

In recent years, a string of former NFL players and other concussed athletes have been diagnosed after their deaths with chronic traumatic encephalopathy or CTE. Modern science is still looking into the long term effects that head injury and sport’s related concussions can have on athletes.

With the prevalence and growing popularity of contact sports, personal injury, and wrongful death cases are on the rise. However, the impact that personal injury and wrongful death have on people extends beyond the professional sports arena and pervades different aspects of daily life. In order for damages to be sought, an injury need not be physical. Such cases that involve being subjected to extreme emotional distress or verbal abuse may also entitle you to damages. In the case of a death within a family, surviving family members can recover damages through wrongful death laws & litigation.

Consult Ginsburg and Associate Attorneys for any case related to Concussion Lawsuits

Attorneys at the Law offices of Gay Chacker & Ginsburg, have the expertise in dealing with various concussion lawsuits and wrongful death cases.Winning case after case because of their intensive strategies that create a force to be reckoned with. The team knows how intimidating coaches and owners can be trying to sway you away from seeking counsel. So, If you or a loved one have been injured a sports-related accident, it critical to seek the right legal counsel that knows how to increase the odds in your favor. Contact us today to get started.