The New York Times
The NFL agreed to pay $765 million to settle a lawsuit brought by more than 4,000 retirees with advanced dementia and other problems as well as the families of players who have died from what they claimed were the long-terms effects of head trauma.
United District Court Judge Anita B. Brody, from the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, said Thursday that she was informed by Layn Phillips, a
court-appointed mediator, that the money would be used for medical exams, concussion-related compensation and a program of medical research for retired players and their families. The NFL also agreed to pay legal fees.
Brody still must approve the settlement, which has yet to be filed. The NFL has denied that it deliberately misled players about head injuries and that it relied on the best science available at the time to create its policies on concussions. It also argued that the collective bargaining agreements signed by the league and its players union should govern any disputes, not the courts.
Statement by David Weissman, Rose Law Group employment law attorney:
“This strikes me as a good result for everyone involved. The NFL was likely facing protracted, expensive litigation over this issue, and the potential for both a large judgment and negative publicity was significant.
On the retired players’ side, this provides a substantial pool of money for what they need most – medical services, support and research, in addition to payment of their legal fees.
While the league appears to have had some valid arguments that it is not liable for the former players’ injuries, I think it was well-advised to settle this case under the circumstances.”
Also: Settlement near for old Prescott employee lawsuit over firing
If you’d like to discuss employment or health care law, contact David Weissman, dweissman@roselawgroup.com
