Last week, a federal judge approved a new settlement between the NFL and more than 5,000 former players who were party to a lawsuit involving long-term brain damage caused by concussion. The new settlement allows up to $5 million for each player who has certain neurodegenerative diseases related to constant head trauma sustained while playing professional football. It is estimated this settlement could cost the NFL more than $1 billion over the next 65 years.
It has long been alleged that the NFL was aware that brain injury was common following head trauma, but did little to nothing to protect players from these risks. This latest suit included over 5,000 former NFL players, but the settlement can apply to more than 20,000 NFL retirees – many of whom declined to participate in this suit in order to maintain their right to file one individually should the need arise.
Preparatory and college football players are also at increased risk for brain injury, but may not see settlements nearly as large as the one offered by the NFL. The best course of action when you sustain a brain injury while playing in middle school, high school, or college, is to discuss your options with an experienced brain injury attorney.
To schedule a free consultation with Tacoma brain injury lawyer Stephen Hornbuckle, please contact us today.
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