The NCAA reached a preliminary settlement in a class action lawsuit filed by former college athletes that will change the way the association handles concussions. The agreement, which will change the way the NCAA cares for injured players, is part of the association’s attempt to address concerns over players’ health and rights.
As part of the settlement, the association agreed to a $70 million monitoring fund and new guidelines for the way head injuries will be handled. The fund is similar to one suggested by the NFL, and will provide all former college athletes with neurological screening to evaluate any signs of brain damage. While the settlement does not include monetary compensation for class members, it does allow individual players to pursue compensation in individual lawsuits.
Critics of the settlement argue that the purpose of the class action lawsuit was to obtain compensation for the injured players and that it will be difficult for individual players to bring suit against the NCAA. But, others say that the settlement will pave the way for higher quality care for injured players and will allow players to sue for damages individually — a win-win. The NCAA said it wanted to make policy changes that would benefit all college athletes without putting them into a category for compensation since every case is unique.
The national brain injury lawyers at Flood Law Group said the settlement is a step in the right direction and have announced that they are continuing to accept and review individual head injury lawsuits on behalf of former and current NCAA, NFL and high school football players.
For more information or to speak with a national head injury lawyer, contact Flood Law Group today.
