A federal judge, yesterday, agreed to a preliminary settlement with no cap in a class action lawsuit filed on behalf of thousands of NFL players who allege they suffered serious brain injuries during their careers with the NFL. Judge Anita Brody declined to approve the initial proposed settlement, which had a $675 million cap, because she wanted to make sure all affected players would receive the compensation they need and deserve.
The settlement covers neurological testing for retired players as well as financial compensation for diagnoses of ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, early onset of dementia and Parkinson’s disease. It also provides full payouts for players who are diagnosed with brain damage for the next 65 years.
Former NFL players who are diagnosed with brain damage will receive payouts between $1.5 million and $5 million, depending upon factors such as their age, severity of injury and time spent with the NFL. The league has set aside $75 million for medical testing and will be testing retired players to determine who is eligible. So far, there are about 5,000 players involved in the class action, but according to reports, as many as 20,000 players may be eligible to join. Current players are not part of the class.
Players will have two years to file for benefits under settlement guidelines. Those affected can file for benefits after the final ruling is issued Nov. 19.
The class action lawsuit, filed on behalf of former professional football players, alleges the NFL failed to warn and protect players from the dangers of multiple concussions and repeated head injuries.
