NFL agree potential $1bn settlement for concussions of former players
Thursday 23 April 2015 08:52, UK
Former NFL players who suffered concussions will be able to claim up to $5m after a court ruling.
The decision comes at the end of a four-year lawsuit in California and will affect thousands of ex-players. The league anticipates around 6,000 of almost 20,000 retired players to suffer from some form of dementia.
US district court judge Anita Brody described the settlement – which is uncapped and will provide cash for players diagnosed with a qualifying condition, such as Parkinson’s disease – as ‘fair, reasonable and adequate’.
The ruling is expected to cost the league up to $1bn over 65 years.
"Nearly four years ago, retired NFL players embarked on a mission that many thought to be impossible: to obtain security and care for the devastating injuries they were experiencing," said Christopher Seeger and Sol Weiss, who are lawyers for the plaintiffs.
"Today, these courageous men and their families have made history. Despite the difficult health situations retired players face today, and that many more will unfortunately face in the future, they can take comfort that this settlement's benefits will be available soon, and will last for decades to come."
