On Monday a federal judge granted preliminary approval to a proposed class-action settlement for NFL concussion lawsuits filed by over 4,500 former league players. U.S. District Judge Anita Brody previously questioned whether the proposed $675 million cap on damages would be sufficient to satisfy all claims, and the NFL subsequently agreed to remove the cap. The proposed settlement is supposed to last for 65 years and is designed to cover league retirees who develop neuroligical problems such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and other neuro-cognitive maladies as a result of their NFL careers. The funds are also in place to compensate those players who are currently healthy but who could develop symptoms many years or even decades later. The terms of the original proposed settlement included the sum of $675 million to compensate those players with neurological symptoms, $75 million for testing, $10 million for medical research and education, and $112 million to the player's legal representation for a grand total of $870 million. The new terms of the proposed settlement removes the cap on damages but allows for a payout formula that takes into account the age and illness of claimants. For example, a younger retiree (under 45 years of age) with ALS would be entitled to a maximum $5 million, while a claimant with Alzheimer's disease at age 50 would be entitled to $1.6 million. Pending final approval, this landmark settlement will pave the way for all former NFL players retired at the time of the preliminary approval to receive compensation for their injuries. Eligible players will be notified in the coming months of the terms of the settlement and their legal rights to either pursue or forego their lawsuits.
Contact J. Price McNamara for Your Free Case Review Today!
Judge Brody estimated that there are approximately 20,000 retired NFL players according to court documents. If you or a loved one played in the NFL and are now beleaguered with cognitive deficits or neurological damage, then the Contact J. Price McNamara ERISA Insurance Claim Attorney can help you seek the proper compensation that you may be entitled to. Having an experienced, knowledgeable, and capable personal injury attorney can make a world of difference in the desired outcome of your personal injury claim. J. Price McNamara is a former insurance company attorney and Louisiana prosecutor who now defends clients in their own personal injury cases in the Baton Rouge, Metairie, and New Orleans areas of Louisiana. The limited case load and personal client attention approach of J. Price McNamara ERISA Insurance Claim Attorney ensures that your case receives the most comprehensive and focused attention that it deserves. Contact our office now to schedule your completely complimentary case review to determine whether you may be eligible to receive compensation for neurological injuries sustained while playing professional football in the NFL.
J. Price McNamara
Attorney
Losing my own brother, then my father and sister after long, disabling illnesses just a few months apart drove a career change for me. Before that experience, I never truly understood the place you’re in. I never understood the dramatic impact that receiving (or not receiving) the disability and life insurance benefits you paid for and counted on can have on your life especially when you need to focus on family and healing. What I experienced with my own family now drives the way I view my clients and my work, and I will never forget it!
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