Important Information for Former NFL Players
Are you a former NFL player suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI)? Whether you qualify under the recent Federal District Court-approved settlement, or wish to file a separate lawsuit, you should consult an experienced NFL concussion attorney to learn more about your rights and best legal options for recovery. Millions of dollars may be at stake!
The NFL Concussion Settlement has been approved
NFL Concussion Litigation
At Wilshire Law Firm, we are helping former professional football players get what is rightfully theirs, including:
- Full medical coverage for testing, treatment and monitoring
- Full credit for time and seasons in the NFL
- Compensation for pain and suffering
- And more
The NFL Concussion Settlement has been approved
The court finally approved the NFL Concussion Settlement, effective from January 7, 2017. Registration opened on February 6, 2017. THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS AUGUST 7, 2017. IF YOU DIDN’T REGISTER BY THEN, YOU WILL BE FOREVER BARRED FROM CLAIMING BENEFITS FROM THIS SETTLEMENT.
Players could get compensation for as much as $5,000,000.00. If you are a former NFL player, please call us today for legal advice and how to claim. Don’t wait until it’s too late!
For a FREE, no-obligation case evaluation, call us today at (844) 307-6048. We understand just how much is at stake in a high profile case such as yours, and will use the time-tested legal strategies we have developed over the years to reach an optimal resolution.
If you are a former NFL player please contact us today for help in this process, don’t wait until it’s too late.
Qualifying Symptoms
From as early as the 1920s, the medical community has been aware of the potentially devastating long-term effects of repeated blows to the head. In spite of this, however, the NFL ignored the medical risks and neglected the well-being of their players, even going so far as to sending rattled players back out onto the field during the same game.
It is only recently that the media has focused much-needed attention on the issue of brain damage among former NFL players, forcing the league to finally rethink their concussion policy. However, it is too little, too late. Many retired NFL players have sustained brain injuries with symptoms that are often progressive, permanent, and sometimes even fatal, such as:
- Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
- Memory Loss
- Dementia
- Impulse Control Problems
- Alzheimer’s
- Depression and Suicidal Thoughts
- Chronic Fatigue
- Insomnia or Other Sleep Disorders
- Debilitating Anxiety
- Bipolar Disorder
- Parkinson’s
- Intermittent Explosive Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Psychosis
Most lawsuits have a two year window to file from the time the injured individual has reasonable knowledge of the injury, so any players with symptoms should file as soon as possible.
Terms of the Federal District Court Settlement
Under the terms of a Federal District Court settlement approved by Judge Anita Brody, former players with major cognitive impairments that include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Dementia, and certain cases of CTE (usually confirmed after death) are entitled to an award. The amount of the award is impacted by the player’s age as well as the duration of his playing career. Eligible parties that register in time may receive the following benefits:
- Baseline neuropsychological and neurological examinations, along with medical testing, counseling and/or treatment
- Monetary awards for aforementioned major cognitive conditions
- Education programs promoting safety and injury prevention with respect to football players
Unfortunately, the limited terms of the settlement exclude many former players with TBI from receiving the coverage they need and deserve. Also, there are many who do qualify for benefits under the settlement but are dissatisfied with its terms.
NFL Concussion Fast Facts
Many former NFL players are now filing lawsuits against the NFL because of the fact that they have hidden serious information regarding the long term neurological dangers of playing football. The NFL have taught their players how to play football by tackling one another on the field, with their heads, all the while knowing that there could be serious head injuries involved and that players could become prone to concussions and other brain traumas.
This is what brought about the specialization of NFL Concussion lawyers who are now dealing with many ongoing cases for players who have suffered and are suffering from head injuries due to playing professional football. The NFL has been aware of this danger since the early 1920s, but they did not release this information until 2010.
According to the policy, the NFL and NFLPA will each designate a representative to monitor the implementation of the protocol and investigate potential violations. The investigation will not reach medical conclusions; it will only determine whether the protocol was followed. Following the investigation, the NFL and NFLPA will review the findings to determine if a violation occurred and, if so, to recommend the proper disciplinary response. If the parties are unable to agree, the matter will be brought to a third party arbitrator. After conducting a thorough review, the arbitrator will issue a report to the Commissioner, NFLPA Executive Director and the involved parties.
As jointly agreed to by the NFL and NFLPA, the Commissioner retains absolute discretion in determining penalties for violations of the concussion protocol. Potential disciplinary action includes:
A first violation will require the club employees or medical team members involved to attend remedial education; and/or result in a maximum fine of $150,000 against the club.
Whatever the case is for you, it is highly recommended that you retain a trusted NFL concussion attorney. It can mean the difference between obtaining the financial compensation and benefits you need and possibly receiving nothing.
Symptoms of Concussions in NFL Players
First off, a concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that is caused by a massive or hard hit to the head, which is what NFL players do on a daily basis in their football games. A lot of concussions occur even when the person is completely conscious and they don’t even know they have one.
CTE, which is also known as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, is a brain disease that occurs when someone is repeatedly diagnosed with concussions in the head. Here are some common symptoms of this terrible condition:
- Mood swings
- Hearing changes
- Loss of memory
- Imbalance
- Headaches and dizziness
- Confusion
- Unconsciousness
- Changes in vision
- Depression
- Exhaustion
Learn More: WHAT IS TBI? DEFINITION OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY – TYPES, CAUSES, & MORE
Why Are NFL Concussion Lawyers Needed?
Players are now holding the NFL accountable for their head injuries due to the fact that they were not warned about this before they had joined the league. This means that the organization did not take responsibility for the health of their team and failed to inform their players about the long term side effects and dangers of playing football.
A recent NFL lawsuit spearheaded by ex Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon. McMahon is contending that all of the years of enduring concussions has now left him battling dementia.
Plaintiffs in the case include the family of former San Diego Chargers linebacker Junior Seau, who was found to suffer from chronic brain damage after his suicide last May, as well as lesser-known players, including roughly 400 plaintiffs who never played a single down in the league, but took to the practice field.
The NCAA is also having to confront concussion claims in their league. Former college football players Chris Walker, Ben Martin and Dan Ahern are scheduled for mediation on Feb. 18 with the NCAA before retired U.S. District Judge Layn Phillips. Phillips recently helped the NFL settle the league’s concussion cases for $765 million. Those cases were brought by more than 4,500 former players, and the NCAA could eventually see a similar number of complaints.
Concussions is a serious problem in contact sports in America. We need to address how we can make these sports safer for everyone that plays them, and we need to insure that the players get compensated for any long lasting injuries they sustained while being player in these leagues.
There have been many cases where NFL players have already suffered chronic brain traumas such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, loss of memory, mental illnesses, mood swings, changes in personality and cognitive defects. Now that players have become more and more aware of all the diseases and injuries they are suffering from, they are hiring NFL concussion lawyers who can file lawsuits against the organization for not taking any reasonable action to protect their players from such head injuries in the long run.
Wilshire Law Firm maintains its reputable status in the Law industry with their skilled and professional NFL Concussion Lawyers who are ready to fight any cases coming their way. For those who are in search for the best lawyers, Wilshire Law Firm is ready to help those who are looking to file lawsuits against those organizations that should be held accountable for the neglectful and unjust behavior they have shown.
The NFL is a large and powerful organization. Litigation against them will be costly and complicated. It is important to hire an attorney who has been successful in high profile cases against large corporations, who is comfortable trying cases with huge potential verdicts.
At Wilshire Law Firm, we have the financial resources, the brain power, the personnel, and the determination to fight an important battle on your behalf. We are so confident in our abilities that we are willing to take your case on contingency; in other words, you will pay us only if there is a successful settlement or verdict. This is our ironclad guarantee.
If you have further questions about what our firm can do for you, call us at (844) 307-6048. Our dedicated legal staff is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
