Judge gives preliminary OK to NFL concussion settlement
This week, U.S. District Judge Anita Brody gave preliminary approval to a settlement deal to compensate retired NFL players dealing with the long-term consequences of head injuries sustained during their playing days.
The settlement would provide benefits to retired players and their families, and separate funds would be set up to help eligible retirees cover medical exams and compensate those suffering from cognitive impairment, according to a report by the Los Angeles Times. Proposed payouts include $5 million for players suffering from Lou Gehrig’s disease, $4 million to families of brain damaged players who committed suicide, and $3 million for cases of dementia. More than 5,000 plaintiffs were included in the case and more than 20,000 retirees would be covered.
A hearing on the final settlement will take place on November 19, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Brain injuries in sports has become a hot topic in recent years as more research is conducted and improved imaging techniques are used to underscore the consequences of such injuries. For more on the topic from Health Imaging, read “Turning Up the Volume on a Silent Epidemic: Advanced Imaging & TBI.”
Evan joined TriMed in 2011, writing primarily for Health Imaging. Prior to diving into medical journalism, Evan worked for the Nine Network of Public Media in St. Louis. He also has worked in public relations and education. Evan studied journalism at the University of Missouri, with an emphasis on broadcast media.