NFL Concussion Liability
A lawsuit against he NFL has been in the works since the 2013 season. The NFL and former players reached a $765 million settlement over concussion issues. The core of the lawsuit states that the NFL was aware of the risks and evidence connected to traumatic brain injuries for many years, but purposefully denied and ignored along with hiding any information from the players. Former athletes have come forward stating that they suffer from Alzheimer's, depression or dementia from blows to the head during their time actively in the NFL. Over 4,500 players have come forward and accused the league of hiding the dangers of concussions and allowing injured players back on the field. The NFL insisted that safety was a top priority and denied any wrong doing.
The settlement states that $75 million in medical exams, $675 million in injury compensation, $10 million for research, and litigation expenses. Individuals would be given $5 million for men with Alzheimer's, $4 million for those diagnosed after their deaths with a brain condition called Chronic Traumatic Encephalopath, and $3 million for players with dementia.
In opposition the NFL commissioned a study run by NFL doctors and scientists to determine long-term effects of concussions. The committee decided a concussion while playing NFL football had no long-term effects. The league used these findings to create safety rules and a "return to play" guidelines for players.
In 2005 Neurosurgery published an article linking the results of autopsy of a former NFL player who had suffered cognitive deterioration. The NFL strongly denied the findings and attempted to discredit the writers. With the settlement accepted it most likely means the NFL won't have to share internal files with information of concussions and brain trauma of players. NFL does have many lawyers interested in the inside workings of doctors and league's Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Committee. This committee was led more than a decade by one rheumatologist. With this settlement the NFL will have no liability of admission or weakness.
In my opinion I do believe the NFL is hiding information about concussions from previous players. Because the settlement was accepted the NFL does not need to share any previous information about concussion or documents stating medical bills for players with concussions. The NFL tried to cover this up to make themselves look good and not have bad press. They also were saving themselves from billions of dollars in damages and lawsuits. I wonder if we will ever really know how dangerous head injuries are to football players and if they knew the risks, would they continue to play? Alzheimer's is a terrible disease to die from. People can live with Alzheimer's and dementia for many years before dying from it. Research by the NFL and through the NFL could be very valuable for present and future players as well as your average person suffering from car accidents, falls, or other head injuries along with Alzheimer's. It would allow for players to make informative decisions on the health and injuries.
Sources;
http://www.jetlaw.org/journal-archives/volume-14/volume-14-issue-3/three-and-out-the-nfl%E2%80%99s-concussion-liability-and-how-players-can-tackle-the-problem/
http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/08/opinion/campbell-nfl-lawsuit/
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000235494/article/nfl-explayers-agree-to-765m-settlement-in-concussions-suit
