According to a recent New York Times article, 75 veteran players of the National Football League have filed a lawsuit against the league, claiming that it failed to properly treat their concussions and reveal its knowledge that their injuries might cause long-term brain damage. This case is the first of its kind to specifically claim that the NFL failed to timely provide concussion warnings long ago.

The extensive suffering brought on by repeated blows to the head was sadly demonstrated earlier this year when Dave Duerson, formerly of the Chicago Bears, committed suicide. Prior to taking his life, Duerson repeatedly sought help with his troubling mental struggles. After his death, Duerson’s brain was carefully examined. Authorities have now disclosed that he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (C.T.E.), a condition brought on by repetitive head injuries. Many know this diagnosis best as either “boxer’s dementia” or dementia pugilista.

Both NFL and high school football players have long fought to receive better care for their concussions. Unfortunately, many of these traumatic brain injuries can’t even be properly seen or imaged, even shortly after they occur. Although parents of younger players have long tried to raise awareness of football’s many dangers, the general public is only just now starting to fully grasp the widespread nature of these problems.

Specific Health Problems Referenced by the Plaintiffs

Many of the plaintiffs in this lawsuit are claiming that during their playing days, their concussions were not always accurately diagnosed, thereby causing them to suffer memory loss, serious headaches, vision problems and other disabilities.

Although the NFL may try to point out its recent efforts to increase player awareness of concussion dangers, the plaintiffs’ lawyers will surely reference the many medical journal articles published during recent decades that have clearly documented the serious, long-term consequences of numerous concussions.

Possible Outcome of this Lawsuit

Although it’s much too early to guess what the outcome may be of this concussion-related lawsuit, it should at least wind up providing critically needed funds to cover the past players’ future healthcare needs. Hopefully, the NFL will also be directed to draft new safety procedures and rules addressing (1) specific training exercises, (2) types of mandatory safety equipment to be used during all practice workouts and competitive games, and (3) the number of games that players must sit out after incurring multiple concussions over short periods of time.

*   *   *

Demas & Rosenthal remains one of Sacramento’s most highly respected and accomplished personal injury law firms. We’ve been successfully representing clients for almost twenty years. Every Demas & Rosenthal attorney takes great pride in obtaining the full compensation and complete justice owed to every client.