NFL Offseason News 2014: Judge Approves Preliminary NFL Concussion Deal
U.S. District Judge Anita Brody approved a landmark deal that would enable former NFL players to receive compensation for concussion-related claims.
Brody's decision came just two weeks after the Brody ruled that the NFL should abolish the $675 million cap on concussion-related claims, insisting that the amount might not be enough to pay all players who are asking for compensation.
"A class action settlement that offers prompt relief is superior to the likely alternative -- years of expensive, difficult and uncertain litigation, with no assurance of recovery, while retired players' physical and mental conditions continue to deteriorate," Brody wrote in her decision via ESPN.
Previous reports indicated that at least 4,500 retired players filed a lawsuit against the league on their mishandling of concussion-related claims. Former Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon and former Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Dorsett are some of the notable personalities who pushed for the removal of the $675 million cap.
Under the new deal that could last for the next 65 years, a retired NFL player who develops neurological problems like Lou Gehrig's disease could receive at least $1 million compensation from the league.
"This is an extraordinary settlement for retired NFL players and their families -- from those who suffer with neuro-cognitive illnesses today, to those who are currently healthy but fear they may develop symptoms decades into the future," lawyers Sol Weiss and Christopher Seeger said in a statement.
The amount of money a retired player can receive depends on their age and damage. Sources indicated that an 80-year-old or older who has dementia will receive $25,000, a 50-year-old or older who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease is eligible to receive $1.6 million, while a young retiree who sustained Lou Gehrig's disease could receive as much as $5 million.
Dorsett was happy for a quick resolution on the issue, but he insisted that is not totally satisfied with the revised settlement Brody approved.
"Now, I'm going to get help with health care. But I'm not totally satisfied," Dorsett said on Tuesday. "There's not enough money they can give. I'm a human being and it's hard knowing that my quality of life is going to diminish tremendously."
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