A U.S. judicial panel approved requests Tuesday by the National Football League and personal injury attorneys to try four similar cases— representing more than 300 retired players or spouses—before the same federal judge in Philadelphia.
The lawsuits fault the NFL for negligently handling concussion-related and other head injuries. It also accuses the league of training players to hit with their heads, failing to properly treat them for concussions, and trying to conceal for decades any links between football and brain injuries.
According to his attorneys, former Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Brent Boyd is the only living player so far diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, also known as CTE. CTE is a degenerative brain disease typically found in autopsies of people who have suffered multiple head injuries. Autopsies of more than a dozen former NFL and NHL players have revealed the condition.
Similar lawsuits have been filed by other former players in New York, New Jersey, Georgia, Florida and Philadelphia against the NFL. Those cases may also be heard before the same judge.
Personal Injury Attorneys: Traumatic Brain Injury is a Lifelong Injury
Traumatic brain injury is an alteration in brain function, or other evidence of brain pathology, caused by an external force. It is estimated that 1.7 million people in the U.S. sustain traumatic brain injuries each year; and at least 3.17 million children and adults live with a permanent disability as a result of a traumatic brain injury. Those affected by a traumatic brain injury may experience memory loss; concentration or attention problems; slowed learning; and difficulty with planning, reasoning or judgment. Physical challenges of traumatic brain injury include fatigue, headaches,problems with balance or motor skills, sensory losses, and seizures. Traumatic brain injury can also lead to respiratory, circulatory, digestive and neurological diseases, including epilepsy, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. For many people, traumatic brain injury is a lifelong disease process requiring access to a full continuum of medically necessary treatment.
Personal Injury Attorneys in Philadelphia and New Jersey
The Philadelphia personal injury attorneys at Messa & Associates are experienced at handling cases involving traumatic brain injury cases. Our extremely skilled team of personal injury attorneys and medical experts is dedicated to ensuring you receive proper compensation for your personal injuries. If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury, brain disease, severe head injury or have endured any other type of personal injury, contact the personal injury attorneys of Messa & Associates for a free consultation. Call toll free at 1-877-MessaLaw, or submit a free online inquiry.
