As seen in this Associated Press video, former NFL players gathered in court on April 9 for a pivotal federal hearing relating to a lawsuit against the league that alleges it concealed science about the risk of brain injuries. Over 4,000 former players are accusing the NFL of glorifying violence by gaining profits from damaging concussions and brain injuries.
The players’ lawyer, David Frederick, accused the league of hiding the developing science about concussions, even after creating a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury committee in 1994.
“It set up a sham committee designed to get information about neurological risks, but in fact spread misinformation,” Frederick debated during a federal hearing.
The Long Term Effects of Brain Injuries
Family members of former players at the hearing included:
· Kevin Turner, a former Philadelphia Eagles running back with Lou Gehrig’s disease
· Dorsey Levens, a veteran running back
· Mary Ann Easterling, whose husband, former Atlanta safety Ray Easterling, was a leader in this litigation before he committed suicide last year
Around 4,200 of the NFL’s 12,000 former players have joined the case. Some players are fighting depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and many blame the NFL for forcing them back on the field after brain injury.
Most people are not NFL players, but brain injuries happen to average citizens all the time. Some of the most common causes of head and traumatic brain injuries include car, truck, and motorcycle accidents. If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain or head injury as a result of another party’s negligence, contact our New Orleans injury attorneys for experienced and compassionate legal representation.
Harrell & Nowak, L.L.C. – New Orleans injury attorneys