NFL Class Action Lawsuit: Accusations of Denying Valid Injury Claims
A class action lawsuit that accuses the NFL of denying valid injury claims from retired players is making significant strides toward a trial, with the court allowing the case to proceed on most counts. This legal battle centers on the allegations against the board that oversees the NFL's disability plan and brings to the forefront the struggles of ten retired players who have put their support behind this case.
Leading the charge are attorneys Chris Seeger and Sam Katz, with Seeger notably participating in previous concussion lawsuits that culminated in over $1 billion in settlements. This legal team's track record raises the stakes for the current lawsuit, highlighting the seriousness with which these accusations are being taken.
Accusations of Bad Faith
The crux of the lawsuit alleges that officials responsible for managing the NFL disability program have acted in bad faith and violated federal law. With a plan that was expected to distribute about $330 million last year alone, payments to qualified players should range between $65,000 and $265,000. However, claims are often denied due to the assessments made by doctors affiliated with the program, with records showing one doctor alone rejecting the claims of 29 players. These allegations suggest a systemic issue within the program that prioritizes denying claims over providing due support to injured players.
Plaintiffs Share Disturbing Stories
Among the plaintiffs, the personal accounts of their post-NFL health issues paint a grim picture of life after professional football. Willis McGahee, for example, has undergone more than a dozen surgeries following his football career. Eric Smith is battling with blackouts and violent episodes, while Mike McKenzie suffers from severe headaches and pain attributable to his time on the field. These stories, shared by just a few of the plaintiffs, underscore the pressing need for a thorough examination of the NFL's disability program and its impact on the lives of those it was designed to help.
Calls for Accountability and Reform
As the legal battle enters the discovery phase, the attorneys representing the displaced players view the judge's decision to allow the lawsuit to progress as “a huge win.” This pivotal moment in the lawsuit not only signifies the court's acknowledgment of the potential merit of the claims but also brings the plaintiffs one step closer to achieving justice. The trial presents an opportunity to expose and address systemic flaws within the NFL's disability program, potentially leading to much-needed reforms.
The involvement of other plaintiffs further demonstrates the widespread grievances against the NFL's handling of disability claims, hinting at a broader pattern of neglect and mismanagement. This lawsuit, therefore, is not merely a legal challenge against the NFL; it's a fight for justice on behalf of all injured former players who feel let down by a system that was supposed to support them in their time of need.
As the lawsuit continues to make its way through the legal system, the stories of the plaintiffs and the allegations made against the NFL's disability program will likely bring increased scrutiny to the way professional sports leagues handle player injuries and their long-term health. The outcome of this trial could very well set a precedent for how such cases are addressed in the future, not just in football but across all professional sports.
