Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Will Concussion Lawsuit Settlement Absolve NFL of Responsibilities to Players?
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: September 4, 2013
Key Contacts
Back
In a surprising move, the National Football League and more than 4,500 former NFL players announced that they had reached a proposed $765 million settlement regarding concussion lawsuits. However, if this proposal is approved, how will it affect the NFL’s future obligations under sports law to ensure its athletes are protected and educated about potential injuries?
Given the high costs of this ongoing litigation, the NFL may opt to publish more comprehensive safety information regarding the potential health effects of concussions. Perhaps more impact, the league may also introduce new measures to ensure that all players who have suffered head injuries are thoroughly examined and cleared to go back on to the field – a scenario that plaintiffs content was rarely followed during their playing days. Lomas Brown, a seven-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle with the Detroit Lions, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers told the Associated Press that the NFL’s uncharacteristic decision to settle indicates its acknowledgement of its own negligence.
However, other industry professionals argue that the settlement essentially absolves the NFL of any responsibility or wrongdoing, which may discourage the league from implementing new costly or burdensome safeguards to protect athletes. According to the Guardian, the NFL will have dodged a bullet if the settlement is pushed through, namely because the $765 million sum will help players and their families deal with the repercussions, but is still small enough so as not to threaten the league’s financial or reputational condition.
In the absence of a court ruling, the NFL will be free of being forced to make significant changes to its standards and heath guidelines. Without these mandates in place, it will be interesting to see if the league makes new safety determinations of its own accord to avoid future litigation or chalks the settlement up as a win to continue its existing policies.
- Industries: Entertainment & Media
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
Short Form Merger: Streamlining the Process for Businesses
Merging two companies is a complex legal and business transaction. A short form merger, in which an acquiring company merges with a subsidiary corporation, offers a more streamlined process. However, like all M&A transactions, it is important to understand the legal nuances and proper due diligence in mergers and acquisitions. What Is a Short Form […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Tariff Response Options for Small Businesses Facing Financial Distress
The Trump Administration’s new tariffs are having an oversized impact on small businesses, which already tend to operate on razor thin margins. Many businesses have been forced to raise prices, find new suppliers, lay off staff, and delay growth plans. For businesses facing even more dire financial circumstances, there are additional tariff response options, including […]
Author: Brian D. Spector
Common Causes of Partnership Disputes and How to Resolve Them
Business partnerships, much like marriages, function exceptionally well when partners are aligned but can become challenging when disagreements arise. Partnership disputes often stem from conflicts over business strategy, financial management, and unclear role definitions among partners. Understanding Business Partnership Conflicts Partnership conflicts place significant stress on businesses, making proactive measures essential. Partnerships should establish detailed […]
Author: Christopher D. Warren
Businesses Are Facing Financial Headwinds—A Practical Guide
*** The original article was featured on Bloomberg Tax, April 28, 2025 — As a tax attorney who spends much of my time helping people and companies who have large, unresolved issues with the IRS or one or more state tax departments, it often occurs to me that the best service that I can provide […]
Author: Scott H. Novak
President Trump's Termination of Member Gwynne Wilcox
On January 28, 2025, the Trump Administration terminated Gwynne Wilcox from her position as a Member of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or the Board). Gwynne Wilcox, a union side lawyer for Levy Ratner, was confirmed to the Board for an original term in 2021 and confirmed again for a successive five-year term expiring […]
Author: Matthew F. Mimnaugh
Breach of Contract Explained: Types and Consequences
Breach of contract disputes are the most common type of business litigation. Therefore, nearly all New York and New Jersey businesses will likely have to deal with a contract dispute at least once. Understanding when to file a breach of contract lawsuit and how long you have to sue for breach of contract is essential […]
Author: Brittany P. Tarabour
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.