Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Wrongful Death Cases Could Be Concern for NFL Teams
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: January 15, 2014
Key Contacts
Back
The NFL has been bogged down with lawsuits and other problems as a result of concussions caused by repeated head trauma during game action.
The league recently settled a major case that awarded millions of dollars to former players who are suffering from concussion-related conditions.
However, it appears as though this could be just the beginning of the NFL’s concussion issue. The most recent example is a wrongful-death lawsuit filed by Jovan Belcher’s mother.
Belcher is a former Kansas City Chief who killed his girlfriend and then committed suicide, and his mother claims head injuries suffered while playing football led to cognitive and neuro-psychiatric impairment, which helped caused the violent incident. Belcher’s body was recently exhumed and is being tested for chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
Proving Wrongful Death
If the wrongful-death lawsuit is successful, many more similar cases could occur in the future. To prove wrongful death, the plaintiff needs to prove four basic elements:
- The death was caused by the defendant in whole or in part.
- The death occurred as a direct result of the defendant’s negligence.
- The death has affected the plaintiff or surviving family members (children, parents, spouses) who qualify for a wrongful death settlement/verdict.
- The death resulted in monetary damages.
In Belcher’s case, and any other involving concussions, these four elements could be hard to prove as the NFL has yet to admit fault regarding head injuries. The concussion settlement helped the league avoid potentially having a judge rule that it was negligible. This doesn’t mean that this won’t happen in the future though, so this will definitely be a case to watch, especially if concussions remain a prevalent part of the NFL game.
- 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
Why Secured Transactions Are Important
Secured transactions form the backbone of a wide range of business dealings, including business loans, mortgages, and inventory financing. Because the stakes are often high and relatively minor oversights can have drastic consequences, lenders and borrowers should thoroughly understand how to form an enforceable security agreement that protects their legal rights. What Is a Secured […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Don’t Cash a “Paid in Full” Check Without Understanding the Legal Implications
Cashing a check marked “paid in full” can be a risky endeavor, particularly if you don’t fully understanding the legal implications. If you are owed more than the amount of the check you accept and deposit, you may waive your right to collect the full disputed amount. That is why you should consider either rejecting […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Changes to Qualified Small Business Stock Will Benefit Startup Founders and Investors
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (OBBBA) significantly impacts federal taxes, credits, and deductions. A key change relating to Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) allows greater tax-free gains for investments in startups and other qualifying small businesses. Company founders and other investors should understand how the enhanced tax strategy works or risk missing […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Corporate Consolidation and Antitrust Issues in Mergers
Corporate consolidation involves two or more businesses merging to become a single larger entity. The result is often a stronger and more competitive company that can better navigate today’s competitive marketplace. What Is Corporate Consolidation? Corporate consolidation closely resembles a basic merger transaction. The primary difference is that a consolidation creates an entirely new business […]
Author: Dan Brecher
What is Business Law and Why Is it Important?
Business law plays a critical role in nearly every aspect of running a successful enterprise, from negotiating a commercial lease to drafting employee policies to fulfilling corporate disclosure obligations. Understanding what is business law and your legal obligations can help your business run smoothly and build productive relationships with clients, business partners, regulators, and others. […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Corporate Transactions: Best Practices for Successful Deals
Corporate transactions can have significant implications for a corporation and its stakeholders. For deals to be successful, companies must act strategically to maximize value and minimize risk. It is also important to fully understand the legal and financial ramifications of corporate transactions, both in the near and long term. Understanding Corporate Transactions The term “corporate […]
Author: Dan Brecher
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.