NFL Concussions: What to Expect When Making a Claim for the NFL Settlement

After many years of refusing to acknowledge the fact that the frequent head trauma sustained by professional football players was causing a disease called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), the National Football League (NFL) finally publically admitted, in March of 2016, that CTE exists and that it is connected to the sport of football. A class action lawsuit filed by former NFL players against the NFL resulted in a $1 billion settlement, which will allow some 20,000 former NFL players to apply for damages to compensate them for the challenges they face as a result of developing CTE. The settlement funds can pay up to $5 million to players suffering from CTE, or to the families of deceased players.

If you are a former NFL player, and have developed CTE, you might consider filing a claim to collect damages. If you decide to do so, here are some things you can expect.

A medical exam

In order to qualify as a member of the class of football players who are eligible to recover from the settlement, you will have to prove that you have suffered as a result of repeated head trauma and concussions, and that it is because of your time playing for the NFL. One of the first things you will be required to do therefore, is to undergo a medical exam. If you are hiring an attorney to represent you in your claim for damages, your attorney might be able to arrange an exam with a neurologist they have selected to examine claimants. If you contact Stern Law, PLLC, we can arrange a free medical review, as well as a free case review to evaluate your claim.

Filing paperwork

You will have to file paperwork, including evidence of your injury in order to collect from the settlement fund. There are deadlines that apply, and strict requirements on what documentation you have to provide in order to be eligible to recover from the funds. How you put together your file, and how you present and handle your claim can have an impact on whether you recover, and on how much you ultimately are rewarded from the fund.

If you do not file your claim correctly, this can lead to delays in processing your claim or in a denial of benefits.

CTE is a serious debilitating disease. If you are a former NFL football player who has suffered as a result of traumatic brain injuries that occurred during your time playing on a team, you should consider filing a claim for compensation. Speak to an experienced attorney to discuss the facts specific to your claim, and to determine what you should do in order to recover from the NFL for the injuries that you have suffered.

Contact Stern Law, PLLC for A Free Consultation

At Stern Law, PLLC, we have compassionate and caring attorneys ready to work with you in order to find the best strategy for seeking compensation for your sport related injuries. Contact Stern Law, PLLC today at (844) 808-7529 for a free consultation with an experienced attorney.