Retired NFL players who have suffered cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) or dementia as a result of their time playing football may qualify for up to $5 million as a part of a recent settlement.

In April 2015, U.S. District Judge Anita Brody approved a NFL concussion settlement for retired NFL players who have experienced head and brain injuries because of the constant concussions many retired NFL players suffer.

This class action lawsuit was originally filed in July 2011 by 73 retired NFL players. They claim that the league failed to offer them adequate protection against repeated head injuries that have led to a host of brain problems and cognitive impairments.

The retired NFL players claim that the National Football League also concealed the risks associated with concussions and sub-concussive head injuries. They think the league had a responsibility to inform players of both the short-term and long-term risks of repeated head injuries.

According to the retired NFL players, the NFL created an environment that neglected to address serious injuries as well as glorified violence.

The settlement originally asked for an award of $765 million for medical exams for retired NFL players as well as compensation for injuries.

However, Judge Brody did not approve it because she thought that the capped amount would not account for all Class members who should receive compensation.

Instead, the final settlement consists of a $75 million Baseline Assessment Program to provide eligible retired NFL players free medical exams to determine cognitive injuries.

It also provides counseling, prescription drug benefits and an education fund to promote injury prevention.

The final settlement has an uncapped monetary award for retired NFL players with qualifying diagnoses.

Head Injuries of Retired NFL Players

The injuries that retired NFL players suffer can include, but are not limited to:

• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)/Lou Gehrig’s Disease
• Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
• Dementia
• Memory loss
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Depression
• Deficits in cognitive functioning
• Reduced processing speed
• Reduction of attention and reasoning
• Sleeplessness
• Mood swings
• Personality changes

While many of these injuries are quite serious, perhaps the most surprising is the frequency of CTE in retired NFL players.

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a degenerative brain disease that researchers think is caused by repeated brain injury.

Proteins gather around that affected area when the brain is injured. When brain cells are healthy, the healthy cells dispose of the proteins. But in a CTE affected brain, the healthy brain cells cannot keep up.

Alarmingly, CTE has been seen in up to 96% of deceased retired NFL players. Offensive and defensive linemen are the most common sufferers with 40% of their brains testing positive for CTE in postmortem exams.

Researchers and physicians used to attribute CTE to violent concussion, such as that of an auto accident. However, newer research points to the fact that CTE develops in the brains of those who undergo repetitive head traumas. 

NFL Concussion Settlement Qualification

Certain cognitive conditions are qualifying diagnoses in retired NFL Players. ALS, CTE, Alzheimers, dementia, memory loss and Parkinson’s Disease are some of the qualifying conditions.

But navigating the process of qualifying for compensation can be very difficult for retired NFL players. The settlement agreement is 150 pages long and includes and a set of strict set of rules, regulations and deadlines in order for retired NFL players to obtain compensation. 

Attorneys familiar with the NFL concussion settlement can help you obtain the benefits you deserve. If you or someone you know played for the NFL and now suffer from neurological disorders, do not hesitate to seek legal counsel.