Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLCScarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Firm Insights

Concussions Causing a Stir in the Sports World

Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC

Date: November 15, 2013

Key Contacts

Back

The impact of concussions in sports has been a major topic of conversation in recent years, and it appears that a new sports law may need to be implemented to better protect players from long-term damage stemming from head injuries.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association and four former college athletes recently entered the mediation process that could lead to the settlement of a class-action lawsuit. The plaintiffs claim the association ignored concussions for many years, and argue that the NCAA was negligent because it failed to adopt a formal concussion policy until 2010.

“Continuing to turn a blind eye and continuing to essentially pretend that the concussion issue isn’t as severe as it is, those are the things we say make the NCAA negligent,” sports attorney for some of the plaintiffs Joseph Siprut told Fox Sports.

The NFL recently faced a concussion lawsuit as well – coming to a $765 million settlement with more than 18,000 former players earlier this year. But, many experts believe the NCAA’s lawsuit could have greater implications, especially if mediation breaks down and the lawsuit is brought to court.

Travis Leach, a Phoenix sports attorney, told Fox Sports that the NFL had a collective bargaining agreement in place, which aided the league in its defense – something the NCAA doesn’t have at its disposal.

“In the NCAA case, you don’t have that bargaining unit,” Leach said. “So the parties negotiating for the best interest of the players are taken out. I think you’ve also got a causation problem with the NCAA case. In the NFL, potentially they could have looked to injuries a player sustained in college as being the root cause.”

There’s no telling what compensation will be like in the NCAA’s concussion case, but under the NFL’s settlement, individual awards for men with Alzheimer’s disease linked to concussions were capped at $5 million. However, monetary rewards may not be the only outcome, as new sports laws may be drafted to further protect players in the future.

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Related Posts

See all
Rule 26 Expert Discovery: When an Expert Witness Uses AI, Is It Discoverable? post image

Rule 26 Expert Discovery: When an Expert Witness Uses AI, Is It Discoverable?

Case law following the 2010 amendments to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26 offers guidance on how courts are likely to address whether an expert witness’s AI records are subject to discovery. Key Takeaways Rule 26 Expert Discovery After the 2010 Amendments This article addresses the question courts and lawyers have faced in recent cases: […]

Author: Chris Seelinger

Link to post with title - "Rule 26 Expert Discovery: When an Expert Witness Uses AI, Is It Discoverable?"
How Expert Witness AI Use Ends Up in Discovery post image

How Expert Witness AI Use Ends Up in Discovery

“Show how 3M is 0% at fault.” The absurd tale of how a 350-page ChatGPT history for 3M’s expert witness was produced during a deposition is more likely than you think. It’s an inevitable trend, and an unsettled question for federal courts as experts make generative AI part of their workflow. Key Takeaways Expert Witness […]

Author: Chris Seelinger

Link to post with title - "How Expert Witness AI Use Ends Up in Discovery"
The Screenshot Problem: Why Nothing Is Really Private Anymore post image

The Screenshot Problem: Why Nothing Is Really Private Anymore

Screenshots have changed the risks of electronic communications. The screenshot problem is that messages intended for one person or a small group can be copied, forwarded, preserved, and ultimately presented to opposing counsel, regulators, journalists, customers, or a jury. Businesses should recognize that a truly private digital conversation is increasingly unreliable and ensure their policies, […]

Author: Sean M. Pena

Link to post with title - "The Screenshot Problem: Why Nothing Is Really Private Anymore"
BESS Project Agreements: Allocating Risk Among Developers, EPC Contractors, and Equipment Suppliers post image

BESS Project Agreements: Allocating Risk Among Developers, EPC Contractors, and Equipment Suppliers

Developers, engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors, and equipment suppliers each play a critical role in completing a BESS project. However, when equipment costs rise, deliveries are delayed, or regulations change, determining who bears the financial consequences can become contentious. Well-drafted project agreements are essential to sound risk allocation. Key Takeaways This article is Part […]

Author: Nicholas Wall

Link to post with title - "BESS Project Agreements: Allocating Risk Among Developers, EPC Contractors, and Equipment Suppliers"
IP Infringement: What Steps Can You Take If You're Affected? post image

IP Infringement: What Steps Can You Take If You're Affected?

IP infringement occurs when someone uses your intellectual property without your permission or beyond the scope of the permission you granted. Common examples of IP infringement include copying a product’s patented features or using a trademarked logo in a way that is likely to confuse consumers about the source or affiliation of goods or services. […]

Author: Michael Mietlicki

Link to post with title - "IP Infringement: What Steps Can You Take If You're Affected?"
Public Allegations, Unfinished Investigation: What New Jersey Businesses Should Do Next post image

Public Allegations, Unfinished Investigation: What New Jersey Businesses Should Do Next

When facing public allegations of wrongdoing, companies should not let the speed of the public conversation dictate the speed of an investigation. An investigation designed to confirm a preferred narrative rather than establish the facts can create serious problems later, particularly if litigation, regulatory scrutiny, or employment claims follow. Key Takeaways When public allegations surface […]

Author: Sean M. Pena

Link to post with title - "Public Allegations, Unfinished Investigation: What New Jersey Businesses Should Do Next"

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.

Let`s get in touch!

* The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. By providing a telephone number and submitting this form you are consenting to be contacted by SMS text message. Message & data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. You can reply STOP to opt-out of further messaging.
“If you would like to submit a file, please email it directly to info@sh-law.com.

Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!