Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comKey Contacts
Back
Is it possible to sue a former employer for allegedly encouraging the usage of painkillers?
It appears so. More than 500 former professional athletes recently filed a lawsuit accusing the National Football League of illegally encouraging players to take risky narcotics—all in the name of masking serious personal sports injuries.
The NFL was accused of obtaining the drugs illegally, as well as misleading players about the side effects and addiction dangers of the drug usage. The drugs, the players alleged, were often used to numb the pain, allowing injured players to return to the field, and in turn, generate the highest possible profits for the NFL. This led to aggravation of the injuries, as well as the creation of long-term health problems for those suffering. A number of players went as far as to claim they weren’t even made aware of the severity of their own injuries by team trainers.
The DEA Steps In
Following the recent allegations, the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating the NFL and its lockers rooms, seeking to discover how the league’s doctors and trainers got access to such powerful narcotics. If the NFL is found guilty of the alleged practices, it will once again be forced to shell out some serious monetary damages. The suit also seeks an injunction creating a testing and monitoring program.
This isn’t the first time a major sports league has received media attention over painkiller misuse. Following the death of New York Rangers enforcer Derek Boogaard in 2011 (as a result of a battle with addiction to painkillers prescribed by team doctors), the National Hockey League was scrutinized for what many referred to as its “painkiller problem.” After his death, Boogaard’s family filed a wrongful-death lawsuit, alleging that the league was responsible for supplying him with excessive amounts of painkillers over the course of six seasons.
This particular suit comes on the heels of a previous class action suit, in which the NFL agreed to pay over $900 million in damages for concealing a number of long-term health hazards related to concussions.
As a sports & entertainment attorney, I have written extensively about the NFL lawsuits in regards to player concussions. See my previous posts on the matter here:
- Breaking Down the NFL’s Growing Concussions Lawsuit
- Concussions a Major Issue in Football
- NFL Facing Attacks On All Fronts Over Concussions
We all know that steroid and drug use has been running rampant in the sports world for a number of years. Here are a few of my previous posts on the legal aspects of this current issue:
- Dolphins Locker Room Situation May Cause Legal Troubles
- Adidas Suspends Contract with Sprinter Tyson Gay Over Failed Drug Test
- 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
You Just Received a Federal Grand Jury Subpoena in New Jersey: Now What?
Receiving a federal grand jury subpoena is not something most businesses or individuals anticipate. While it can be concerning, a federal grand jury subpoena does not necessarily mean that you are being accused of wrongdoing. It does, however, mean that a federal criminal investigation is underway and that federal prosecutors believe you may possess information […]
Author: George McGowan
Why Every Business Should Conduct an Annual Insurance Coverage Review
Most New Jersey business owners purchase insurance policies, file them away, and assume they are protected if a claim arises. Without a regular insurance coverage review, many companies discover gaps only after a lawsuit, cyberattack, property loss, or other significant event occurs. An annual insurance coverage review can help businesses identify potential risks, ensure their […]
Author: George McGowan
Demand Letters & Cease and Desist Letters: When to Send One (and When Not To)
Businesses and individuals often encounter situations where another party breaches a contract, fails to pay a debt, or continues harmful conduct. In many such disputes, a precisely drafted demand letter or cease-and-desist letter serves as a powerful legal tool. It can frequently resolve the dispute and avoid litigation. While demand or cease-and-desist letters can resolve […]
Author: George McGowan
How to Effectively Use Contracts to Manage Risk
Key provisions in your contracts, including those relating to indemnification, insurance, and defense, are essential to contract risk management. While sometimes considered “boilerplate,” these provisions play a pivotal role when determining which party is responsible for certain costs and liabilities. They must always be negotiated and drafted carefully. Indemnification Clauses Businesses should never overlook the […]
Author: George McGowan
Understanding Portability for Estate and Gift Tax
Portability of estate and gift tax enables a surviving spouse to inherit any unused portion of their deceased spouse’s federal estate and gift tax exemption. So, if one spouse doesn’t utilize their full exemption, the surviving spouse can effectively double their exemption amount with regard to estate tax liability. For married couples, portability offers a […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
Pet Trusts in New Jersey and New York: A Practical Estate Planning Tool
For many of us, pets are more than companions—they are members of the family. Yet they are often overlooked or inadequately provided for when it comes to estate planning. A pet trust offers a legally enforceable way to ensure that your animal continues to receive proper care if you become incapacitated or pass away. As […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
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.