Former NFL players suing the league
On Monday, 142 retired NFL players filed a lawsuit in federal court in Fort Lauderdale against NFL teams and the League. The purpose of the suit is to require the NFL to recognize CTE (in living players) as an occupational hazard, and thereby allow former players to file workers’ compensation claims against the NFL.
Tim Howard, the lawyer for the plaintiffs said "The workers' compensation relief that plaintiffs are seeking will be based upon their claims that they have now become permanently and totally disabled by CTE as a result of repeated traumatic head injuries that were, in fact, sustained while they acted in the capacity of employees for the defendant." He went on to say that "The intentional delay in diagnosis and treatment of living CTE and repeated head trauma causes avoidable injury and death. Justice requires that the NFL be held accountable for this occupational hazard."
The lawsuit could help players who may not qualify for financial help under the terms of the proposed NFL Concussion Settlement, which is currently under appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Retired NFL wide receiver Tony Gaiter, the lead plaintiff in the case, told reporters Monday that he has been diagnosed with CTE. Gaiter, who played for the Patriots and the Chargers, said he is unable to work. "I'm depressed more than anything," Gaiter said at Monday’s press conference. "I'm just getting by, man."
