Presiding Judge Anita Brody in the NFL concussion suit gave a preliminary approval of the revised settlement deal that lifts a compensation cap imposed on damages. Judge Brody wrote,
“A class action settlement that offers prompt relief is superior to the likely alternative — years of expensive, difficult and uncertain litigation, with no assurance of recovery, while retired players’ physical and mental conditions continue to deteriorate,”
In a statement, NFL Senior V.P. Anastasia Danias said, “We will work with plaintiffs’ counsel to provide notice to the class and implement the settlement terms as provided in the Court’s order.” Co-lead counsels for the plaintiffs Christopher Seeger and Sol Weiss also released a statement expressing satisfaction with the judge’s decision:
“We are pleased the Court has granted preliminary approval. … This is an extraordinary settlement for retired NFL players and their families — from those who suffer with neuro-cognitive illnesses today, to those who are currently healthy but fear they may develop symptoms decades into the future.”
With Judge Brody’s green light, settlement notices will be sent to all class members for their evaluation of the deal. The members then decide whether to opt out and/or to reject the offer. Once they finish weighing their options, Judge Brody will determine whether to issue a final approval.
Meanwhile, seven retired players who have filed a formal objection to the original settlement expressed their opposition to the revised deal ahead of Judge Brody’s decision. In a motion filed on July 2 objecting the new settlement, they said that their class counsel agreed to a“‘lousy deal’ for them and a ‘great deal for the NFL and class counsel.’”
Revised NFL concussion settlement gets U.S. judge’s preliminary OK
Judge Brody gives preliminary approval to concussion settlement