Concussion settlement procedures under fire
NEW YORK — A federal judge overseeing the NFL’s $1 billion concussion settlement with former players said on the weekend she’s concerned about “deceptive practices” by claims service providers, lawyers, lenders and other groups seeking a share of the money.
Judge Anita Brody will hold a hearing in Philadelphia on Tuesday to hear from Christopher Seeger, who represented the class of more than 20,000 former NFL players now eligible for payments.
Seeger has been investigating claims that unscrupulous third-party providers have been taking advantage of players with significant brain damage.
In a court order, Brody said she will weigh the legality of contracts signed by former players who were duped by “deceptive or misleading solicitations”.
The settlement, which took effect last January, resolved thousands of lawsuits that accused the NFL of hiding what it knew about the risks of repeated concussions.
It covers retired players who develop Lou Gehrig’s disease, dementia or other neurological problems believed to be caused by concussions suffered during their pro careers, with awards as high as $5 million for the most serious cases.
Participants had to register by Aug 7.
A notice to eligible players, approved by Brody earlier this year, said some players had signed contracts with thirdparty providers for up to 15 percent of their eventual award.
The providers offered to guide players through a claims process they advertised as difficult. In reality, the notice said, “none of the steps are complicated,” and a court-appointed claims administrator helped players register or file claims free of charge.
In a court filing, Seeger accused one attorney, Timothy Howard, of Tallahassee, Florida, of making “serious misrepresentations about the settlement program” to at least one former player — who was not named — and wrote that Howard might have made similar statements to more than 200 other players.
In a statement, Howard told Associated Press: “We are pleased that there is an effort to ensure retired NFL players receive the maximum amount for their injuries ... We look forward to addressing any clarity needed as to communications with class members.”