Cap off NFL head injury compo

THOUSANDS of ex- National Football League players are to be compensated for headinjury claims after a US judge approved a revised settlement.

The revised deal means more than 20,000 retired players can vote on the settlement.

Last month, the NFL agreed to pay unlimited damages to players with severe concussion- related claims, removing a $ 675 million cap.

Lawyers for the more than 4,500 retired players who sued the league are accusing the NFL of a cover up regarding dangers of concussions and violent hits to the head.

Lawyers Sol Weiss and Christopher Seeger said in a statement that Monday’s decision represented “an extraordinary settlement”.

“We have received overwhelming support from the retired player community as they learn more about the guaranteed benefits and long- term security this settlement provides, and we look forward to soon finalising this agreement,” Weiss and Seeger wrote.

US District Court Judge Anita Brody wrote in her decision that her concerns over an earlier settlement were “satisfied” and that the revised deal “is a significant improvement”.

The new “uncapped” settlement, Brody wrote, “ensures that there are sufficient funds available to pay all claims through the 65- year term of the settlement.”