Former Safety Dave Duerson's family files lawsuit against NFL - NFL News
The National Football League (NFL) is facing a string of lawsuits from former players over concussions and their effects later in life for former players. Another suit was filed on Thursday, by the family of the late Dave Duerson.
Duerson who was a former player for Chicago Bears, according to the lawsuit, had developed severe mental problems resulting in the former player taking his life last year.
The lawsuit alleges gross negligence on the part of the NFL as it failed to properly notify players and educate them on the harmful effects of concussions. It also alleges that the league’s failure to raise awareness on concussions led to the death of one
of the most celebrated footballers to grace the field.
Attorney Thomas Demetrio, who is representing the family in court, said that the NFL did not do enough to help and educate players on the after effects from concussions.
"They not only dropped the ball, they maintained until current times that there was no connection between playing football, receiving concussions and brain damage. That's wrong."
Duerson’s son, Tregg, on whose behalf the lawsuit has been filed, said about the lawsuit.
"If they knowingly failed to inform and implement proper safety concussion procedures, then their indifference was the epitome of injustice. The inactions of the past inevitably led to the demise and death of my father.”
According to Tregg, his father’s condition deteriorated slowly since his retirement and in the end he started having problems with his impulse, judgement and inhibition.
"It was slow deterioration, day after day. You can see his mannerisms change toward the end of his life."
Helmet maker Riddell Inc. is also mentioned in the lawsuit over its helmet designs that did not do enough to keep players safe during games.
The former Bears safety joined Chicago Bears in 1983 for the start of an illustrious 11-year career in which he won two Super Bowls and was selected four times for the Pro-Bowl.
The National Football League on being notified of the suit said that they have not received any information regarding the case and praised Duerson’s contributions to football and his achievements.
More news will likely develop on the case in the coming days as court proceedings begin.
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