US panel mulls merge of NFL concussion suits
MIAMI (AP)—A federal judicial panel in Miami is considering whether to
consolidate lawsuits filed around the country by more than 300 former NFL
players seeking damages for concussions they suffered.
The NFL has asked that the lawsuits be merged before a judge in
Philadelphia. They have been filed in Florida, California, New York,
Pennsylvania, Georgia and elsewhere. Plaintiffs include former stars Ottis
Anderson, Mark Duper, Tony Dorsett, Jim McMahon, Lem Barney and others.
The lawsuits accuse the NFL of negligence and misconduct in how it responded
to player complaints of health problems after suffering concussions. The league
denies any wrongdoing and says safety has always been a top priority.
The hearing Thursday is before the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict
Litigation. The panel typically issues decisions within a few weeks.