We’ve had a chance to read and to digest the terms of the settlement announced Thursday in the ongoing concussion litigation. The most important things to know are listed below.
1. The settlement applies to all players who are retired as of the day Judge Anita Brody gives preliminary approval to the settlement.
2. The settlement will be subject to a formal approval process, with retired players having the opportunity to oppose the settlement and/or to “opt out” and file or continue to pursue their own claims.
3. The $765 million payment by the NFL does not include attorneys’ fees, which will be determined separately.
4. Of the settlement amount, $675 million will be available for retired players “who present medical evidence of severe cognitive impairment, dementia, Alzheimer’s, ALS, or to their families.” The compensation for each player will be based on his diagnosis, his age, the length of his NFL career, and other factors. The decisions as to compensation will be made by independent doctors working with settlement administrators appointed by the court.
5. If the $675 million is exhausted, the NFL will make a one-time additional payment of up to $37.5 million.
6. Of the settlement amount, a maximum of $75 million will be used for baseline medical exams of retired players.
7. Of the settlement amount, $10 million will go to a separate research and education fund.
8. Of the settlement amount, $6 million will be devoted to administrative costs.
9. The settlement will have no impact on benefits provided under the labor deal between the NFL and the NFLPA.
10. The settlement will have no impact on the rights of current players.