NHL Settles Concussion Lawsuit

A four year long lawsuit by 318 former National Hockey League (NHL) players reached a settlement in November 2018. The settlement will reportedly provide the settling players with free neuropsychological tests, up to $75,000 for treatment, and up to $20,000 in cash per player.  A “Common Good Fund” will also be established to assist other players in need. The Washington Post quoted this from the league: “The NHL does not acknowledge any liability for any of Plaintiffs’ claims in these cases,” the league said in a statement. “However, the parties agree that the settlement is a fair and reasonable resolution and that it is in the parties’ respective best interests to receive the benefits of the settlement and to avoid the burden, risk and expense of further litigation.”  Unlike the NFL settlement, this was not a class action settlement.  The lawsuit consisted of just 146 plaintiffs, along with another 172 who retained counsel.  The settlement has a 75 day “opt-in” period, and requires judicial approval.