Our firm represents clients seriously injured by accidents of many kinds. One of the most devastating wounds inflicted in automobile, slip and fall, sports and other accidents is traumatic brain injury (TBI). The brain and brain injury have been in the news lately.
In April of 2013, President Obama announced the Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) initiative intended to involve public and private sector entities in a quest to map neural circuits, advance our understanding of brain function and devise new research and clinical methods to address injury and diseases of the brain like TBI and epilepsy, among others.
Through international partnership of private and public research institutes, the European Human Brain Project (HBP) aims to advance understanding of the brain, how it works and how it is injured and create cutting-edge computer models to extend our knowledge of ourselves.
While these research initiatives are underway, new developments have occurred in those struggling to deal with TBI allegedly suffered because of careers in the National Football League (NFL).
In late August, a class action lawsuit involving approximately 4,500 football players was settled by the NFL for $765 million. Details of the settlement include:
- It provides access to needed funds by players currently suffering debilitating conditions like chronic traumatic encephalopathy, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
- Retired players who qualify after neurological testing are eligible to receive settlement funds.
- The NFL admits no wrongdoing by agreeing to the settlement.
The brain makes each of us unique. Damage from an accident or disease alters lives. Through research or legal action, recognition of TBI may help others avoid or recover from this serious injury in the future.