Former NFL Players File Brain Injury Lawsuits Against League and Manufacturers

Los Angeles, CAIncidents involving traumatic brain injury have been well-documented in the National Football League over the past few years, with strict regulations put in place to avoid concussions and other similar injuries.

Recently, however, a group of former NFL players decided to sue the league as well as equipment manufacturers, claiming that not enough was done to prevent and treat such brain injuries during their careers years ago.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the group of players, which includes Hall of Fame linebacker Lee Roy Selmon, former New York Jets fullback Woody Bennett and others, claims that the NFL and equipment manufacturers Easton and Riddell acted negligently in the handling of their head injuries throughout their careers.

The most recent lawsuit, which was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, asserts that the NFL and the manufacturers were aware of the potential consequences of brain injuries on the football field, including dementia and memory loss. However, despite this knowledge, the former players claim the defendants "acted with callous indifference" and "reckless abandon" when dealing with the injuries.

Specific cases mentioned in the lawsuit include that of former Pittsburgh Steeler and San Diego Charger Ralph Wenzel, who claims he was not made aware of potential long-term risks associated with head injuries he suffered and, as a result, is now forced to live with memory loss and headaches.

Joining the former football players as a plaintiff is Carolyn Lens, the widow of former Atlanta Falcon Greg Lens, who the woman claims "suffered a premature death as a result" of the head injuries he endured during his playing days, reports the news source.

Brian McCarthy, an NFL spokesman, told the news source that the league would "vigorously contest" the claims made in the lawsuit, according to the news provider.

While such cases are certainly high-profile, brain injury lawsuits are not limited to former professional athletes, as a stuntman from the movie The Hangover Part 2 recently sued Warner Bros. claiming he suffered brain damage due to injuries sustained on set.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Scott McLean claims he was acting as a stunt double for Ed Helms when the injury occurred. McLean was reportedly airlifted from Thailand to Australia and has been in either the hospital or a rehabilitation facility since then, according to the lawsuit.