Concussion injuries and their long-term impact on football players is a topic that has garnered much attention in the news lately. A former Texas football player is adding to deluge of head injury law suits with his own case against the NCAA. Julius Whittier, was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease in August 2012, and decided to sue the NCAA for what could amount to $50 million in damages. This case is particularly important because it seeks compensation for all "former NCAA football players residing in the U.S. who played from 1960 - 2014 who did not go on to play professional football in the NFL and who have been diagnosed with a latent brain injury or disease". Whittier, now 64, is seeking $5 million in restitution in this latest lawsuit filed on his behalf by his sister in United States District Court. The lawsuit claims that the NCAA failed to sufficiently protect its student-athletes from head injuries. in violation of it's constitution (article 2, 2.2.3) requiring that each member school "protect the health of, and provide a safe environment for" its players. The lawsuit also claims that the NCAA breached its duty to protect college football players despite long-standing and overwhelming evidence that they needed to do so. Other parts of the controversial lawsuit claim allege that the NCAA ignored its duty to protect the football players and profited from its inaction and denial, to the detriment of the players. Football players should have been educated about the "long term, life-altering risks and consequences of head impacts" and the "known protocols to prevent, mitigate, monitor, diagnose and treat brain injuries." Julius Whittier was an offensive lineman and tight end for the Longhorns from 1969-72. He was also the first African-American player to suit up for the popular Texas football team. Whittier filed his case after the NCAA proposed a $75 million concussion settlement in August. The proposed settlement would not have provided immediate and needed care to many former players in need. Whittier's attorney, Dwight E. Jefferson, claims that his client is now "totally disabled". Regardless of the outcome, this case has the potential to open up a floodgate of cases for college athletes that are now dealing with severe brain injuries and disability.
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If you or a loved one has suffered an injury, J. Price McNamara ERISA Insurance Claim Attorney is here to help you get the compensation you deserve. Your case and potential monetary damages could hinge on the experience and skill of your attorney. As such, you deserve a legal team that will aggressively fight for your rights. J. Price McNamara is a former insurance company attorney and Louisiana prosecutor who now represents clients like you in their own personal injury cases. If you live in the Baton Rouge, Metairie, and New Orleans areas of Louisiana, contact our office now to schedule your complimentary case review. We can help you determine whether you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries.
J. Price McNamara
Attorney
Losing my own brother, then my father and sister after long, disabling illnesses just a few months apart drove a career change for me. Before that experience, I never truly understood the place you’re in. I never understood the dramatic impact that receiving (or not receiving) the disability and life insurance benefits you paid for and counted on can have on your life especially when you need to focus on family and healing. What I experienced with my own family now drives the way I view my clients and my work, and I will never forget it!
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