The NFL has already set up a fund to pay players and the families of players who are suffering from certain injuries as a result of playing football. Specifically, they can get the money—the payout is for $4 million—in some cases in which chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is shown. This is a brain disorder that can lead to things like depression and memory loss.
It is also the disorder that Junior Seau had when he took his own life. He killed himself in a manner that preserved his brain, so it could be studied after his death. However, rather than taking the money, his family is moving forward with its own lawsuit against the National Football League.
Part of the reason they wanted to do this, they said, is that the NFL never admitted guilt. The money was granted, but the NFL did not specifically say that it was responsible for the issues. The Seau family says that they would like the organization to own up to what is happening.
Though they did think that the compensation provided by the NFL was not adequate, the family has said that they are not simply trying to get more money. Instead, they said they are focused on the message, on trying to get the truth in front of more people, and they feel that this is the best way for them to do it.
If you have suffered a brain injury in Florida, whether you were playing football or involved in some other incident, you must know what rights you may have to financial compensation.
Source: The Washington Post, “Family of Junior Seau talks about why it is pursuing a lawsuit against the NFL” Des Bieler, Jan. 05, 2015