Many former collegiate football players no longer think of their time playing football as the “Glory Days.” Instead of looking back at this time joyfully, they are saddened and angered by the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) failure to protect them from the long-term consequences of concussions. While it may have been decades since they stepped on the field, many former football players are suffering from debilitating neurological conditions and side effects. Although nothing can undo the damage, players can at least seek justice. And, a recent Ohio Supreme Court ruling is ensuring that former players may continue to hold the NCAA accountable despite the passage of time.

The widow of a former University of Notre Dame football player filed a lawsuit against the school and the NCAA on behalf of her deceased husband who played football for the university in the 1970s. The lawsuit was filed in 2014, but unfortunately the former football player died in February 2015. Prior to his death, the football player suffered from early onset Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. He was diagnosed postmortem by the Cleveland Clinic with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy or CTE. CTE is a degenerative neurological disease that can not only lead to Alzheimer’s and dementia, but also other diseases, such as ALS and Parkinson’s.

Notre Dame and the NCAA argued that the statute of limitations had expired and asked the court to drop the case immediately. An Ohio Supreme Court judge disagreed, stating that the injuries suffered by the football player were latent, and therefore not subject to the statute of limitations. The Ohio Supreme Court then ruled the case can proceed to trial.

Why Is This Ruling Important?

While some side effects of concussions are immediate, much of the damage doesn’t cause side effects until years afterwards. When the brain sustains a concussion, brain cells die, and when brain cells die, they release a protein called Tau proteins or T-proteins. T-proteins cause additional brain cell death over time and can build up in individuals – like football players – that suffer repeated concussions.

Because of the nature of the injury, many football players don’t experience serious symptoms until years later. The NCAA previously used this to their advantage in trying to dismiss cases based on the expiration of the statute of limitations; however, the Ohio Supreme Court ruling ensures former NCAA football players can have their day in court with the organization and the universities that failed to protect them.

File an NCAA Concussion Lawsuit Today

If you played collegiate football for an NCAA regulated team, you might have many questions. Raizner Law is currently representing former NCAA football players in lawsuits against the organization. Get in touch today, so we can help explain your legal options and pursue compensation on your behalf.

Football has been a staple of American culture for decades, but the sport’s reign may be quickly coming to an end. Former football players are finding out the hard way that the concussions sustained during play can have long-term consequences. This is the case for a former Slippery Rock University football player whose time playing college football contributed to the development of Parkinson’s disease.

Numerous Head Injuries Resulted in Health Concerns

The former Rock played as an offensive lineman from 1976-1978. During practices and games, he received numerous blows to the head. These concussive and sub-concussive hits caused serious side effects throughout his life. Once his college football career was over, the former lineman suffered from twitching, muscle atrophy, loss of mobility, and slurred speech, among other conditions.

By 2012, he was significantly worse and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive degenerative disorder that affects the nervous system. People with Parkinson’s often suffer from tremors, slow movement, rigid muscles, and difficulty speaking and writing, among other symptoms. Players were never warned playing football could have long-term neurological consequences. He is one of hundreds of former NCAA football players suing the NCAA for failing to protect them from known dangers.

The Link Between Concussions and Neurological Conditions

Studies have shown concussions sustained while playing football can lead to degenerative neurological conditions like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and ALS, among others. When a person suffers a concussion, brain cells become damaged and die. Anytime a brain cell dies, it releases a protein that can spread brain cell death to surrounding cells. If people are exposed to continual concussions, the brain can quickly become riddled with brain cell killing proteins.

Organizations like the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) have known for decades that concussions cause serious long-term conditions. Instead of protecting players, the NCAA continued to profit from the sport without implementing concussion protocols that could have prevented many injuries. Raizner Law is working with many former NCAA football players to hold the organization responsible for failing to protect students.

Learn About Your Legal Options

The NCAA knew about the dangers of concussions yet chose to keep the dangers quiet. If you played NCAA football and are suffering from neurological conditions, contact Raizner Law today. We can help explain your legal options and pursue compensation on your behalf.