NFL Concussion Lawyers
Repeated head trauma in professional football has left thousands of former NFL players suffering from debilitating neurological conditions. Many of these injuries were preventable, and many were hidden. Podhurst Orseck and our highly experienced class action & mass tort attorneys represent players who were misled by the league about the dangers of concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), pursuing compensation and accountability in one of the most consequential legal battles in sports history.
Skilled & Compassionate Advocacy for Injured NFL Players
Podhurst Orseck has been at the forefront of one of the most significant legal battles in professional sports — NFL Concussion Litigation. We have represented former NFL players and their families seeking justice for the long-term effects of repeated head trauma suffered during their careers. Our attorneys played a pivotal role in a 2025 landmark decision where a federal district court granted final approval of the NFL Concussion Settlement, resolving claims by more than 5,000 players who alleged that the League concealed the dangers of concussions. The agreement provided payments of up to $5 million for players diagnosed with severe neurological conditions, medical monitoring to track future symptoms, and $10 million dedicated to concussion education and awareness.
Our firm helped secure life-changing compensation for retired athletes and their families through strategic advocacy and a deep understanding of medical and legal complexities. We continue to push for accountability and reform in professional sports, standing with players whose health and futures were put at risk in pursuing the game they loved.
NFL Concussion Cases Demand Elite Legal Representation
The NFL concussion settlement was a turning point, but the road to justice remains steep. The league’s history of denial spans decades. For years, independent studies and players’ lived experiences were dismissed or minimized. Even as evidence mounted, the league failed to implement meaningful safety protocols or provide clear guidance to players about long-term risks.
At Podhurst Orseck, we represent former athletes struggling with:
- Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE): A progressive brain disease linked to repeated head trauma
- Parkinson’s disease and early-onset dementia: Often appearing in players younger than typical at-risk populations.
- Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions
- Severe mood disorders, including depression and anxiety
- Cognitive decline marked by confusion, memory loss, and disorientation
Our legal team understands the medical science and legal framework behind these claims. We work with nationally recognized neurologists, neuropsychologists, and forensic experts to build strong, evidence-based cases that demonstrate the connection between a player’s symptoms and their professional career.
Who’s Liable in NFL Concussion Lawsuits?
Responsibility for the concussion crisis does not lie with a single entity. The league’s leadership, affiliates, and medical partners all played a role in perpetuating the problem or failing to prevent it. In these cases, we may pursue claims against:
- The National Football League (NFL): For knowingly suppressing concussion research and misrepresenting the risks
- NFL Properties, LLC: For producing and distributing materials that failed to warn players of the actual dangers
- Team doctors, trainers, and medical staff: Who ignored symptoms, cleared players too soon, or downplayed injury severity
- Helmet and equipment manufacturers: Who made false claims about the safety and protective features of their products
By holding every responsible party accountable, Podhurst Orseck aims to secure compensation and prevent future harm through reform and transparency.
We’re A National Leader in NFL Concussion & Brain Injury Litigation
Real Results. Respected Worldwide.
Podhurst Orseck has established a national reputation for handling high-profile and high-stakes litigation with the NFL and other powerful organizations. We’ve fought for thousands of former players, more transparent medical monitoring, compensation for families of players who died with CTE, and a $1+ billion settlement to support players long into retirement.
Our firm’s commitment to legal excellence ensures that Podhurst Orseck clients receive the representation they need during challenging times.
Explore More Of Our Landmark CasesWhy NFL Concussion Injuries Are So Dangerous
For many former players, the damage inflicted by repeated head trauma wasn’t immediate. Instead, symptoms emerged gradually, often years or even decades after retirement. These injuries, sometimes referred to as an “invisible epidemic,” have taken a tremendous toll on players’ cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being.
Part of the tragedy is that so many were unaware of what was happening until it was too late. Without early intervention, brain injuries can evolve into degenerative diseases that rob individuals of their independence, memories, and relationships.
Long-Term Effects of Repeated Concussions
A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI). But even hits that don’t cause immediate symptoms, also called subconcussive blows, can be just as dangerous over time. These cumulative impacts can lead to:
- Executive dysfunction: Difficulty with planning, reasoning, and decision-making
- Impaired speech and motor skills: Trouble communicating or performing daily tasks
- Social withdrawal and emotional instability: Resulting from changes in mood, personality, or judgment
- Degeneration of brain tissue: Causing irreversible cognitive decline
At Podhurst Orseck, we work closely with medical professionals who can evaluate these effects, document their progression, and connect them to a player’s football career for litigation purposes.
CTE: The Hidden Crisis in Professional Football
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is perhaps the most notorious consequence of repeated head trauma in contact sports. This progressive and incurable brain disease has been identified in numerous former NFL players. Many of whom died by suicide or experienced profound mental health issues in the years prior to their deaths.
Because CTE can only be confirmed through post-mortem analysis, many families are left without answers during their loved one’s lifetime. However, common signs of CTE include:
- Aggressive or violent behavior
- Deepening depression and anxiety
- Paranoia, confusion, and memory lapses
- Increased risk of suicide or self-harm
We advocate fiercely for families who have lost someone to CTE, and for players showing signs of this devastating illness. Through litigation, we help shine a light on the lasting human cost of the NFL’s failure to act.
Do You Have a Case Against the NFL?
The path to compensation can be complicated, especially for those unfamiliar with the terms of the 2015 settlement. But you don’t need to navigate it alone. Podhurst Orseck helps former players, their families, and eligible claimants understand their rights and take appropriate legal action.
You Played in the NFL Before the Settlement Was Approved
If you were retired from the NFL as of July 7, 2014, and meet the eligibility requirements, you may qualify for either a monetary award or medical monitoring benefits. You may still be entitled to coverage or relief even if you’ve never filed a claim.
You’ve Been Diagnosed With a Qualifying Neurological Condition
The NFL settlement outlines specific conditions that qualify for compensation, including:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Moderate to advanced dementia
- Death with evidence of CTE (diagnosed posthumously)
A confirmed diagnosis paired with qualifying NFL experience could unlock significant compensation, often in the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.
You Experience Ongoing Cognitive or Behavioral Issues
Many former players don’t yet have a formal diagnosis but struggle daily with confusion, personality shifts, and memory loss. Medical monitoring through the settlement can help detect early symptoms and provide access to care that may prevent further deterioration.
Unsure About Your Rights Under the Settlement?
Navigating the NFL concussion settlement isn’t simple. There are deadlines, documentation requirements, and potential disputes over eligibility or evidence. Podhurst Orseck helps clients:
- Determine eligibility
- Prepare and submit claims
- Appeal denied claims
- Explore legal options for excluded or late filers
What Compensation Is Available for NFL Brain Injury Claims?
The NFL concussion settlement provides a substantial compensation framework designed to account for the lifelong effects of traumatic brain injuries. But securing the full value of your claim often requires navigating complex eligibility criteria, medical proof, and strict deadlines.
Depending on the nature of the diagnosis, timing of your registration, and the severity of symptoms, available compensation may include:
- Up to $5 Million: Players diagnosed with severe neurocognitive conditions—such as ALS, Parkinson’s, or advanced dementia—may qualify for payments up to $5 million, based on age, severity, and years in the NFL.
Lifetime Medical Monitoring:
Eligible players receive ongoing evaluations to detect early cognitive decline and support timely treatment for conditions like CTE. - Coverage for Medical & Caregiving Expenses:
Reimbursement may be available for neurological care, mental health treatment, and in-home support services. - Wrongful Death Compensation:
Families of deceased players whose deaths were linked to neurodegenerative diseases may qualify for posthumous awards. - $10 Million for Education & Research:
The settlement funds concussion education, safety initiatives, and ongoing medical research to protect future athletes.
At Podhurst Orseck, we build cases grounded in science, supported by leading medical experts, and proven through our success in NFL concussion litigation. Having helped shape the system, we fight relentlessly to secure every dollar our clients deserve.
See Our Landmark CasesNFL Concussion FAQs
FIGHTING FOR ANSWERS & ACCOUNTABILITY
Do I Have Rights if I Didn’t Opt into the NFL Settlements
Possibly. If you opted out or missed key deadlines, other legal avenues may be available. We can help evaluate your options and determine if further litigation is appropriate.
Can Families of Deceased Players File Claims?
Yes. If a former player died with evidence of CTE, family members may pursue compensation under the NFL settlement or through wrongful death claims. We help families gather the required evidence, including autopsy reports and medical records.
What if My Symptoms Started after the Settlement?
That’s common. Neurological conditions often progress slowly. The settlement provides ongoing medical monitoring for exactly this reason. The settlement ensures that new symptoms are documented, and eligible players receive compensation when the time comes.
How Long Does it Take to Receive Benefits?
Timelines vary based on medical evaluations, paperwork, and NFL settlement processing. We guide our clients through every stage of the process to avoid delays and maximize their award.
CONTACT PODHURST ORSECK
Don’t Let the NFL Ignore Your Pain
With decades of experience in complex class actions and traumatic brain injury claims, we combine deep legal knowledge, trial strength, and compassionate counsel for former athletes and their families. If you or a loved one is suffering from neurological symptoms after years of playing football, don’t wait. These conditions can worsen over time, and deadlines or settlement procedures may limit your right to compensation.
We offer free initial consults and handle claims on contingentcy, meaning you don’t pay unless we recover for you.