13 Nov 2018

NHL and former players reach head injury settlement

10:04 am on 13 November 2018

The NHL and lawyers for retired players have announced a tentative settlement in the concussions lawsuit filed against the ice hockey league.

The lawsuit involves more than 100 former players who claim the NHL failed to better prevent head injuries or warn players of the risks while also promoting violent and dangerous play.

The total value of the settlement is $25 million.

Of that total, around $10 million will be distributed to 318 settling plaintiffs, approximately $30 thousand per player.

The NHL and 100 former players have come to agreement over a head injuries suffered in the game.

The NHL and 100 former players have come to agreement over a head injuries suffered in the game. Photo: Photosport

In a statement, the league said it is not acknowledging liability for any of the players' claims.

"The NHL does not acknowledge any liability for any of Plaintiffs' claims in these cases. However, the parties agree that the settlement is a fair and reasonable resolution and that it is in the parties' respective best interests to receive the benefits of the settlement and to avoid the burden, risk and expense of further litigation."

A league spokesman said there would be no further comment on the settlement until after the 75-day opt-in period for the players.

"I'm glad it's over," NHL Players' Association executive director Donald Fehr said.

"It might make it easier for us to have discussions with the NHL going forward."

According to the players' lawyers, the settlement also includes league-funded neurological testing and up to $1000 thousand in medical treatments for players who test positive on two or more tests.

The settlement also includes a Common Good Fund to support retired players in need, including those who did not participate in the lawsuit.

-Reuters