The NCAA has come under fire in recent years for the way it handles its young student athletes. Concussions are among the biggest sources of controversy.
Thanks to websites like CollegeAthleteConcussionSettlement.com, more current and former NCAA student athletes are being encouraged to seek compensation for concussions that occurred through collegiate sports.
Today, we’re explaining everything you need to know about the NCAA and the ongoing concussion lawsuits across America.
The Class Action Lawsuit
A class action lawsuit is currently making its way through the legal system. That class action lawsuit is officially titled, “In re National Collegiate Athletic Association Student-Athlete Concussion Litigation, Case No. 1:13-cv-09116”.
The lawsuit was introduced on behalf of current and former NCAA student athletes. It’s pending before Judge John Z. Lee of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
What is the Medical Monitoring Program?
The lawsuit is seeking a settlement where former and current NCAA student athletes would receive free coverage through a Medical Monitoring Program. As part of that Medical Monitoring Program, athletes would be entitled to a certain number of free medical visits during and after their NCAA careers.
If the settlement is accepted in May 2017, then the Medical Monitoring Program will begin later this year, within 90 days of the settlement date.
Many Former and Current NCAA Athletes Are Automatically Included in this Class Action Lawsuit
You are automatically a member of this Settlement Class if you played an NCAA-sanctioned sport at an NCAA school any time prior to July 15, 2016.
You do not need to be diagnosed with a concussion to be a member of the Settlement Class.
You’re Entitled to Two Free Medical Visits
One advantage of being part of the Settlement Class is that you may be entitled to free medical screening and may receive free medical testing up to two times over the next 50 years. This is the Medical Monitoring Program we mentioned above.
How to Stay Up to Date on Class Action Lawsuit News
The law firm leading the class action lawsuit has created a website called CollegeAthleteConcussionSettlement.com. At that website, there’s information keeping you up-to-date on the current case, including important deadlines.
The website also features a contact page you can use to submit your information to the law firm, which means you’ll receive information about the class action lawsuit via email. You’ll need to sign up at this page to share your contact information or to become part of the free medical monitoring program mentioned above.
Important Deadlines and Dates in the NCAA Athlete Injury Concussion Settlement Lawsuit
The NCAA athlete injury concussion settlement lawsuit comes with some important deadlines, including:
- March 10, 2017: If you want to comment on the proposed settlement, then you must submit your comments or objections in writing and postmarked no later than March 10, 2017.
- March 10, 2017: This is also the deadline for opting out of the lawsuit. You can learn how to opt out below.
- May 5, 2017: The fairness hearing takes place on this date, during which the fairness of the settlement will be discussed.
How to Exclude Yourself From NCAA Athlete Injury Concussion Settlement Lawsuit
As mentioned above, many NCAA athletes are automatically members of this class action lawsuit. If you don’t want to be a member of this NCAA athlete injury concussion settlement lawsuit, and want to opt out, then you’ll need to provide written notice according to the instructions here.
Why would you opt out of the class action? When you’re part of a class action lawsuit and receive a settlement, it means you can pursue no further litigation against the organization for that matter in the future. You’re bound by the terms of that settlement. When you opt out, it means you can choose to launch your own lawsuit.
You’ll need to opt out before March 10, 2017 if you want to be excluded.
What Happens If You Do Nothing?
If you’re a former or current NCAA athlete who takes no action, then you will still have the right to participate in the Medical Monitoring Program in the future. Current participation in the Medical Monitoring Program is completely voluntary.
When the current lawsuit’s settlement is approved, it means that those who choose to participate in the Medical Monitoring Program will have the opportunity to do so.
When Will the Medical Monitoring Program Start?
If the court approves the final settlement and resolves all appeals, then the Medical Monitoring Program will begin 90 days after the effective date of the settlement.
The law firm behind the class action lawsuit, Kurtzman Carson Consultants, is encouraging you to check their website after May 5, 2017 for further information regarding the lawsuit: http://www.collegeathleteconcussionsettlement.com/
