Former NFL players file appeal in $1B concussion settlement

Opponents to the long-awaited concussion settlement with the NFL are taking another crack at the legal system to block the deal.

Attorneys for about 70 former players have asked for a rehearing of an April 18 decision by a three-judge panel of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

That decision upheld a district court ruling from March 2015 that settled thousands of concussion lawsuits filed by former players to the tune of about $1 billion.

Those who oppose the settlement have argued that future payments for chronic traumatic encephalopathy, need to be included in any deal.

The settlement does include up to $4 million for prior deaths involving CTE, but denies paying a player’s survivors should he commit suicide after April 2015.

Also, according to some reports, many of these players are not in line for a major payout as the settlement is currently constructed.

The settlement, according to reports, was scheduled to be certified in May. Some reports indicated players and families could receive checks within four to five months. With this latest litigation, payments could be delayed another year or two.

The original settlement was approved by a federal judge in April. Because the level of compensation depends on the recipients’ age and NFL experience, the average payment is expected to be $190,000, according to Sports Illustrated.

Players diagnosed with ALS can receive a maximum of $5 million in compensation. Family members of players diagnosed with CTE can receive up to $4 million. Those with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases are eligible to receive up to $3.5 million.

Players with neurocognitive impairment can receive up to $3 million.