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NFL Concussion SettlementBenefits and Legal Rights
Questions? Call 1-855-887-3485 or visit WWW.NFLCONCUSSIONSETTLEMENT.COM 1
NFL Concussion Settlement
All Valid Claims of Retired NFL Football Players to be Paid in Full for 65 YearsMonetary Awards, Baseline Medical Exams and Other Benefits Provided
A federal court authorized this Notice. This is not a solicitation from a lawyer.
• TheNationalFootballLeague(“NFL”)andNFLProperties,LLC(collectively,“NFLParties”)haveagreedtoaSettlementofaclassactionlawsuitseekingmedicalmonitoringandcompensationforbraininjuriesallegedlycausedbyheadimpactsexperiencedinNFLfootball.TheNFLPartiesdenythattheydidanythingwrong.
• TheSettlementClassincludesallretiredplayersoftheNFL,AmericanFootballLeague(“AFL”),WorldLeagueofAmericanFootball,NFLEuropeLeagueandNFLEuropaLeague,aswellasauthorizedrepresentativesofdeceased,legallyincapacitatedorincompetentretiredplayersandfamilymembersofretiredplayerswhomeetcertaincriteria.
•TheSettlementwillprovideeligibleretiredplayerswith:oBaselineneuropsychologicalandneurologicalexamstodetermineifretiredplayersare:
a)currentlysufferingfromanyneurocognitiveimpairment,includingimpairmentseriousenoughforcompensation,and
b)eligibleforadditionaltestingand/ortreatment($75million);
oMonetaryawardsfordiagnosesofALS(LouGehrig’sdisease),Parkinson’sDisease,Alzheimer’sDisease,earlyandmoderateDementiaandcertaincasesofchronictraumaticencephalopathy(CTE)(aneuropathologicalfinding)diagnosedafterdeath.Themaximummonetaryawardsrangefrom$1.5millionto$5milliondependingonthediagnosis.ThereisnocapontheamountoffundsavailabletopaytheseMonetaryAwardsandallvalidclaimswillbepaidinfullfor65years;and
oEducationprogramspromotingsafetyandinjurypreventionwithrespecttofootballplayers,includingsafety-relatedinitiativesinyouthfootball,theeducationofretiredplayersregardingtheNFL’smedicalanddisabilityprogramsandothereducationalprogramsandinitiatives($10million).
• Authorizedrepresentativesofdeceased,legallyincapacitatedorincompetentretiredplayersandfamilymembersofretiredplayerswhomeetcertaincriteriamayalsofileclaimsformonetaryawards(seeQuestion6).
• Togetmoney,proofthatinjurieswerecausedbyplayingNFLfootballisnotrequired.
• Settlement Class Members will need to register to get benefits. Settlement Class Members may sign up at the website or call 1-855-887-3485 for additional information about the Settlement and updates on the registration process.
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YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS AND OPTIONS IN THIS SETTLEMENT
STAY IN THE SETTLEMENT CLASSTobeincludedintheSettlementClass,noactionisneeded.OncetheCourtapprovestheSettlement,youwillbeboundbythetermsandreleasescontainedintheSettlement.Toreceivebenefits,however,youwillneedtoregisteratalaterdate(seeQuestion26).
OBJECTWritetotheCourtifyoudonotliketheSettlement(seeQuestion35).
EXCLUDE YOURSELF (OPT OUT)Ifyouexcludeyourself(optout),youwillgetnobenefitsfromtheSettlement.ThisistheonlyoptionthatallowsyoutoparticipateinanyotherlawsuitagainsttheNFLPartiesabouttheclaimsinthiscase(seeQuestion30).
•Theserightsandoptions—and the deadlines to exercise them—areexplainedinthisNotice.•TheCourtinchargeofthiscasestillhastodecidewhethertograntfinalapprovaloftheSettlement.
This Notice is only a summary of the Settlement Agreement and your rights. You are encouraged to carefully review the complete Settlement Agreement at www.NFLConcussionSettlement.com.TheSettlementAgreementisalsoonfilewiththeClerkoftheCourtfortheU.S.DistrictCourtfortheEasternDistrictofPennsylvania(seeQuestion35fortheaddress).Youcanalsogetthisinformationbycalling1-855-887-3485.
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WHAT THISNOTICECONTAINS
BASIC INFORMATION 61. Whyisthisnoticebeingprovided?2. Whatisthelitigationabout?3. Whatisaclassaction?4. WhyisthereaSettlement?5. WhatarethebenefitsoftheSettlement?
THE SETTLEMENT 86. WhoisincludedintheSettlementClass?7. WhatplayersarenotincludedintheSettlementClass?8. WhatifIamnotsurewhetherIamincludedintheSettlementClass?9. Whatarethedifferentlevelsofneurocognitiveimpairment?10.MustaretiredplayerbevestedundertheNFLRetirementPlanto
receiveSettlementbenefits?
THE BASELINE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM 1111.WhatistheBaselineAssessmentProgram(“BAP”)?12.WhyshouldaretiredplayergetaBAPbaselineexamination?13.Howdoesaretiredplayerscheduleabaselineassessmentexamination
andwherewillitbedone?
MONETARY AWARDS 1214.Whatdiagnosesqualifyformonetaryawards?15.DoIneedtoprovethatplayingfootballcausedtheQualifying
Diagnosis?16.HowmuchmoneywillIreceive?17.Howdoestheageoftheretiredplayeratthetimeoffirstdiagnosis
affectamonetaryaward?18.Howdoesthenumberofseasonsaretiredplayerplayedaffecta
monetaryaward?19.Howdopriorstrokesortraumaticbraininjuriesofaretiredplayeraffect
amonetaryaward?20.Howisaretiredplayer’smonetaryawardaffectedifhedoesnot
participateintheBAPprogram?21.CanIreceiveamonetaryawardeventhoughtheretiredplayerisdead?22.WillthisSettlementaffectaretiredplayer’sparticipationinNFLor
NFLPA-relatedbenefitsprograms?23.WillthisSettlementpreventretiredplayersfrombringingworkers’
compensationclaims?
EDUCATION FUND 1624.WhattypeofeducationprogramsaresupportedbytheSettlement?
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 2: SETTLEMENT BENEFITS
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REMAINING IN THE SETTLEMENT 1825.WhatamIgivinguptostayintheSettlementClass?
HOW TO GET BENEFITS 1826.HowdoIgetSettlementbenefits?27.Isthereatimelimittofileclaimsformonetaryawards?28.CanIre-applyforcompensationifmyclaimisdenied?29.CanIappealthedeterminationofmymonetaryawardclaim?
EXCLUDING YOURSELF (OPTING OUT) FROM THE SETTLEMENT 1930.HowdoIgetoutoftheSettlement?31.IfIdonotexcludemyself(optout),canIsuetheNFLPartiesforthe
samethinglater?32.IfIexcludemyself(optout),canIstillgetbenefitsfromthisSettlement?
THE LAWYERS REPRESENTING YOU 2033.DoIhavealawyerinthecase?34.Howwillthelawyersbepaid?
OBJECTING TO THE SETTLEMENT 2135.HowdoItelltheCourtifIdonotliketheSettlement?36.WhatisthedifferencebetweenobjectingtotheSettlementandexcluding
myself(optingout)?
THE COURT’S FAIRNESS HEARING 2237.WhenandwherewilltheCourtholdaFairnessHearingconcerningtheSettlement?38.DoIhavetoattendthehearing?39.MayIspeakatthehearing?
GETTING MORE INFORMATION 2240.HowdoIgetmoreInformation?
CHAPTER 3: YOUR RIGHTS
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INTRODUCTIONCHAPTER 1:
• Basic Information• The Settlement
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1. WHY IS THIS NOTICE BEING PROVIDED?
TheCourtinchargeofthiscaseauthorizedthisNoticebecauseyouhavearighttoknowabouttheproposedSettlement of this lawsuit and about all of your optionsbefore theCourt decideswhether to give finalapproval to theSettlement. ThisNotice summarizes theSettlement andexplains your legal rightsandoptions.
Thiscase isbeingheard in theU.S.DistrictCourt for theEasternDistrictofPennsylvania. Thecase isknownas In re: National Football League Players’ Concussion Injury Litigation,No.2:12-md-02323.Thepeoplewhosuedarecalledthe“Plaintiffs.” TheNationalFootballLeagueandNFLProperties,LLCarecalledthe“NFLDefendants.”
TheSettlementmayaffectyour rights if youare: (a)a retiredplayerof theNFL,AFL,WorldLeagueofAmerican Football, NFL Europe League or NFL Europa League, (b) an authorized representative of adeceased,legallyincapacitatedorincompetentretiredplayerofthoseleagues,or(c)anindividualwithacloselegalrelationshipwitharetiredplayerofthoseleagues,suchasaspouse,parentorchild.
2. WHAT IS THE LITIGATION ABOUT?
ThePlaintiffsclaimthatretiredplayersexperiencedheadtraumaduringtheirNFLfootballplayingcareersthatresultedinbraininjuries,whichhavecausedormaycausethemlong-termneurologicalproblems.ThePlaintiffsaccusetheNFLPartiesofbeingawareoftheevidenceandtherisksassociatedwithrepetitivetraumaticbraininjuriesbutfailingtowarnandprotecttheplayersagainstthelong-termrisks,andignoringandconcealingthisinformationfromtheplayers.TheNFLPartiesdenytheclaimsinthelitigation.
3. WHAT IS A CLASS ACTION?
In a class action, one or more people, the named plaintiffs (who are also called proposed “classrepresentatives”)sueonbehalfof themselvesandotherpeoplewithsimilarclaims. Allof thesepeopletogetheraretheproposed“class”or“classmembers.”Whenaclassactionissettled,onecourtresolvestheissuesforallclassmembers(inthesettlementcontext,“settlementclassmembers”),exceptforthosewhoexcludethemselves(optout) fromthesettlement. Inthiscase,theproposedclassrepresentativesareKevinTurnerandShawnWooden.Excludingyourself(optingout)meansthatyouwillnotreceiveanybenefitsfromtheSettlement.Theprocessforexcludingyourself(optingout)isdescribedinQuestion30.
4. WHY IS THERE A SETTLEMENT?
AfterextensivesettlementnegotiationsmediatedbyretiredUnitedStatesDistrictCourtJudgeLaynPhillips,and further settlementnegotiationsunder the supervisionof theCourt-appointedSpecialMaster,PerryGolkin,thePlaintiffsandtheNFLPartiesagreedtotheSettlement.
Asettlementisanagreementbetweenaplaintiffandadefendanttoresolvealawsuit.Settlementsconcludelitigationwithoutthecourtorajuryrulinginfavoroftheplaintifforthedefendant.Asettlementallowsthepartiestoavoidthecostandriskofatrial,aswellasthedelaysoflitigation.
IftheCourtapprovesthisSettlement,thelitigationbetweentheSettlementClassMembersandtheNFLPartiesisover.OnlySettlementClassMembersareeligibleforthebenefitssummarizedinthisNotice.TheNFLPartieswillnolongerbelegallyresponsibletodefendagainsttheclaimsbySettlementClassMembersmadeinthislitigation.
BASIC INFORMATION
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TheCourthasnotandwillnotdecideinfavoroftheretiredplayersortheNFLParties.ByreviewingthisSettlement,theCourtisnotmakingandwillnotmakeanyfindingsthatanylawwasbrokenorthattheNFLPartiesdidanythingwrong.
TheproposedClassRepresentativesandtheir lawyers(“Co-LeadClassCounsel,”“ClassCounsel,”and“SubclassCounsel,”seeQuestion33)believethat theproposedSettlement isbest foreveryonewho isaffected.ThefactorsthatCo-LeadClassCounsel,ClassCounselandSubclassCounselconsideredincludedtheuncertaintyanddelayassociatedwithcontinuedlitigation,atrialandappealsandtheuncertaintyofparticularlegalissuesthatareyettobedeterminedbytheCourt.Co-LeadClassCounsel,ClassCounselandSubclassCounselbalanced theseandother substantial risks indetermining that theSettlement isfair,reasonableandadequateinlightofallcircumstancesandinthebestinterestsoftheSettlementClassMembers.
TheSettlementAgreementisavailableatwww.NFLConcussionSettlement.com.TheSettlementAgreementisalsoonfilewiththeClerkoftheCourtfortheU.S.DistrictCourtfortheEasternDistrictofPennsylvania(seeQuestion35fortheaddress).Youcanalsogetthisinformationbycalling1-855-887-3485.
5. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE SETTLEMENT?
UndertheSettlement,theNFLPartieswillpaytofund:
• Baselineneuropsychologicalandneurologicalexaminationsforeligibleretiredplayers,andadditionalmedicaltesting,counselingand/ortreatmentiftheyarediagnosedwithmoderatecognitiveimpairmentduringthebaselineexaminations(upto$75million,“BaselineAssessmentProgram”)(seeQuestions11-13);
• Monetaryawards fordiagnosesofDeathwithCTEprior toJuly 7, 2014,ALS,Parkinson’sDisease,Alzheimer’s Disease, Level 2 Neurocognitive Impairment (i.e., moderate Dementia) and Level 1.5Neurocognitive Impairment (i.e., early Dementia) (see Questions 14-21).All valid claims under the Settlement, without limitation, will be paid in full throughout the 65-year life of the Settlement (the “Monetary Award Fund”);and
• Educationprogramspromotingsafetyandinjurypreventionwithrespecttofootballplayers,includingsafety-relatedinitiativesinyouthfootball,theeducationofretiredplayersregardingtheNFL’smedicalanddisabilityprogramsandothereducationalprogramsandinitiatives($10million)(seeQuestion24).
Inaddition,theNFLPartieswillpaythecostofnotifyingtheSettlementClass.Administrativecostsandexpenseswillbepaidoutof theMonetaryAwardFund. TheBaselineAssessmentProgramcostsandexpenseswillbepaidoutoftheBaselineAssessmentProgramFund.
ThedetailsoftheSettlementbenefitsareintheSettlementAgreement,whichisavailableatwww.NFLConcussionSettlement.com.TheSettlementAgreementisalsoonfilewiththeClerkoftheCourtfortheU.S.DistrictCourtfortheEasternDistrictofPennsylvania(seeQuestion35fortheaddress).Youcanalsogetthisinformationbycalling 1-855-887-3485.
Note:TheBaselineAssessmentProgramandMonetaryAwardFundwillbeadministeredindependentlyoftheNFLPartiesandanybenefitprogramsthathavebeencreatedbetweentheNFLandtheNFLPlayersAssociation.TheNFLPartiesarenotinvolvedindeterminingthevalidityofclaimsundertheSettlement.
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THE SETTLEMENT
6. WHO IS INCLUDED IN THE SETTLEMENT CLASS?
ThisSettlementClassincludesthreetypesofpeople:
RetiredNFLFootballPlayers:All livingNFLFootballplayerswho,priortoJuly 7, 2014, (1)haveretired,formallyorinformally,fromplayingprofessionalfootballwiththeNFLoranyMemberClub,includingAFL,World League of American Football, NFL Europe League andNFL Europa League players, or (2) wereformerlyonanyroster,includingpreseason,regularseason,orpostseason,ofanysuchMemberCluborleagueandnolongerareundercontracttoaMemberClubandarenotseekingactiveemploymentasaplayerwithanyMemberClub,whethersignedtoarosterorsignedtoanypracticesquad,developmentalsquad,ortaxisquadofaMemberClub.
RepresentativeClaimants: Authorizedrepresentatives,orderedbyacourtorotherofficialofcompetentjurisdiction under applicable state law, of deceased, legally incapacitated or incompetent Retired NFLFootballPlayers.
DerivativeClaimants: Spouses,parents,dependentchildren,or anyotherpersonswhoproperlyunderapplicablestatelawasserttherighttosueindependentlyorderivativelybyreasonoftheirrelationshipwithalivingordeceasedRetiredNFLFootballPlayer.(Forexample,aspouseassertingtherighttosueduetotheinjuryofahusbandwhoisaRetiredNFLFootballPlayer.)
TheSettlementrecognizestwoseparategroups(“Subclasses”)ofSettlementClassMembersbasedontheRetiredNFLFootballPlayer’sinjurystatuspriortoJuly 7, 2014:
• Subclass 1 includes: Retired NFL Football Players who were not diagnosed with ALS, Parkinson’sDisease,Alzheimer’sDisease,Level2NeurocognitiveImpairment(i.e.,moderateDementia),Level1.5Neurocognitive Impairment (i.e., earlyDementia) orDeathwithCTEprior toJuly 7, 2014, and theirRepresentativeClaimantsandDerivativeClaimants.
• Subclass2includes:
oRetiredNFLFootballPlayerswhowerediagnosedwithALS,Parkinson’sDisease,Alzheimer’sDisease,Level2NeurocognitiveImpairment(i.e.,moderateDementia)orLevel1.5NeurocognitiveImpairment(i.e.,earlyDementia)priortoJuly 7, 2014,andtheirRepresentativeClaimantsandDerivativeClaimants;and
oRepresentativeClaimantsofdeceasedRetiredNFLFootballPlayerswhowerediagnosedwithALS,Parkinson’sDisease,Alzheimer’sDisease,Level2NeurocognitiveImpairment(i.e.,moderateDementia)orLevel1.5NeurocognitiveImpairment(i.e.,earlyDementia)priortodeathorwhodiedpriortoJuly 7, 2014andreceivedadiagnosisofDeathwithCTE.
7. WHAT PLAYERS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE SETTLEMENT CLASS?
TheSettlementClassdoesnotincludecurrentNFLplayers.TheSettlementClassalsodoesnotincludepeoplewho tried out for but did notmake it onto preseason, regular season or postseason rosters orpractice,developmentalortaxisquadsoftheNFLoranyMemberClubs.
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8. WHAT IF I AM NOT SURE WHETHER I AM INCLUDED IN THE SETTLEMENT CLASS?
If you are not sure whether you are included in the Settlement Class, you may call 1-855-887-3485with questions or visitwww.NFLConcussionSettlement.com.Youmay alsowritewith questions toNFLConcussionSettlement,P.O. Box 25369, Richmond, VA 23260. Youmay also consultwith your ownattorney.
9. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF NEUROCOGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT?
InadditiontoALS,Parkinson’sDiseaseandAlzheimer’sDisease,variouslevelsofneurocognitiveimpairmentarecoveredbythisSettlement.MoredetailscanbefoundintheInjuryDefinitions,whichareavailableatwww.NFLConcussionSettlement.comorbycalling1-855-887-3485.
Thelevelofneurocognitiveimpairmentwillbeestablishedinpartwithevidenceofdeclineinperformanceinatleasttwoareassubjecttoclinicalevaluativetesting,providedoneoftheareasisexecutivefunction,learningandmemory,orcomplexattention,andrelatedfunctionalimpairmentasfollows:
Ifneurocognitiveimpairmentistemporaryandonlyoccurswithdelirium,orasaresultofsubstanceabuseormedicinalsideeffects,itisnotcoveredbytheSettlement.
10. MUST A RETIRED PLAYER BE VESTED UNDER THE NFL RETIREMENT PLAN TO RECEIVE SETTLEMENT BENEFITS?
No.AretiredplayercanbeaSettlementClassMemberregardlessofwhetherheisvestedduetocreditedseasonsortotalandpermanentdisabilityundertheBertBell/PeteRozelleNFLPlayerRetirementPlan.
TYPE OF IMPAIRMENT DEGREE OF DECLINE
Moderatecognitiveimpairment
EarlyDementia
ModerateDementia
Moderatecognitivedecline
Moderatetoseverecognitivedecline
Severecognitivedecline
LEVEL OF NEUROCOGNITIVE
IMPAIRMENT
Level1
Level1.5
Level2
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SETTLEMENT BENEFITSCHAPTER 2:
• The Baseline Assessment Program• Monetary Awards• Education Fund
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THE BASELINEASSESSMENT PROGRAM
11. WHAT IS THE BASELINE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (“BAP”)?
Alllivingretiredplayerswhohaveearnedatleastone-halfofanEligibleSeason(seeQuestion18),whodonotexcludethemselves(optout)fromtheSettlement(seeQuestion30),andwhotimelyregistertoparticipateintheSettlement(seeQuestion26)mayparticipateintheBaselineAssessmentProgram(“BAP”).
TheBAPwillprovidebaselineneuropsychologicalandneurologicalassessmentexaminationstodeterminewhetherretiredplayersarecurrentlysufferingfromcognitiveimpairment.Retiredplayerswillhavefromtwototenyears,dependingontheirageasofthedatetheSettlementisfinallyapprovedandanyappealsarefullyresolved(“FinalSettlementApproval”),tohaveabaselineexaminationconductedthroughanationwidenetworkofqualifiedandindependentmedicalproviders.
• Retiredplayers43orolderasof thedateofFinalSettlementApprovalwillneed tohaveabaselineexaminationwithintwoyearsofthestartoftheBAP.
• Retiredplayersunder theageof43asof thedateofFinalSettlementApprovalwillneed tohaveabaselineexaminationwithin10yearsofthestartoftheBAP,orbeforetheyturn45,whichevercomessooner.
Retired players who are diagnosed with Level 1 Neurocognitive Impairment (i.e., moderate cognitiveimpairment) are eligible to receive further medical testing and/or treatment (including counseling andpharmaceuticals)forthatconditionduringtheten-yeartermoftheBAPorwithinfiveyearsfromdiagnosis,whicheverislater.
RetiredplayerswhoparticipateintheBAPwillbeencouragedtoprovidetheirconfidentialmedicalrecordsforuseinresearchintocognitiveimpairmentandsafetyandinjurypreventionwithrespecttofootballplayers.
AlthoughallretiredplayersareencouragedtotakeadvantageoftheBAPandreceiveabaselineexamination,theydonotneedtoparticipateintheBAPtoreceiveamonetaryaward.Anyawardtoaretiredplayermaybe reducedby10% if the retiredplayerdoesnotparticipate in theBAP,asexplained inmoredetail inQuestion20.
12. WHY SHOULD A RETIRED PLAYER GET A BAP BASELINE EXAMINATION?
GettingaBAPbaselineexaminationwillbebeneficial.Itwilldeterminewhethertheretiredplayerhasanycognitiveimpairment.IfheisdiagnosedwithLevel1NeurocognitiveImpairment(i.e.,moderatecognitiveimpairment),hewillbeeligible to receive furthermedical testingand/or treatment for thatcondition. Inaddition,regardlessofanycognitiveimpairmenttoday,theresultsoftheBAPbaselineexaminationcanbeusedasacomparisontomeasureanysubsequentdeteriorationofcognitiveconditionoverthecourseofhislife.ParticipantsalsowillbeexaminedbyatleasttwoexpertsduringtheBAPbaselineexaminations,a neuropsychologist and a neurologist, and the retired player and/or his familymemberswill have theopportunitytoaskquestionsrelatingtoanycognitiveimpairmentduringthoseexaminations.
ParticipationintheBAPdoesnotpreventtheretiredplayerfromfilingaclaimforamonetaryaward.Forthenext65years,retiredplayerswillbeeligibleforcompensationpaidfromtheMonetaryAwardFundiftheplayerdevelopsaQualifyingDiagnosis(seeQuestion14).ParticipationintheBAPalsowillhelpensurethat,totheextenttheretiredplayerreceivesaQualifyingDiagnosisinthefuture,hewillreceivethemaximummonetaryawardtowhichheisentitled(seeQuestion20).
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13. HOW DOES A RETIRED PLAYER SCHEDULE A BASELINE ASSESSMENT EXAMINATION AND WHERE WILL IT BE DONE?
Retired players need to register for Settlement benefits before they can get a baseline assessmentexamination.RegistrationforbenefitswillnotbeavailableuntilafterFinalSettlementApproval.A retired player may provide his name and contact information now at www.NFLConcussionSettlement.com or by calling 1-855-887-3485. This ensures that the retired player will receive additional notice about the registration process and deadlines when it becomes available.
TheBAPAdministratorwillsendnoticetothoseretiredplayersdeterminedduringregistrationtobeeligiblefortheBAP,explaininghowtoarrangeforaninitialbaselineassessmentexamination.TheBAPwillusea nationwide network of qualified and independentmedical providerswhowill provide both the initialbaselineassessmentaswellasanyfurthertestingand/ortreatment.TheBAPAdministrator,whichwillbeappointedbytheCourt,willestablishthenetworkofmedicalproviders.
14. WHAT DIAGNOSES QUALIFY FOR MONETARY AWARDS?
MonetaryawardsareavailableforthediagnosisofALS,Parkinson’sDisease,Alzheimer’sDisease,Level2Neurocognitive Impairment (i.e.,moderateDementia),Level1.5Neurocognitive Impairment (i.e.,earlyDementia)orDeathwithCTE(the“QualifyingDiagnoses”).AQualifyingDiagnosismayoccuratanytimeuntiltheendofthe65-yeartermoftheMonetaryAwardFund.
IfaretiredplayerreceivesamonetaryawardbasedonaQualifyingDiagnosis,andlaterisdiagnosedwithadifferentQualifyingDiagnosisthatentitleshimtoalargermonetaryawardthanhispreviousaward,hewillbeeligibleforanincreaseincompensation.ThiswouldalsoapplytoDerivativeClaimants.
QualifyingDiagnosesmustbemadebyapprovedqualifiedspecialists.AnytimepriortoFinalSettlementApproval, only board-certified neurologists, board-certified neurosurgeons or board-certified neuro-specialist physicians or similarly qualified specialists canmakeQualifyingDiagnoses. Following FinalSettlementApproval,onlyqualifiedspecialistsapprovedbytheClaimsAdministratorwillbeabletomakeQualifyingDiagnoseswiththeexceptionofQualifyingDiagnosesmadethroughtheBAP.
15. DO I NEED TO PROVE THAT PLAYING FOOTBALL CAUSED THE QUALIFYING DIAGNOSIS?
No.Noproofisnecessarythataretiredplayer’sQualifyingDiagnosiswascausedbyplayingfootballorthatheexperiencedheadinjuriesintheNFL,AFL,WorldLeagueofAmericanFootball,NFLEuropeLeagueorNFLEuropaLeague inorder to receiveamonetaryaward. The fact thata retiredplayer receivesaQualifyingDiagnosisissufficienttobeeligibleforamonetaryaward.
YoualsodonotneedtoexcludethepossibilitythattheQualifyingDiagnosiswascausedorcontributedtobyamateurfootballorotherprofessionalfootballleagueinjuriesorbyvariousriskfactorslinkedtotheQualifyingDiagnosis.
MONETARYAWARDS
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16. HOW MUCH MONEY WILL I RECEIVE?
Theamountofmoneyyouwillreceivedependsontheretiredplayer’s:•SpecificQualifyingDiagnosis,•Ageatthetimeofdiagnosis(seeQuestion17),•NumberofseasonsplayedorpracticedintheNFLortheAFL(seeQuestion18),•Diagnosisofapriorstrokeortraumaticbraininjury(seeQuestion19),and•Participationinabaselineassessmentexam(seeQuestion20).
Theamountofmoneyyouwillreceivealsodependson:•Anylegallyenforceableliensontheaward,•Anyretaineragreementwithanattorney,and•AnyfurtherassessmentsorderedbytheCourt(seeQuestion34).
CertaincostsandexpensesrelatedtoresolvinganyliensforSettlementClassMemberswillbepaidoutofsuchSettlementClassMembers’monetaryawardsorderivativeclaimantawards.
ThetablebelowliststhemaximumamountofmoneyavailableforeachQualifyingDiagnosisbeforeanyadjustmentsaremade.
Monetaryawardsmaybeincreasedupto2.5%peryearduringthe65-yearMonetaryAwardFundtermforinflation.
Toreceivethemaximumamountoutlinedinthetable,aretiredplayermusthaveplayedforat leastfiveEligibleSeasons(seeQuestion18)andhavebeendiagnosedwhenyoungerthan45yearsold.
DerivativeClaimantsareeligibletobecompensatedfromthemonetaryawardoftheretiredplayerwithwhomtheyhaveacloserelationshipinanamountof1%ofthataward.IftherearemultipleDerivativeClaimantsforthesameretiredplayer,the1%awardwillbedividedamongtheDerivativeClaimantsaccordingtothelawwheretheretiredplayer(orhisRepresentativeClaimant,ifany)resides.
Amyotrophiclateralsclerosis(ALS)
DeathwithCTE(diagnosedafterdeath)
Parkinson’sDisease
Alzheimer’sDisease
Level2NeurocognitiveImpairment(i.e.,moderateDementia)
Level1.5NeurocognitiveImpairment(i.e.,earlyDementia)
QUALIFYING DIAGNOSIS
$5million
$4million
$3.5million
$3.5million
$3million
$1.5million
MAXIMUM AWARD AVAILABLE
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17. HOW DOES THE AGE OF THE RETIRED PLAYER AT THE TIME OF FIRST DIAGNOSIS AFFECT A MONETARY AWARD?
Awards are reduced for retired playerswhowere 45 or olderwhen diagnosed. The younger a retiredplayerisatthetimeofdiagnosis,thegreatertheawardhewillreceive.Settingasidetheotherdownwardadjustmentstomonetaryawards,thetablebelowprovides:
•Theaverageawardwithineachagerangeforpeoplediagnosedbetweentheagesof45-79;and•Theamountoftheawardforthoseunderage45andover79.
Theactualamountwillbedeterminedbasedoneachretiredplayer’sactualageatthetimeofdiagnosisandonotherpotentialadjustments.
Note:Theageoftheretiredplayeratdiagnosis(nottheagewhenapplyingforamonetaryaward)isusedtodeterminethemonetaryamountawarded.
18. HOW DOES THE NUMBER OF SEASONS A RETIRED PLAYER PLAYED AFFECT A MONETARY AWARD?
Awardsarereducedforretiredplayerswhoplayedlessthanfive“EligibleSeasons.”TheSettlementusestheterm“EligibleSeason”tocounttheseasonsinwhicharetiredplayerplayedorpracticedintheNFLorAFL.AretiredplayerearnsanEligibleSeasonfor:
• EachseasonwherehewasonanNFLorAFLMemberClub’s“ActiveList”foreitherthreeormoreregularseasonorpostseasongames,or
• WherehewasonanActiveListforoneormoreregularorpostseasongamesandthenspenttworegularorpostseasongamesonaninjuredreservelistorinactivelistduetoaconcussionorheadinjury.
• Aretiredplayeralsoearnsone-halfofanEligibleSeasonforeachseasonwherehewasonanNFLorAFLMemberClub’spractice,developmentalortaxisquadforatleasteightgames,butdidnototherwiseearnanEligibleSeason.
Under45
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70-74
75-79
80+
$4,000,000
$3,200,000
$2,300,000
$1,400,000
$1,200,000
$980,000
$600,000
$160,000
$50,000
$3,500,000
$2,470,000
$1,900,000
$1,300,000
$1,000,000
$760,000
$475,000
$145,000
$50,000
$3,500,000
$2,300,000
$1,600,000
$1,150,000
$950,000
$620,000
$380,000
$130,000
$50,000
$1,500,000
$950,000
$600,000
$475,000
$290,000
$190,000
$105,000
$40,000
$25,000
AGE AT DIAGNOSIS ALS
DEATHw/CTE PARKINSON’S ALZHEIMER’S LEVEL 2 LEVEL 1.5
$5,000,000
$4,500,000
$4,000,000
$3,500,000
$3,000,000
$2,500,000
$1,750,000
$1,000,000
$300,000
$3,000,000
$1,900,000
$1,200,000
$950,000
$580,000
$380,000
$210,000
$80,000
$50,000
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The“ActiveList”meansthe listofallplayersphysicallypresent,eligibleandundercontracttoplayforanNFLorAFLMemberClubonaparticulargamedaywithinanyapplicablerosterorsquadlimitsintheapplicableNFLorAFLConstitutionandBylaws.
TimespentplayingorpracticingintheWorldLeagueofAmericanFootball,NFLEuropeLeagueandNFLEuropaLeaguedoesnotcounttowardsanEligibleSeason.
Thetablebelowliststhereductionstoaretiredplayer’s(orhisRepresentativeClaimant’s)monetaryawardiftheretiredplayerhaslessthanfiveEligibleSeasons.TodeterminethetotalnumberofEligibleSeasonscreditedtoaretiredplayer,addtogetheralloftheearnedEligibleSeasonsandhalfEligibleSeasons.Forexample,ifaretiredplayerearnedtwoEligibleSeasonsandthreehalfEligibleSeasons,hewillbecreditedwith3.5EligibleSeasons.
19. HOW DO PRIOR STROKES OR TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES OF A RETIRED PLAYER AFFECT A MONETARY AWARD?
Itdepends. Aretiredplayer’smonetaryaward(orhisRepresentativeClaimantmonetaryaward)willbereducedby75% ifheexperienced: (1)amedicallydiagnosedstroke thatoccurredbeforeorafter thetimetheretiredplayerplayedNFLfootball,butbeforehereceivedaQualifyingDiagnosis;or(2)aseveretraumaticbrain injuryunrelated toNFL football thatoccurredduringorafter the time the retiredplayerplayedNFLfootball,butbeforehereceivedaQualifyingDiagnosis.
Theawardwillnotbereducediftheretiredplayer(orhisRepresentativeClaimant)canshowbyclearandconvincingevidencethatthestrokeortraumaticbraininjuryisnotrelatedtotheQualifyingDiagnosis.
20. HOW IS A RETIRED PLAYER’S MONETARY AWARD AFFECTED IF HE DOES NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE BAP PROGRAM?
ItdependsonwhentheretiredplayerreceiveshisQualifyingDiagnosisandthenatureofthediagnosis.Thereisa10%reductiontothemonetaryawardonlyiftheretiredplayer:
•DidnotreceiveaQualifyingDiagnosispriortoJuly 7, 2014,and•DoesnotparticipateintheBAP,and•ReceivesaQualifyingDiagnosis(otherthanALS)afterhisdeadlinetoreceiveaBAPbaselineassessmentexamination.
4.5
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
.5
0
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
97.5%
NUMBER OF ELIGIBLE SEASONS PERCENTAGE OF REDUCTION
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21. CAN I RECEIVE A MONETARY AWARD EVEN THOUGH THE RETIRED PLAYER IS DEAD?Yes. RepresentativeClaimants fordeceased retiredplayerswithaQualifyingDiagnoseswillbeeligibleto receivemonetary awards. If thedeceased retiredplayer diedbefore January 1, 2006, however, theRepresentativeClaimantwillonlyreceiveamonetaryawardiftheCourtdeterminesthatawrongfuldeathorsurvivalclaimisallowedunderapplicablestatelaw.
DerivativeClaimantsalsowillbeeligibleforatotalawardof1%ofthemonetaryawardthattheRepresentativeClaimantforthedeceasedretiredplayerreceives(seeQuestion16).
RepresentativeandDerivativeClaimantswillalsoneedtoregisterforSettlementbenefits(seeQuestion26).
22. WILL THIS SETTLEMENT AFFECT A RETIRED PLAYER’S PARTICIPATION IN NFL OR NFLPA-RELATED BENEFITS PROGRAMS?
No.TheSettlementbenefitsarecompletelyindependentofanybenefitsprogramsthathavebeencreatedbyorbetween theNFLand theNFLPlayersAssociation. This includes the88Plan (Article58of the2011CollectiveBargainingAgreement)andtheNeuro-CognitiveDisabilityBenefit(Article65ofthe2011CollectiveBargainingAgreement).
Note:TheSettlementensuresthataretiredplayerwhohassigned,orwillsign,areleaseaspartofhisNeuro-CognitiveDisabilityBenefitapplication,willnotbedeniedSettlementbenefits.
23. WILL THIS SETTLEMENT PREVENT RETIRED PLAYERS FROM BRINGING WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIMS?
No.Claimsforworkers’compensationwillnotbereleasedbythisSettlement.
24. WHAT TYPE OF EDUCATION PROGRAMS ARE SUPPORTED BY THE SETTLEMENT?
TheSettlementwillprovide$10millioninfundingtosupporteducationprogramspromotingsafetyandinjurypreventionwithrespecttofootballplayers,includingsafety-relatedinitiativesinyouthfootball,theeducationof retiredplayers regarding theNFL’smedicalanddisabilityprogramsandothereducationalprogramsandinitiatives.
Retiredplayerswillbeabletoactivelyparticipateinsuchinitiativesiftheydesire.
EDUCATION FUND
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YOUR RIGHTSCHAPTER 3:
• REMAINING IN THE SETTLEMENT • HOW TO GET BENEFITS • EXCLUDING YOURSELF (OPTING OUT) FROM THE SETTLEMENT • THE LAWYERS REPRESENTING YOU • OBJECTING TO THE SETTLEMENT • THE COURT’S FAIRNESS HEARING • GETTING MORE INFORMATION
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25. WHAT AM I GIVING UP TO STAY IN THE SETTLEMENT CLASS?
Unless youexcludeyourself (optout) from theSettlement (seeQuestion30), youcannot sue theNFLParties, theMemberClubs, or related individuals and entities, or be part of any other lawsuit againsttheNFLPartiesabouttheissuesinthiscase.ThismeansyougiveupyourrighttocontinuetolitigateanyclaimsrelatedtothisSettlement,orfilenewclaims, inanycourtor inanyproceedingatanytime.However, the Settlement does not release any claims for workers’ compensation (see Question 23) or claims alleging entitlement to NFL medical and disability benefits available under the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
PleasenotethatcertainPlaintiffsalsosuedthefootballhelmetmanufacturerRiddellandcertainrelatedentities(specifically,Riddell,Inc.,RiddellSportsGroupInc.,AllAmericanSportsCorporation,Easton-BellSports,Inc.,EBSportsCorp.,Easton-BellSports,LLCandRBGHoldingsCorp.).They are not parties to this Settlement and claims against them are not released by this Settlement.
ArticleXVIIIoftheSettlementAgreementcontainsthecompletetextanddetailsofwhatSettlementClassMembersgiveupunlesstheyexcludethemselves(optout)fromtheSettlement,sopleasereaditcarefully.TheSettlementAgreementisavailableatwww.NFLConcussionSettlement.com.TheSettlementAgreementisalsoonfilewiththeClerkoftheCourtfortheEasternDistrictofPennsylvania(seeQuestion35fortheaddress).Youcanalsogetthisinformationbycalling1-855-887-3485.IfyouhaveanyquestionsyoucantalktothelawfirmslistedinthechartattheendofthisNoticeforfreeoryoucantalktoyourownlawyerifyouhavequestionsaboutwhatthismeans.
26. HOW DO I GET SETTLEMENT BENEFITS?
To get benefits, you will need to register. This is true for all Settlement Class Members, includingRepresentativeandDerivativeClaimants.RegistrationforbenefitswillnotbeginuntilafterFinalSettlementApproval(seeQuestion37).Ifandwhenthatoccurs,furthernoticewillbeprovidedabouttheregistrationprocessanddeadlines.However, you may provide your name and contact information now at www.NFLConcussionSettlement.com or by calling 1-855-887-3485. This ensures that you will receive additional notice about the registration process and deadlines when that becomes available. ToreceiveanySettlementbenefits,youmust registeronorbefore180days fromthedate that furthernoticeabout theregistrationprocessanddeadlines ispostedonwww.NFLConcussionSettlement.com.Informationabouttheregistrationdeadlinewillalsobeavailablebycalling1-855-887-3485.
REMAINING INTHE SETTLEMENT
HOW TO GETBENEFITS
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27. IS THERE A TIME LIMIT TO FILE CLAIMS FOR MONETARY AWARDS?
Yes.RetiredNFLFootballPlayersandRepresentativeClaimantsforretiredplayerswhoarediagnosedbythedateofFinalSettlementApprovalmustsubmitclaimsformonetaryawardswithintwoyearsofthedatethatfurther notice about the registrationprocessanddeadlines ispostedonwww.NFLConcussionSettlement.com.RetiredNFLFootballPlayersandRepresentativeClaimantsforretiredplayerswhoarediagnosedafterthedateofFinalSettlementApprovalhavetwoyearsfromthedateofdiagnosistofileclaims.Thisdeadlinemaybeextendeduptoanadditionaltwoyearsuponashowingofsubstantialhardship.
DerivativeClaimantsmust submit claims no later than 30 days after aRetiredNFL Football Player oraRepresentativeClaimant receivesnoticeof anentitlement toamonetaryaward. All claimsmustbesubmittedbytheendofthe65-yeartermoftheMonetaryAwardFund.
28. CAN I RE-APPLY FOR COMPENSATION IF MY CLAIM IS DENIED?
Yes.ASettlementClassMemberwhosubmitsaclaimforamonetaryawardthatisdeniedcanre-applyinthefutureshouldtheRetiredNFLFootballPlayer’smedicalconditionchange.
29. CAN I APPEAL THE DETERMINATION OF MY MONETARY AWARD CLAIM?
Yes.TheSettlementestablishesanindependentprocessforaSettlementClassMembertoappealthedenialofamonetaryawardclaimortheamountofthemonetaryaward.
IfyouwanttoretaintherighttosuetheNFLPartiesaboutthelegalissuesinthiscase,thenyoumusttakestepstoremoveyourselffromtheSettlement.Youmaydothisbyaskingtobeexcludedfrom—optingoutof—theSettlementClass.Ifyouexcludeyourself(optout),youcannotreceivebenefitsfromthisSettlement.
30. HOW DO I GET OUT OF THE SETTLEMENT?
OnorbeforeOctober 14, 2014,youmustmailaletterorotherwrittendocumenttotheClaimsAdministratorrequestingexclusionfromtheSettlementClass.Yourrequestmustinclude:
• Yourname,address,telephonenumber,anddateofbirth;• Acopyofyourdriver’slicenseorothergovernmentissuedidentification;• Astatementthat“IwishtoexcludemyselffromtheSettlementClassin In re: National Football
League Players’ Concussion Injury Litigation,No.2:12-md-02323” (orsubstantiallysimilarclearandunambiguouslanguage);and
•Yoursignaturebyhand,andthedateonwhichyousignedit(evenifrepresentedbyanattorney).Youmustmailyourexclusion(optout)request,postmarkedonorbeforeOctober 14, 2014,to:
NFLConcussionSettlementP.O.Box25369
Richmond,VA23260
Yourrequesttoexcludeyourself(optout)isnoteffectiveunlessanduntiltheDistrictCourtgrantsFinalApproval.
EXCLUDING YOURSELF (OPTING OUT) FROM THE SETTLEMENT
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31. IF I DO NOT EXCLUDE MYSELF (OPT OUT), CAN I SUE THE NFL PARTIES FOR THE SAME THING LATER?
No.Unlessyouexcludeyourself(optout),yougiveuptherighttosuetheNFLPartiesforalloftheclaimsthatthisSettlementresolves.IfyouwanttomaintainyourownlawsuitrelatingtotheclaimsreleasedbytheSettlement,thenyoumustexcludeyourself(optout)onorbeforeOctober 14, 2014.
32. IF I EXCLUDE MYSELF (OPT OUT), CAN I STILL GET BENEFITS FROM THIS SETTLEMENT?
No.If you exclude yourself (opt out) from the Settlement you will not get any Settlement benefits.YouwillnotbeeligibletoreceiveamonetaryawardorparticipateintheBaselineAssessmentProgram.
33. DO I HAVE A LAWYER IN THE CASE?
TheCourthasappointedanumberof lawyerstorepresentallSettlementClassMembersas“Co-LeadClassCounsel,”“ClassCounsel”and“SubclassCounsel”(seeQuestion6).TheyarelistedattheendofthisNoticewiththeircontactinformation.
Youwillnotbecharged forcontacting these lawyers. If youare representedbyanattorney,youmaycontactyourattorneytodiscusstheproposedSettlement. Youdonothavetohireyourownattorney.However,ifyouwanttoberepresentedbyyourownlawyer,youmayhireoneatyourownexpense.
34. HOW WILL THE LAWYERS BE PAID?
At a later date to be determined by theCourt, Co-LeadClassCounsel, ClassCounsel and SubclassCounselwillasktheCourtforanawardofattorneys’feesandreasonablecosts.TheNFLPartieshaveagreednot toopposeorobject to the request forattorneys’ feesand reasonable incurredcosts if therequestdoesnotexceed$112.5million. These feesand incurredcostswillbepaidseparatelyby theNFLPartiesandnotfromtheBaselineAssessmentProgramFund,EducationFundorMonetaryAwardFund.SettlementClassMemberswillhaveanopportunitytocommentonand/orobjecttothisrequestatanappropriatetime.Ultimately,theawardofattorneys’feesandreasonablecoststobepaidbytheNFLPartiesissubjecttotheapprovaloftheCourt.
AfterFinalSettlementApproval,Co-LeadClassCounselmayasktheCourttosetasideuptofivepercentofeachmonetaryawardandderivativeclaimantawardtofacilitatetheSettlementprogramandrelatedeffortsofCo-LeadClassCounsel,ClassCounselandSubclassCounsel.Ifapproved,thismoneywouldbeheldinaseparatefundoverseenbytheCourt.Anyfuturerequestforaset-asidewilldescribe:(1)theproposedamount;(2)howthemoneywillbeused;and(3)anyotherrelevantinformation.This“set-aside”wouldcomeoutoftheclaimant’sattorney’sfeeifrepresentedbyindividualcounselor,ifnotrepresented,outofthemonetaryawardandderivativeclaimantawarditself.NomoneywillbeheldbackorsetasidefromanyawardwithoutaCourtorder.Theset-asideisamatterbetweenClassCounselandindividualcounselforSettlementClassMembers.TheNFLPartiesdonottakeapositionontheproposal.
THE LAWYERS REPRESENTING YOU
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OBJECTING TO THE SETTLEMENT
35. HOW DO I TELL THE COURT IF I DO NOT LIKE THE SETTLEMENT?
Ifyouhavenotexcludedyourself (optedout),youmayobject to theSettlementoranypartof it. TheCourtwillconsideryourviews.ToobjecttotheSettlement,youoryourattorneymustsubmityourwrittenobjectiontotheCourt.Theobjectionmustincludethefollowing:
•Thenameofthecaseandmultidistrictlitigation,In re: National Football League Players’ Concussion Injury Litigation,No.2:12-md-02323;
•Yourname,address,telephonenumber,anddateofbirth;
•IfyouareaRepresentativeClaimantorDerivativeClaimant,thenameoftheRetiredNFLFootballPlayertowhomyouarerelated;
•WrittenstatementorevidenceestablishinghowyouareaSettlementClassMember;
•Adetailedstatementofyourobjections,andthespecificreasonsforeachsuchobjection,includinganyfactsorlawyouwishtobringtotheCourt’sattention;
•Anyothersupportingpapers,materialsorbriefsthatyouwanttheCourttoconsiderinsupportofyourobjection;and
•Yoursignaturebyhand,andthedateonwhichyousignedit(evenifrepresentedbyanattorney).
AttorneysfilingobjectionsonbehalfofSettlementClassMembersmustfollowtherequirementsinSection14.3(b)oftheSettlementAgreement.
Youmustmailyourobjection,postmarkedonorbeforeOctober 14, 2014,to:
36. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OBJECTING TO THE SETTLEMENT AND EXCLUDING MYSELF (OPTING OUT)?
ObjectingissimplytellingtheCourtthatyoudonotlikesomethingabouttheSettlementorwantittosaysomethingdifferent.Youcanobjectonlyifyoudonotexcludeyourself(optout)fromtheSettlementClass.Excludingyourself(optingout)istellingtheCourtthatyoudonotwanttobepartoftheSettlementClassandyoudonotwanttoreceiveanySettlementbenefits.Ifyouexcludeyourself(optout),youhavenobasistoobjectbecausethecasenolongeraffectsyou.
COURT
ClerkoftheDistrictCourt/NFLConcussionSettlementU.S.DistrictCourtfortheEasternDistrictofPennsylvania
UnitedStatesCourthouse601MarketStreet
Philadelphia,PA19106-1797
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THE COURT’S FAIRNESS HEARING
TheCourtwillholdahearingtodecidewhethertoapprovetheSettlement.Youmayattendandyoumayasktospeak,butyoudonothaveto.TheCourtwilldetermineifyouareallowedtospeakifyourequesttodoso(seeQuestion39).
37. WHEN AND WHERE WILL THE COURT HOLD A FAIRNESS HEARING CONCERNING THE SETTLEMENT?
TheCourtwillholdtheFairnessHearingonWednesday, November 19, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.attheUnitedStatesCourthouse,601MarketStreet,Philadelphia,Pennsylvania19106inCourtroom7B.Thehearingmaybemovedtoadifferentdateortimewithoutadditionalnotice,soitisagoodideatocheckwww.NFLConcussionSettlement.comorcall1-855-887-3485.Atthishearing,theCourtwillhearevidenceaboutwhether theSettlement is fair, reasonable, andadequate. If thereareobjections, theCourtwillconsiderthemandmayelecttolistentopeoplewhohaveaskedtospeakatthehearing.Afterthehearing,theCourtwilldecidewhethertoapprovetheSettlement.Wedonotknowhowlongthedecisionwilltake.
AftertheFairnessHearing,theCourtwillconsidertherequestforattorneys’feesandreasonablecostsbyCo-LeadClassCounsel,ClassCounselandSubclassCounsel(seeQuestion34).
38. DO I HAVE TO ATTEND THE HEARING?
No.Co-LeadClassCounsel,ClassCounselandSubclassCounselwillanswerquestionstheCourtmayhave.Butyouarewelcometoattendatyourownexpense.Ifyoutimelyfileanobjection,youdonothavetocometoCourttotalkaboutit.Aslongasyoufiledyourwrittenobjectionontime,theCourtwillconsiderit.Youmayalsohaveyourownlawyerattendatyourexpense,butitisnotnecessary.
39. MAY I SPEAK AT THE HEARING?
OnorbeforeNovember 3, 2014,youmayasktheCourtforpermissiontospeakattheFairnessHearing.TheCourtwilldeterminewhethertograntyoupermissiontospeak.Tomakesucharequest,youmustsendwritten notice to theCourt stating your intention to speak at the In re: National Football League Players’ Concussion Injury Litigation,No.2:12-md-02323FairnessHearing.Besuretoincludeyourname,address,telephonenumber,andyoursignature.YourrequesttospeakmustbesenttotheCourtattheaddressinQuestion35.
GETTING MORE INFORMATION
40. HOW DO I GET MORE INFORMATION?
ThisNoticesummarizestheproposedSettlement. Moredetailsare intheSettlementAgreement. Youcangetacopyof theSettlementAgreementatwww.NFLConcussionSettlement.com. TheSettlementAgreementisalsoonfilewiththeClerkoftheCourtfortheEasternDistrictofPennsylvania(seeQuestion35fortheaddress).YoualsomaywritewithquestionstoNFLConcussionSettlement,P.O. Box 25369, Richmond, VA 23260 orcall1-855-887-3485. PLEASE DO NOT WRITE OR TELEPHONE THE COURT OR THE NFL PARTIES FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE SETTLEMENT OR THIS LITIGATION.
23Questions? Call 1-855-887-3485 or visit WWW.NFLCONCUSSIONSETTLEMENT.COM
EXCLUSION (OPT OUT) DEADLINE
OBJECTION DEADLINE
DEADLINE TO REQUEST TO SPEAK AT THE FAIRNESS HEARING
FAIRNESS HEARING
START OF REGISTRATION PERIOD
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
DEADLINE TO RECEIVE A BAP
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT A CLAIM
CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR
COURT
CLASS COUNSEL
IMPORTANT DATES & CONTACT INFORMATION
October14,2014
October14,2014
November3,2014
November19,2014
ThedatetheannouncementoftheregistrationprocessispostedontheSettlementWebsite.(ThiswilloccurfollowingFinalSettlementApprovalafterallappeals.)
180daysafterthestartoftheregistrationperiod
• Forretiredplayersage43orolder:WithintwoyearsofFinalSettlementApproval
• Forretiredplayersunderage43:WithintenyearsofFinalApprovalorbeforeage45,whichevercomessooner
• Forretiredplayers(andtheirRepresentativeClaimants)diagnosed by the date of Final Settlement Approval:Withintwoyearsfromthestartoftheregistrationperiod
• Forretiredplayers(andtheirRepresentativeClaimants)diagnosedafter thedateofFinalSettlementApproval:Withintwoyearsfromthedateofdiagnosis
NFL Concussion SettlementP.O. Box 25369Richmond, VA 23260Tel: 1-855-887-3485ClerkoftheDistrictCourt/NFLConcussionSettlementU.S.DistrictCourtfortheEasternDistrictofPennsylvaniaUnitedStatesCourthouse601MarketStreetPhiladelphia,PA19106-1797
ChristopherA.SeegerCo-LeadClassCounselSEEGERWEISSLLP77WaterStreetNewYork,NY10005StevenC.MarksClassCounselPODHURSTORSECKP.A.CityNationalBankBuilding25W.FlaglerStreet,Suite800Miami,FL33130-1780ArnoldLevinCounsel-Subclass1LEVINFISHBEINSEDRAN&BERMAN510WalnutStreet,Suite500Philadelphia,PA19106
SolWeissCo-LeadClassCounselANAPOLSCHWARTZ1710SpruceStreetPhiladelphia,PA19103GeneLocksClassCounselLOCKSLAWFIRMTheCurtisCenter,Suite720East601WalnutStreetPhiladelphia,PA19106DianneM.NastCounsel-Subclass2NASTLAWLLC1101MarketStreet,Suite2801Philadelphia,Pennsylvania19107