Texans for Lawsuit Reform

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In the News

Judge: NFL concussion victims hit with ‘deceptive practices’

Associated Press, September 18, 2017

A federal judge overseeing the NFL’s $1 billion concussion settlement with former players said she’s concerned about “deceptive practices” by claims service providers, lawyers, lenders and other groups seeking a share of the money.

U.S. District Judge Anita Brody will hold a hearing in Philadelphia on Tuesday to hear from Christopher Seeger, who represented the class of more than 20,000 former NFL players now eligible for payments. Seeger has been investigating claims that unscrupulous third-party providers have been taking advantage of players with significant brain damage.

In a court order, Brody said she will weigh the legality of contracts signed by former players who were duped by “deceptive or misleading solicitations.”

The settlement, which took effect in January, resolved thousands of lawsuits that accused the NFL of hiding what it knew about the risks of repeated concussions.

It covers retired players who develop Lou Gehrig’s disease, dementia or other neurological problems believed to be caused by concussions suffered during their pro careers, with awards as high as $5 million for the most serious cases. Participants had to register by Aug. 7.

A notice to eligible players, approved by Brody earlier this year, said that some players had signed contracts with third-party providers for up to 15 percent of their eventual award. The providers offered to guide players through a claims process they advertised as difficult. In reality, the notice said, “none of the steps are complicated,” and a court-appointed claims administrator helped players register or file claims free of charge.

In a court filing, Seeger accused one attorney, Timothy Howard, of Tallahassee, Florida, of making “serious misrepresentations about the settlement program” to at least one former player — who was not named — and wrote that Howard might have made similar statements to more than 200 other players he represents.

In a statement, Howard told The Associated Press on Monday, “We are pleased that there is an effort to ensure retired NFL players receive the maximum amount for their injuries. … We look forward to addressing any clarity needed as to communications with class members.”

Former NFL linebacker Brandon Siler, who runs the company Legacy Pro Sports, which helps guide retired players through the claims process, said Monday that he’s providing a valuable service to players who need it.

Siler said the claims process wasn’t as easy as advertised, especially for men suffering cognitive impairment.

“I don’t mislead. I don’t take advantage of my guys. I am there for them,” he said.

Legacy charges 10 percent of any future award.

At the judge’s behest, Seeger has been demanding communications between third-party providers and former players, as well as copies of contracts or retainers. Some companies have resisted, arguing Seeger lacked a subpoena.

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Texans for Lawsuit Reform

10 hours ago

Texans for Lawsuit Reform

When 30-year-old Quinnton Allen violated his parole for possession of a firearm, a Houston judge not only allowed him to stay on parole but granted him a PR bond for a felony. Unfortunately, the decision to release him on bond may have cost a man’s life. Read and share: bit.ly/3OvDU5z ... See MoreSee Less

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29-year-old man murdered after judge grants felony PR bond to armed robber recently paroled from prison

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HOUSTON – “I’ve never had any of these defendants we’ve profiled on Breaking Bond on parole and on a felony PR bond charged with murder,” said Andy Kahan with Crime Stoppers. “This is a fi...
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That judge should be held accountable

His family should get a good lawyer & sue the city & the judge…

The judge should be held as an accomplice to the murder before the fact and sued in civil court for his contribution to the death of the citizen.

Texans for Lawsuit Reform

1 day ago

Texans for Lawsuit Reform

Texas ports are thriving today, but in the early 2000s, abusive personal injury lawsuits threatened to shut them down. As the Port of Houston begins a long-awaited expansion, read more about the common-sense lawsuit reform in 2007 that saved our state’s shipping industry in this week’s TLR blog, For the Record: bit.ly/3aeTy6n ... See MoreSee Less

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Texans for Lawsuit Reform

2 days ago

Texans for Lawsuit Reform

Wishing everyone a very happy Fourth of July! ... See MoreSee Less

Wishing everyone a very happy Fourth of July!
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Happy Independence Day America Today we celebrate our Republic 🇺🇸


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lawsuitreform avatarTLR@lawsuitreform·
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When 30-year-old Quinnton Allen violated his parole for possession of a firearm, a Houston judge not only allowed him to stay on parole but granted him a PR bond for a felony. The decision to release him on bond may have cost a man’s life. Read & RT:

29-year-old man murdered after judge grants felony PR bond to armed robber recently paroled from prison

HOUSTON – “I’ve never had any of these defendants we’ve profiled on Breaking Bond on parole and on a felony PR bond charged with m...

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