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MONETARY AWARDS FAQs
5.01. How do I submit a claim for a Monetary Award?
To receive any Monetary Award, Settlement Class Members had to register by August 7, 2017. Click here to read more about the Registration deadline and the few situations where Settlement Class Members may still register for Settlement benefits. Once registered, and after Retired NFL Football Players receive their Qualifying Diagnoses, Settlement Class Members then may submit Claim Packages or Derivative Claim Packages, beginning March 23, 2017.
The Claim Package must include the Claim Form, a Diagnosing Physician Certification Form, a HIPAA Authorization Form, medical records supporting the Qualifying Diagnosis and records demonstrating employment and participation in NFL Football. The forms necessary to submit a complete Claim Package are available here.
The Derivative Claim Package must include a Derivative Claim Form and a Derivative Claimant HIPAA Authorization Form. The forms necessary to submit a complete Derivative Claim Package are available here.
5.02. Is there a time limit to submit claims for Monetary Awards?
Although a Qualifying Diagnosis may be made at any time during the 65-year term of the Settlement, the deadline to submit a Claim Package is based on the date of the Retired NFL Football Player’s diagnosis.
- Retired NFL Football Players (and Representative Claimants for Retired NFL Football Players) who are diagnosed on or before February 6, 2017, must submit claims for Monetary Awards by February 6, 2019.
- Retired NFL Football Players (and Representative Claimants for Retired NFL Football Players) who were diagnosed after February 6, 2017, have two years from the date of diagnosis to submit claims.
- Derivative Claimants must submit claims no later than 30 days after their Retired NFL Football Players or Representative Claimants receive notice of an entitlement to a Monetary Award. The Claims Administrator will notify registered Derivative Claimants of this deadline if they have not yet submitted Derivative Claim Packages when their Retired NFL Football Players or Representative Claimants receive such notice.
In very limited circumstances, the deadline to submit a claim may be extended up to an additional two years, but only upon a showing of a substantial hardship that is more than the existence of the Qualifying Diagnosis and precluded compliance with the deadline. Regardless of any deadline extensions, all Claim Packages must be submitted by January 7, 2082.
5.03. What happens after I file a claim for a Monetary Award?
The Claims Administrator reviews Claim Packages in the order they are received. Within 45 days after receiving your Claim Package, the Claims Administrator will determine whether you submitted all records necessary to find your claim eligible for a Monetary Award. If the records are complete, you will receive a Notice of Monetary Award Claim Determination listing your Monetary Award amount, and any Offsets or applicable Liens. If your records are missing necessary information, you will receive a Notice of Deficiency describing the documents you must submit to make your Claim Package complete. If you are not eligible for a Monetary Award, the Claims Administrator will issue a Notice of Denial of Monetary Award Claim.
5.04. How can I change answers I made in my Claim Form?
If you are a Portal user, you may log in to your Portal account and edit your submitted Claim Form as often as necessary until the Claims Administrator begins reviewing it. Each time you change your Claim Form, you must re-sign it to confirm your changes. You cannot edit your Claim Form after the Claims Administrator begins reviewing your claim.
If you do not have a Portal account, you may mail a new, signed Claim Form to the Claims Administrator. Click here to download and print a Claim Form, or request a copy from the Claims Administrator by calling 1-855-887-3485. You can also call if you need help editing your Claim Form and a Program Specialist will assist you. The Claims Administrator will accept a new Claim Form until your claim is under review. You cannot edit your Claim Form after the Claims Administrator begins reviewing your claim.
5.05. What diagnoses qualify for Monetary Awards?
A “Qualifying Diagnosis” is a diagnosis of ALS, Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, Level 2 Neurocognitive Impairment (i.e., moderate Dementia), Level 1.5 Neurocognitive Impairment (i.e., early Dementia) and/or Death with CTE (see Injury Definitions), made by a qualified specialist who is authorized under the Amended Settlement Agreement to make the diagnosis. A Qualifying Diagnosis may occur at any time until January 7, 2082, with one exception: a Qualifying Diagnosis of Death with CTE can be made only for Retired NFL Football Players who died before April 22, 2015 (the Final Approval Date). A Representative Claimant for a Retired NFL Football Player who died between July 7, 2014, and April 22, 2015, had until 270 days from the Retired NFL Football Player’s date of death to obtain such a post-mortem diagnosis.
If a Retired NFL Football Player receives a Monetary Award based on a Qualifying Diagnosis, but later is diagnosed with a different Qualifying Diagnosis entitling him to a larger Monetary Award than his previous Award, he will be eligible for an increase in compensation. This also applies to Derivative Claimants.
5.06. Do I need to prove that playing football caused the Qualifying Diagnosis?
It is not necessary to prove that a Retired NFL Football Player’s Qualifying Diagnosis was caused by playing football or that he experienced head injuries in the NFL, AFL, World League of American Football, NFL Europe League or NFL Europa League in order to receive a Monetary Award. The fact that a Retired NFL Football Player receives a Qualifying Diagnosis is sufficient to be eligible for a Monetary Award.
5.07. Who may provide Qualifying Diagnoses?
Only a qualified specialist may make a Qualifying Diagnosis. Depending on the date of the diagnosis, a medical provider must meet certain requirements to be considered a qualified specialist. Section 6.3 of the Amended Settlement Agreement defines these credentials for qualified specialists who may make Qualifying Diagnoses:
(a) Before July 7, 2014: Board-certified neurologists, board-certified neurosurgeons, other board-certified neuro-specialist physicians, or otherwise qualified neurologists, neurosurgeons, or other neuro-specialist physicians may make a Qualifying Diagnosis (except for Death with CTE).
(b) From July 7, 2014, through January 7, 2017 (the Effective Date): Board-certified neurologists, board-certified neurosurgeons, and other board-certified neuro-specialist physicians may a make Qualifying Diagnosis (except for Death with CTE).
(c) After January 7, 2017: Only Qualified MAF Physicians or, in limited circumstances, Qualified BAP Providers, as designated by Co-Lead Class Counsel, Counsel for the NFL Parties and the Claims Administrator, may make a Qualifying Diagnosis (except for Death with CTE).
(d) Deceased before January 7, 2017: The Qualifying Diagnosis (except for Death with CTE) must have been made while the Retired NFL Football Player was living and by a physician who meets the qualifications described in (a) and (b) above or who had sufficient qualifications in the field of neurology (for Qualifying Diagnoses of Level 1.5 Neurocognitive Impairment, Level 2 Neurocognitive Impairment, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, or ALS), or the field of neurocognitive disorders (for Qualifying Diagnoses of Level 1.5 Neurocognitive Impairment or Level 2 Neurocognitive Impairment).
(e) Death with CTE: A Qualifying Diagnosis of Death with CTE shall be made only for Retired NFL Football Players who died before April 22, 2015 (the Final Approval Date), through a post-mortem diagnosis by a board-certified neuropathologist of CTE before April 22, 2015, provided that the Representative Claimant for a Retired NFL Football Player who died between July 7, 2014 and April 22, 2015 had until 270 days after his death to obtain such a post-mortem diagnosis. The latest allowable date for a post-mortem diagnosis of Death with CTE was January 19, 2016.
| Diagnosis Date |
Level 1.5 Neurocognitive Impairment |
Level 2 Neurocognitive Impairment |
Alzheimer's Disease |
Parkinson's Disease |
ALS |
Death with CTE |
Post-Effective Date
(Post-1/7/17) |
- Qualified BAP Providers
- Qualified MAF Physicians
|
- Qualified BAP Providers
- Qualified MAF Physicians
|
Qualified MAF Physicians |
Qualified MAF Physicians |
Qualified MAF Physicians |
Death with CTE is not compensable if diagnosed after 1/7/17 |
Preliminary Approval Through Effective Date
(7/7/14 - 1/7/17) |
- Board-certified neurologists
-
Board-certified neurosurgeons
-
Other board-certified neuro-specialist physicians
-
Other physician with sufficient qualifications in the field of neurology to make this diagnosis (for players who died pre-Effective Date only)
-
Other physician with sufficient qualifications in the field of neurocognitive disorders to make this diagnosis (for players who died pre-Effective Date only) |
-
Board-certified neurologists
-
Board-certified neurosurgeons
-
Other board-certified neuro-specialist physicians
-
Other physician with sufficient qualifications in the field of neurology to make this diagnosis (for players who died pre-Effective Date only)
-
Other physician with sufficient qualifications in the field of neurocognitive disorders to make this diagnosis (for players who died pre-Effective Date only) |
-
Board-certified neurologists
-
Board-certified neurosurgeons
-
Other board-certified neuro-specialist physicians
-
Other physician with sufficient qualifications in the field of neurology to make this diagnosis (for players who died pre-Effective Date only) |
-
Board-certified neurologists
-
Board-certified neurosurgeons
-
Other board-certified neuro-specialist physicians
-
Other physician with sufficient qualifications in the field of neurology to make this diagnosis (for players who died pre-Effective Date only) |
-
Board-certified neurologists
-
Board-certified neurosurgeons
-
Other board-certified neuro-specialist physicians
-
Other physician with sufficient qualifications in the field of neurology to make this diagnosis (for players who died pre-Effective Date only) |
Board-certified neuropathologist (diagnosis made before Final Approval Date (4/22/15) or 270 days after date of death if later (max 1/19/16)) |
Pre-Preliminary Approval
(pre-7/7/14) |
-
Board-certified neurologists
-
Board-certified neurosurgeons
-
Other board-certified neuro-specialist physicians
-
Otherwise qualified neurologists, neurosurgeons, or other neuro-specialist physicians
-
Other physician with sufficient qualifications in the field of neurology to make this diagnosis (for players who died pre-Effective Date only)
-
Other physician with sufficient qualifications in the field of neurocognitive disorders to make this diagnosis (for players who died pre-Effective Date only)
|
-
Board-certified neurologists
-
Board-certified neurosurgeons
-
Other board-certified neuro-specialist physicians
-
Otherwise qualified neurologists, neurosurgeons, or other neuro-specialist physicians
-
Other physician with sufficient qualifications in the field of neurology to make this diagnosis (for players who died pre-Effective Date only)
-
Other physician with sufficient qualifications in the field of neurocognitive disorders to make this diagnosis (for players who died pre-Effective Date only)
|
-
Board-certified neurologists
-
Board-certified neurosurgeons
-
Other board-certified neuro-specialist physicians
-
Otherwise qualified neurologists, neurosurgeons, or other neuro-specialist physicians
-
Other physician with sufficient qualifications in the field of neurology to make this diagnosis (for players who died pre-Effective Date only) |
-
Board-certified neurologists
-
Board-certified neurosurgeons
-
Other board-certified neuro-specialist physicians
-
Otherwise qualified neurologists, neurosurgeons, or other neuro-specialist physicians
-
Other physician with sufficient qualifications in the field of neurology to make this diagnosis (for players who died pre-Effective Date only) |
-
Board-certified neurologists
-
Board-certified neurosurgeons
-
Other board-certified neuro-specialist physicians
-
Otherwise qualified neurologists, neurosurgeons, or other neuro-specialist physicians
-
Other physician with sufficient qualifications in the field of neurology to make this diagnosis (for players who died pre-Effective Date only) |
Board-certified neuropathologist |
All Qualifying Diagnoses made before January 7, 2017 must be reviewed by a member of the Appeals Advisory Panel, except: (1) any pre-Effective Date diagnoses made by a Qualified MAF Physician; and (2) any Qualifying Diagnosis made on or before July 1, 2011 by board-certified neurologists, board-certified neurosurgeons, or other board-certified neuro-specialist physicians. The Claims Administrator will review these two types of diagnoses.
5.08. Who is a Qualified MAF Physician?
A Qualified MAF Physician is a board-certified neurologist, board-certified neurosurgeon, or other board-certified neuro-specialist physician, who is part of an approved list of physicians authorized to make a Qualifying Diagnosis. On April 7, 2017, the list of Qualified MAF Physicians eligible to make Qualifying Diagnoses was posted on the Settlement Website.
5.09. Do I have to submit a Diagnosing Physician Certification Form with my Claim Package?
You or the physician who made the Retired NFL Football Player’s Qualifying Diagnosis must submit a Diagnosing Physician Certification Form to complete your Monetary Award Package. The Settlement Agreement excuses this requirement if:
- You are a Representative Claimant of a Retired NFL Football Player who died prior to January 7, 2017 and the physician who made the Qualifying Diagnosis also died or became legally incapacitated or incompetent prior to January 7, 2017, or
- The Retired NFL Football Player is deceased, and
- His certified death certificate references the Qualifying Diagnosis made while the Retired NFL Football Player was living, and
- The medical records supporting that Qualifying Diagnosis are not available because of unforeseeable circumstances, like flood, hurricane, or fire.
5.10. To the extent that I am evaluated for a Level 1.5 or Level 2 Neurocognitive Impairment Qualifying Diagnosis outside of the BAP by both a Qualified MAF Physician and a neuropsychologist, do I need to submit a Diagnosing Physician Certification Form from both of them?
5.11. May Settlement Class Members or their attorneys retain their own physicians to make Qualifying Diagnoses for Monetary Award claims?
5.12. Can I receive a Monetary Award as a family member of a Retired NFL Football Player?
Derivative Claimants of Retired NFL Football Players are eligible to receive Derivative Claimant Awards. The Settlement Agreement defines Derivative Claimants as spouses, parents, dependent children, or any other persons who properly, under applicable state law, assert the right to sue independently or derivatively by reason of their relationship with a living or deceased Retired NFL Football Player (for example, a spouse asserting the right to sue because of an injury to the husband who is a Retired NFL Football Player).
Derivative Claimants must first register for Settlement benefits before they are eligible to receive Derivative Claimant Awards. The Overview of Derivative Claimant Process provides more information about how Derivative Claimant Awards are determined.
5.13. Will a Derivative Claimant receive a Derivative Claimant Award if the Retired NFL Football Player (or his Representative Claimant) does not submit a Claim Package?
No, the Derivative Claimant Award is paid from the Monetary Award of the associated Retired NFL Football Player or his Representative Claimant if he is deceased, legally incapacitated, or incompetent. The Retired NFL Football Player or his Representative Claimant must have a payable Monetary Award for a Derivative Claimant to be eligible for a Derivative Claimant Award.
5.14. Can I receive a Monetary Award even though the Retired NFL Football Player is deceased?
Yes, Representative Claimants for deceased Retired NFL Football Players with Qualifying Diagnoses are eligible to receive Monetary Awards. If the deceased Retired NFL Football Player died before January 1, 2006, however, the Representative Claimant will only receive a Monetary Award if the Court determines that a wrongful death or survival claim is allowed under applicable state law.
Representative Claimants must first register for Settlement benefits before they are eligible to receive Monetary Awards.
5.15. What is the difference between a Representative Claimant and a Derivative Claimant?
A Representative Claimant is someone authorized to act on behalf of a deceased, legally incapacitated or incompetent Retired NFL Football Player.
A Derivative Claimant is a spouse, parent, dependent child, or any other person who has registered and may assert the right to sue independently or derivatively under applicable state law, because of his or her relationship with a living or deceased Retired NFL Football Player. Derivative Claimants are eligible for a Derivative Claimant Award, which is no more than 1% of the Monetary Award for the Retired NFL Football Player with whom they have this type of relationship. If there are more than one eligible Derivative Claimants related to the same Retired NFL Football Player, the 1% Award will be divided among the Derivative Claimants. The Overview of Derivative Claimant Process provides more information about how Derivative Claimant Awards are determined.
5.16. If a player is deceased, how does a Representative Claimant prove that the Retired NFL Football Player suffered from a Qualifying Diagnosis at the time of or before his death?
The proof a Representative Claimant must submit to show that a deceased Retired NFL Football Player received a Qualifying Diagnosis depends on the date of his death and the type of injury. If he died before January 7, 2017 (the Effective Date), the Representative Claimant may establish Level 1.5 Neurocognitive Impairment, Level 2 Neurocognitive Impairment, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, or ALS by submitting medical records showing a diagnosis of such condition made before he died. The diagnosis must have been made by properly credentialed physicians.
The Representative Claimant of a Retired NFL Football Player who died before April 22, 2015 (the Final Approval Date) may establish Death with CTE by submitting medical records showing a diagnosis of Death with CTE made by a board-certified neuropathologist after the Retired NFL Football Player’s death and before April 22, 2015. If the Retired NFL Football Player died between July 7, 2014, and April 22, 2015, his Representative Claimant had until 270 days after his death to obtain the post-mortem diagnosis. Retired NFL Football Players who died on or after April 22, 2015, are not eligible for benefits for Death with CTE.
All claimants, including Representative Claimants of deceased Retired NFL Football Players, must submit a Diagnosing Physician Certification Form signed by the physician who made the Qualifying Diagnosis, except that Representative Claimants of Retired NFL Football Players who died before January 7, 2017 do not have to submit a Diagnosing Physician Certification Form if the physician who made the Qualifying Diagnosis also died before January 7, 2017, or was deemed legally incapacitated or incompetent before that date, but they do have to submit evidence of the physician’s death, incapacity or incompetence, and of his or her qualifications.
A Representative Claimant of a player who died before January 1, 2006, also must establish that the claim is not time-barred under applicable state law.
5.17. What if the deceased Retired NFL Football Player received a Qualifying Diagnosis, but the medical records have been destroyed?
If the medical records showing the Qualifying Diagnosis are unavailable because of an event beyond the Representative Claimant’s control (e.g., flood, hurricane, fire), he or she may still ask the Claims Administrator to review the claim. The Representative Claimant must show that he or she made a reasonable effort to obtain the medical records from any available source and present a certified death certificate that refers to a Qualifying Diagnosis made while the Retired NFL Football Player was alive.
5.18. How much money will I receive?
The amount of your Monetary Award will depend on the Retired NFL Football Player’s:
- Specific Qualifying Diagnosis,
- Number of Eligible Seasons for participation in the NFL, the AFL, the World League of American Football, NFL Europe, or NFL Europa,
The Award amount also depends on:
- Any legally enforceable Liens on the Award,
- Any retainer agreement with an attorney,
Certain costs and expenses related to resolving any Liens for Settlement Class Members will be paid out of those Settlement Class Members’ Monetary Awards or Derivative Claimant Awards.
The table below lists the maximum amount of money available for each Qualifying Diagnosis before any adjustments are made:
| QUALIFYING DIAGNOSIS |
MAXIMUM AWARD AVAILABLE |
| Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) |
$5 million |
| Death with CTE (diagnosed after death) |
$4 million |
| Parkinson’s Disease |
$3.5 million |
| Alzheimer’s Disease |
$3.5 million |
| Level 2 Neurocognitive Impairment (i.e., moderate Dementia) |
$3 million |
| Level 1.5 Neurocognitive Impairment(i.e., early Dementia) |
$1.5 million |
The Special Masters (or the Court after the Special Masters’ five-year term ends) may increase Monetary Awards up to 2.5% per year for inflation during the 65-year Monetary Award Fund term.
To receive the maximum amount outlined in the table, a Retired NFL Football Player must have played for at least five Eligible Seasons and have been diagnosed when younger than 45 years old.
Derivative Claimants are eligible for a Derivative Claimant Award comprising 1% of the Monetary Award of the Retired NFL Football Player with whom they have a relationship. If there are multiple eligible Derivative Claimants related to the same Retired NFL Football Player, the 1% Award will be divided among the Derivative Claimants. The Overview of Derivative Claimant Process provides more information about how Derivative Claimant Awards are determined.
5.19. How does the Retired NFL Football Player’s age at the time of his first diagnosis affect a Monetary Award?
Awards are reduced for Retired NFL Football Players who were 45 or older when first diagnosed. The younger a Retired NFL Football Player is at the time of his first diagnosis, the greater the Monetary Award. Setting aside other downward adjustments to Monetary Awards, the table below provides:
- The average base Award at each age for people diagnosed between the ages of 45-79; and
- The base amount of the Award for those under age 45 and over 80.
The actual Award amount depends on each Retired NFL Football Player’s actual age at the time of diagnosis and other potential adjustments or Offsets.
| AGE AT DIAGNOSIS |
ALS |
DEATH W/CTE |
PARKINSON’S |
ALZHEIMER’S |
LEVEL 2 |
LEVEL 1.5 |
| Under 45 |
$5,000,000 |
$4,000,000 |
$3,500,000 |
$3,500,000 |
$3,000,000 |
$1,500,000 |
| 45 |
$4,833,333 |
$3,733,333 |
$3,156,667 |
$3,100,000 |
$2,633,333 |
$1,316,667 |
| 46 |
$4,666,667 |
$3,466,667 |
$2,813,333 |
$2,700,000 |
$2,266,667 |
$1,133,333 |
| 47 |
$4,500,000 |
$3,200,000 |
$2,470,000 |
$2,300,000 |
$1,900,000 |
$950,000 |
| 48 |
$4,400,000 |
$3,020,000 |
$2,356,000 |
$2,160,000 |
$1,760,000 |
$880,000 |
|
49 |
$4,300,000 |
$2,840,000 |
$2,242,000 |
$2,020,000 |
$1,620,000 |
$810,000 |
|
50 |
$4,200,000 |
$2,660,000 |
$2,128,000 |
$1,880,000 |
$1,480,000 |
$740,000 |
|
51 |
$4,100,000 |
$2,480,000 |
$2,014,000 |
$1,740,000 |
$1,340,000 |
$670,000 |
|
52 |
$4,000,000 |
$2,300,000 |
$1,900,000 |
$1,600,000 |
$1,200,000 |
$600,000 |
|
53 |
$3,900,000 |
$2,120,000 |
$1,780,000 |
$1,510,000 |
$1,150,000 |
$575,000 |
| 54 |
$3,800,000 |
$1,940,000 |
$1,660,000 |
$1,420,000 |
$1,100,000 |
$550,000 |
|
55 |
$3,700,000 |
$1,760,000 |
$1,540,000 |
$1,330,000 |
$1,050,000 |
$525,000 |
|
56 |
$3,600,000 |
$1,580,000 |
$1,420,000 |
$1,240,000 |
$1,000,000 |
$500,000 |
|
57 |
$3,500,000 |
$1,400,000 |
$1,300,000 |
$1,150,000 |
$950,000 |
$475,000 |
|
58 |
$3,400,000 |
$1,360,000 |
$1,240,000 |
$1,110,000 |
$876,000 |
$438,000 |
|
59 |
$3,300,000 |
$1,320,000 |
$1,180,000 |
$1,070,000 |
$802,000 |
$401,000 |
|
60 |
$3,200,000 |
$1,280,000 |
$1,120,000 |
$1,030,000 |
$728,000 |
$364,000 |
|
61 |
$3,100,000 |
$1,240,000 |
$1,060,000 |
$990,000 |
$654,000 |
$327,000 |
|
62 |
$3,000,000 |
$1,200,000 |
$1,000,000 |
$950,000 |
$580,000 |
$290,000 |
|
63 |
$2,900,000 |
$1,156,000 |
$952,000 |
$884,000 |
$540,000 |
$270,000 |
|
64 |
$2,800,000 |
$1,112,000 |
$904,000 |
$818,000 |
$500,000 |
$250,000 |
|
65 |
$2,700,000 |
$1,068,000 |
$856,000 |
$752,000 |
$460,000 |
$230,000 |
| 66 |
$2,600,000 |
$1,024,000 |
$808,000 |
$686,000 |
$420,000 |
$210,000 |
| 67 |
$2,500,000 |
$980,000 |
$760,000 |
$620,000 |
$380,000 |
$190,000 |
|
68 |
$2,350,000 |
$904,000 |
$703,000 |
$572,000 |
$346,000 |
$173,000 |
|
69 |
$2,200,000 |
$828,000 |
$646,000 |
$524,000 |
$312,000 |
$156,000 |
|
70 |
$2,050,000 |
$752,000 |
$589,000 |
$476,000 |
$278,000 |
$139,000 |
|
71 |
$1,900,000 |
$676,000 |
$532,000 |
$428,000 |
$244,000 |
$122,000 |
| 72 |
$1,750,000 |
$600,000 |
$475,000 |
$380,000 |
$210,000 |
$105,000 |
|
73 |
$1,600,000 |
$512,000 |
$409,000 |
$330,000 |
$184,000 |
$92,000 |
|
74 |
$1,450,000 |
$424,000 |
$343,000 |
$280,000 |
$158,000 |
$79,000 |
|
75
|
$1,300,000
|
$336,000
|
$277,000
|
$230,000
|
$132,000
|
$66,000
|
|
76
|
$1,150,000
|
$248,000
|
$211,000
|
$180,000
|
$106,000
|
$53,000
|
|
77
|
$1,000,000
|
$160,000
|
$145,000
|
$130,000
|
$80,000
|
$40,000
|
|
78
|
$860,000
|
$138,000
|
$126,000
|
$114,000
|
$74,000
|
$37,000
|
|
79
|
$720,000
|
$116,000
|
$107,000
|
$98,000
|
$68,000
|
$34,000
|
|
80+ |
$300,000 |
$50,000 |
$50,000 |
$50,000 |
$50,000 |
$25,000 |
5.20. How does the number of seasons a Retired NFL Football Player played affect a Monetary Award?
A Monetary Award is reduced if the Retired NFL Football Player played less than five Eligible Seasons. An “Eligible Season” is one in which a Retired NFL Football Player played or practiced in the NFL, the AFL, the World League of American Football, NFL Europe, or NFL Europa. A Retired NFL Football Player earns one Eligible Season for each season where he:
- Was on an NFL or AFL Member Club’s “Active List” for either three or more regular season or postseason games, or
- Was on an Active List for one or more regular or postseason games and then spent two regular or postseason games on an injured reserve list or inactive list because of a concussion or head injury.
A Retired NFL Football Player earns one-half of an Eligible Season for each season where he:
- Was on an NFL or AFL Member Club’s practice, developmental or taxi squad for at least eight games, but did not otherwise earn an Eligible Season, or
- Was on a World League of American Football, NFL Europe League, or NFL Europa League team’s active roster for three or more regular or postseason games, or
- Was on a World League of American Football, NFL Europe League, or NFL Europa League team’s active roster for one or more regular or postseason games and then spent at least two regular or postseason games on the World League of American Football, NFL Europe League, or NFL Europa League injured reserve list or team inactive list because of a concussion or head injury.
A Retired NFL Football Player may not receive credit for more than one Eligible Season per year.
The “Active List” means the list of all players physically present, eligible and under contract to play for an NFL or AFL Member Club on a particular game day within any applicable roster or squad limits in the applicable NFL or AFL Constitution and Bylaws.
The table below lists the reductions to a Retired NFL Football Player’s (or his Representative Claimant’s) Monetary Award if he has less than five Eligible Seasons. To determine the total number of Eligible Seasons credited to a Retired NFL Football Player, add together all of the earned Eligible Seasons and half Eligible Seasons. For example, if a Retired NFL Football Player earned two Eligible Seasons and three half Eligible Seasons, he has 3.5 Eligible Seasons.
| NUMBER OF ELIGIBLE SEASONS |
PERCENTAGE OF REDUCTION |
| 4.5 |
10% |
| 4 |
20% |
| 3.5 |
30% |
| 3 |
40% |
| 2.5 |
50% |
| 2 |
60% |
| 1.5 |
70% |
| 1 |
80% |
| .5 |
90% |
| 0 |
97.5% |
5.21. How many Eligible Seasons do I need to prove to submit a claim for a Monetary Award?
A registered Settlement Class Member can submit a claim for a Monetary Award even if the Retired NFL Football Player does not have any Eligible Seasons. The dollar value of a Monetary Award is reduced if the Retired NFL Football Player played fewer than five Eligible Seasons.
5.22. What can I submit to prove the Retired NFL Football Player’s Eligible Seasons?
The Claims Administrator already has NFL Football employment and participation data for many Retired NFL Football Players, which it uses to calculate Eligible Seasons and to credit those Eligible Seasons to those Retired NFL Football Players. Such Retired NFL Football Players and their Representative Claimants do not have to submit NFL Football employment and participation records unless they want to try to prove more Eligible Seasons than the Claims Administrator shows for them.
If you are a Portal user, you may log in to your Portal account and review any NFL Football employment and participation data we have for you on the online claim submission portal. If you do not have a Portal account, you may contact the Claims Administrator to confirm whether there is employment and participation data for you.
If you want to prove Eligible Seasons in addition to those already credited to your Claim Package, you may submit records demonstrating employment and participation in NFL Football, such as team media guides, game box scores, game programs, newspaper clippings, etc. The Claims Administrator will review these documents to determine whether they show you have additional Eligible Seasons. If you do not have such records, do not contact the NFL or a Member Club directly. Call the Claims Administrator at 1-855-887-3485 or email ClaimsAdministrator@NFLConcussionSettlement.com for assistance. A lawyer representing Settlement Class Members should call or email his or her Law Firm Contact at the Claims Administrator. The Claims Administrator will research the situation and ask the NFL Parties for any records the NFL or a Member Club may have and then get back to you.
5.23. How do a Retired NFL Football Player’s prior Strokes or Traumatic Brain Injuries affect a Monetary Award?
A Monetary Award will be reduced by 75% if the Retired NFL Football Player experienced: (1) a medically diagnosed stroke that occurred before or after the time he played NFL Football, but before he received a Qualifying Diagnosis; or (2) a severe traumatic brain injury unrelated to NFL Football that occurred during or after the time the he played NFL Football, but before he received a Qualifying Diagnosis.
The Monetary Award will not be reduced if the Retired NFL Football Player (or his Representative Claimant) can show by clear and convincing evidence that the Stroke or Traumatic Brain Injury is not related to the Qualifying Diagnosis.
5.24. How does a Derivative Claimant Award affect the Monetary Award of a Retired NFL Football Player (or his Representative Claimant)?
A Derivative Claimant Award reduces a Retired NFL Football Player’s (or his Representative Claimant’s) Monetary Award, and any Supplemental Monetary Award, by one percent. If multiple Derivative Claimants assert valid claims for the same Retired NFL Football Player, that one percent will be divided and distributed among the eligible Derivative Claimants. Retired NFL Football Players (or their Representative Claimants) will not have more than one percent deducted from their Awards, even if multiple Derivative Claimants assert claims.
5.25. Is a Monetary Award reduced if the Retired NFL Football Player does not participate in the Baseline Assessment Program?
Not always. If a Retired NFL Football Player chooses not to participate in the BAP and receives his Qualifying Diagnosis on or after January 7, 2017 (the Effective Date), he will be subject to the 10% Monetary Award Offset, unless: (1) the Qualifying Diagnosis is of ALS, or (2) he receives any Qualifying Diagnosis, other than ALS, before his deadline to receive a BAP baseline assessment examination. The 10% Monetary Award Offset does not apply to Qualifying Diagnoses rendered before January 7, 2017.
5.26. Can I re-apply for a Monetary Award if my claim is denied?
Yes, a Settlement Class Member whose claim is denied can re-apply in the future if the Retired NFL Football Player’s medical condition changes, as long as the new claim is timely submitted. The Settlement Class Member’s adverse Notice of Monetary Award Claim Determination will also include more information about how to appeal that determination.
5.27. Can I appeal the determination of my Monetary Award or Derivative Claimant Award?
Yes, the Settlement establishes an independent process for a Settlement Class Member to appeal the determination of a claim for a Monetary Award or Derivative Claimant Award, and/or the amount of the Award. Any Settlement Class Member who wants to appeal must pay a $1,000 fee, or request that the fee be waived because of financial hardship and provide proof of such circumstance.
The Overview of Derivative Claimant Process provides more information about Derivative Claimant appeal rights.
5.28. What is the Appeals Advisory Panel and what does it do?
On May 4, 2017, the Court appointed five board-certified neurologists to serve as members of the Appeals Advisory Panel. In addition to reviewing certain Qualifying Diagnoses, members of the Appeals Advisory Panel are available to advise the Court or the Special Masters with respect to medical aspects of the Class Action Settlement. They may also be asked by the BAP Administrator to determine a Retired NFL Football Player's level of neurocognitive impairment when there is a lack of agreement between two Qualified BAP Providers.
5.29. Who are the Appeals Advisory Panel Consultants and what do they do?
On May 4, 2017, the Court appointed three neuropsychologists to serve as Appeals Advisory Panel Consultants. They will advise, as needed, the Appeals Advisory Panel, the Court, or the Special Masters on the neuropsychological testing for Neurocognitive Impairment described in Exhibits 1 and 2 of the Settlement Agreement. They are not members of the Appeals Advisory Panel.
5.30. What claims are reviewed by a member of the Appeals Advisory Panel?
Appeals Advisory Panel members (“AAP”) review Claim Packages for Monetary Awards or Derivative Claimant Awards in these situations:
1. The Court Requests Assistance in Reviewing an Appeal of a Claim Determination: A Settlement Class Member, Co-Lead Class Counsel, or the NFL Parties may appeal the Claims Administrator’s determination whether a Settlement Class Member qualifies for a Monetary Award or Derivative Claimant Award and the amount of any such Award. If requested, an AAP member and/or Consultant may assist the Court with its review of the appeal.
2. Qualifying Diagnosis Made by Certain Physicians Between July 7, 2011 and January 7, 2017 (the Effective Date): AAP members review all Qualifying Diagnoses made between July 7, 2011 and January 7, 2017, by physicians who are not Qualified MAF Physicians.
3. Qualifying Diagnosis Made by Certain Physicians Before July 7, 2011: AAP members review all Qualifying Diagnoses made before July 7, 2011, by physicians who were not board-certified neurologists.
5.31. Can a Settlement Class Member assign rights to receive his or her Monetary Award or Derivative Claimant Award, or a portion of the Award, to a third party?
Section 30.1 of the Amended Settlement Agreement prohibits Settlement Class Members from assigning any rights or claims relating to the subject matter of the Class Action Complaint to any entity other than the NFL Parties. The Claims Administrator will not recognize such assignments. This includes the assignment of any rights to receive a Monetary Award or a Derivative Claimant Award, or any portion of an Award, in exchange for a cash advance. The Claims Administrator does not provide cash advances nor is it affiliated with any groups offering cash advances.
5.32. How can I become a Derivative Claimant Representative for a minor, legally incapacitated or incompetent Derivative Claimant?
Send us one of the following documents showing your authority to act on behalf of the minor, legally incapacitated, or incompetent Derivative Claimant:
(a) A court order or other official document from an official of competent jurisdiction authorizing you to act on behalf of the Derivative Claimant;
(b) For a minor Derivative Claimant, a copy of a birth certificate or baptismal certificate showing you are the minor Derivative Claimant’s parent; or
(c) For a legally incapacitated or incompetent Derivative Claimant, a copy of a “durable” or “springing” power of attorney (“POA”) signed by the Derivative Claimant naming you as authorized to act for him or her if he or she became legally incapacitated or incompetent.
If you do not have any of these documents, you can be appointed by the federal court. However, you must have started registering with the Claims Administrator on or before the August 7, 2017 Registration Deadline or within 30 days after the associated Retired NFL Football Player (or his Representative Claimant) submitted a Claim Package. To use this process, send us the following documents:
(a) A completed Petition for Appointment of Derivative Claimant Representative;
(b) A completed Derivative Claimant Representative Declaration. There are separate versions for Minor Derivative Claimants (here) and Legally Incapacitated or Incompetent Derivative Claimants (here);
(c) A medical record or other document showing that the Derivative Claimant is a minor, legally incapacitated or incompetent; and
(d) The document(s) you listed in your Derivative Claimant Representative Declaration to support your authority to act on behalf of the Derivative Claimant. Click here to see a list of documents that may support your authority to act.
We will provide your materials to the Special Master and then notify you of the Special Master’s decision.
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