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Trial attorney William Gibbs on the NFL's wrongful death lawsuit over former player Dave Duerson.
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Former Chicago bears' Super Bowl champion Dave Gerson committed suicide last year he was only fifty years old now his children.
Have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the NFL.
Here to tell us why is there attorney.
William -- who goes by the name bill from the law firm of core boy and Dmitry added I'd say that correctly sir.
That's right thank you welcome for joining us only get right into it essentially the lawsuit boils down to.
The NFL knew that allowing the player to continue playing after they had suffered repeated concussions in the course of -- Was a mistake and now you should pay up for that is that accurate.
That is one aspect of of the lawsuit that's been filed in Cook County.
There's actually that essentially two elements of the case against the NFL.
During Dave do worsens playing career -- NFL.
In -- in adequately protected him from.
Long term lifelong permanent brain damage.
By failing to warn him of the dangers of continuing to play.
After suffering a concussion and -- three are not recognize 198819901992.
Correct.
Those are the three documented concussions you got to remember he played in narrow working cautions often.
Went undiagnosed and that's part of the problem is that they were not.
A significantly monitored by the league back then.
So in your opinion what are the NFL do if they couldn't document -- back then that he had to concussions which might have led to the brain damage which might have led to his.
Being -- suicidal state of mind what could they have done differently.
So back during his playing career they need to warn him about the dangers of repetitive head trauma.
They absolutely knew that one who suffers repetitive head trauma time after time after time.
And suffers significant trauma after a concussion.
Will have lifelong problems so that's that's one aspect during his playing career.
And then after his playing career is over beginning in 1994.
The NFL engaged in in really a propaganda scheme.
In which they they published repeatedly.
In medical journals that.
Their conclusion of -- actors is that repetitive head trauma does not does not cause lifelong cognitive for mental health.
Issues this is contrary to everything that was an out in the literature from respected.
Neurologists.
That this is a problem the concussion issue is a problem.
I think they're starting to recognize that I think they are really really making an effort with current players.
To recognize -- first of all warn them of the danger of of concussion.
Recognize concussion.
And make sure that you -- -- treated once.
Once recognized bill we have roughly twenty seconds.
Potentially could your lawsuit kill the NFL because a lot of people love football I I know I'm asking a question that might sound vulgar because -- human being self.
Vs a game we love but could you essentially kill the NFL.
The game we love should -- and and will continue but it's going to be a much much much safer game for the players that play it.
-- in the retirees that have built this game into such a great.
Enterprise should be compensated.
And recognized for their for their meaningful.
Support of the game and creation of the game so I think it's going to be fine I think the games -- find it's going to be a lot lot lot safer for these players though.
Sites -- we want appreciate your being here with us this afternoon bill gives.
From the law firm which is representing the children of mr.
Gerson we contacted the NFL they were unable to provide us with a guest but did send us this statement.
Dave Gerson was an outstanding football player and citizen who made so many positive contributions but unfortunately.
-- -- serious personal challenges.
