Family members of former USC fullback Douglas MacKenzie and former UCLA running back Rodney Stensrud have filed wrongful death lawsuits against the NCAA, alleging that the sport’s governing body did not properly inform college football players about the risks of head injuries and the impact that traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions, could have on their long-term quality of life. According to a Los Angeles Times report, these are among the first in a wave of lawsuits expected against the NCAA, its conferences, and universities in the coming months.
Football Players and CTE
After his football career, MacKenzie worked in construction until a stroke in 2016 limited his activities. He died in February at age 59. The complaint, filed by his mother, states he suffered from memory loss, delirious periods, tremors, and depression. Stensrud played for UCLA from 1969 to 1972 and Long Beach State from 1972 to 1973. After playing football, he became a high school sociology teacher.
However, the lawsuit filed by his widow, states that in his mid-40s, Stensrud became emotionally volatile, forgetful, paranoid, and suffered from hallucinations. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at 55 and died in 2011 when he was only 60. An autopsy revealed he had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Researchers have discovered this degenerative brain disease in more than 100 deceased former football players who had suffered numerous concussions during their careers.
Two other families from San Diego, of ballplayers for San Diego State and the Chargers, respectively, also filed similar lawsuits after losing their loved ones to CTE. These wrongful death lawsuits come after NCAA settled with former University of Texas lineman Greg Ploetz’s widow and filed a similar lawsuit.
Justice for Victims’ Families
The Times reports that these players’ families say their lawsuits are “to make a difference,” not just for compensation. A number of football players and their families have been coming out with their stories about developing brain disease later in life. They aim to educate student-athletes about the dangers of concussions and the potential consequences they may face in the future.
Our lawyers in Los Angeles who specialize in traumatic brain injuries hope these families get their day in court and justice for the loss of their loved ones. We too hope these lawsuits will make a difference in the way sporting authorities operate. We must warn players, both students and professionals, about the danger of concussions and ensure they receive timely rest and treatment throughout their careers.
Related: Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?
Source: http://www.latimes.com/sports/usc/la-sp-ncaa-football-lawsuit-20180827-story.html
Brian Chase
Articles, blogs, and content have been reviewed by legal in-house staff. Brian Chase is the managing partner of Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP. He is the lead trial lawyer and oversees cases handling dangerous and defective products that injure consumers. Brian is a top-rated injury attorney with numerous legal honors and awards for his work relating to auto defects and dangerous products. His firm has recovered over $1B for its clients. Brian is a frequent speaker for CAOC, Dordick Trial College, and OCTLA, covering personal injury trial techniques.