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How the NFL could impact West Virginia TBI victims

On Behalf of | Jun 1, 2016 | Brain Injury |

According to a report released by a member of the House of Representatives, the NFL attempted to influence a study that would examine the link between brain injury and football. The league initially agreed to give $30 million to the National Institutes of Health, but it reneged on its promise after $16 million was to be given to a Boston University researcher who the NFL feared was biased against its interests.

While the league denies that it tried to unduly influence where research dollars went, the NFL’s Head, Neck, and Spine Committee also sought funding. Members of that committee have opposed the researcher who was to be given the funding from the NIH. Instead of grant money from the NFL, taxpayers are now paying the bill to fund the Boston University researcher’s work.

While this particular researcher has been vocal about a link between football and concussions, the league itself has attempted to downplay this link in the past. Critics contend that the NFL has even ignored evidence that repetitive head trauma is linked to brain injury. According to the member of the House who issued the report, the agreement between the NFL and the NIH indicated that the league would not influence where funding went. Therefore, there should have been no reason to pull funding.

Those who suffer a head injury because of the negligence of another party may have reason to pursue a personal injury case. Compensation for a brain injury may be available even if symptoms do not show up immediately. An attorney might be able to help ensure that such a case is brought before the statute of limitations expires.