Football's Hidden Costs

When all those football players return from Disney World, they will face less positive issues:concussion lawsuits filed by thousands of former players against the NFL,wrongful death litigation, and Hall of Famers suing for lack of health and retirement benefits. Michael Hausfeld of Hausfeld LLP represents some of the latter.

Michael tells us there's no question that the older retired NFL players have been "severely shortchanged" in terms of pensions and benefits from both the League and the Union. They should have adequate health coverage for life and not suffer medical consequences of injuries sustained while playing even if they don't manifest until later. The case is now on appeal in the Eighth Circuit and should be heard this spring. He's also filed a brain damage suit on behalf of over 100 NFL retirees. Michaelfounded and heads a global plaintiffs' firm with cases on issues as diverse as plane ticket pricing,eggs,LIBOR, chocolate (against Nestle, Cadbury,Hershey, and Mars for price fixing), and PlayStation 3.

Another memorable case for Michael has been one that may reform the British legal practice in antitrust matters. The UK government is now advocating for what it calls a "radical step" away from traditional practice for competition law violations that affect small businesses and consumers: limited opt-out collective actions. Michael's been working on the case for about a dozen years, and says that violations imposed billions of Euros worth per year of material damages on UK and EU businesses and consumers. Four years ago, the firm opened an office in England to help with the work.

Aside from in England, Hausfeld LLP has been expanding through affiliates rather than open its own offices, and Michael tells us they'll continue to do so. The firm just picked up a win in South Africa through an affiliate office there.