Detroit — The legal strategy of the NHL to defeat a class-action suit by players concerned about brain injuries might prove successful, but the issue of legal responsibility for potential long-term effects of brain trauma remains at issue, according to legal experts.
In attempting to settle suits filed by 146 former players, the league last week accepted no liability for the injuries.
Medical experts say the repetitive impact of body contact in hockey, including concussive and sub-concussive hits, can cause chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative disorder.
The NHL disagrees.
Some players who filed suit, claiming the league knew more about the dangers and could have done more to protect and care for them, may choose to opt out of the settlement and pursue their cases.