The National Football League recently filed a request to consolidate several lawsuits filed against it in federal court in Philadelphia.  The lawsuits, filed throughout the country by former players, allege that the NFL failed to warn players about the dangers of concussions and that the league concealed information about the risks associated with head injuries.

Seven former players filed the first lawsuit last summer in Philadelphia.  Other lawsuits are pending or expected in California, Florida and New York, and possibly elsewhere.  The most recent lawsuit was filed earlier this week by 106 players seeking damages for traumatic brain injuries and neurodegenerative disorders.  According to its Motion, the NFL is requesting the cases be consolidated so it may avoid trying related litigation in several districts.

The lawsuits seek compensation for the injured players, as well as a requirement that the NFL provide better medical monitoring for injured players.  In addition, the lawsuits seek to compel the league to provide injured players with compensation for medical treatment.  According to some reports, the league recently made changes to help prevent concussions  during practices and games, however, the former players allege the league should have implemented these changes sooner.

The NFL plans to vigorously defend these cases.  A league spokesperson has responded stating that the “NFL has never misled players with respect to the risks associated with playing football” and “[a]ny suggestion to the contrary has no merit.”  A hearing on the motion to consolidate is scheduled for later this month.