A suit by former players against the NCAA has been rejected by a federal judge as inadequate. The details of the case were reported by a national news report late last month. Apparently, the parties reached a $75 million settlement, but a judge rejected the settlement because he believed that it was “underfunded.”
The settlement agreement would allow a program to be implemented that would fund current and former student athletes who suffered head injuries. Additionally, the settlement would provide about $5 million towards research. The judge did not believe that the settlement amount was an adequate amount of money to cover all the medical expenses that the players required. The judge has ordered that each of the parties return to the negotiating table to reach a more appropriate agreement.
Importance of Attorneys in Settlement Negotiations
Although many individuals understand the importance of attorneys during litigation, one of the most crucial steps of a lawsuit is during the negotiation phase. When an individual believes that he or she has been injured because of the negligence of another, he or she may be able to bring a suit against that person for the injuries that were incurred and the damages that resulted. However, in many cases a trial in front of a judge or jury is not necessary.
Generally, people want to avoid the lengthy and complicated process of a trial, and settlement negotiation is favored in the court system. However, it is important that both parties have an attorney to assist in these matters. The negotiation phase can be complicated as well, and there are many important factors to be considered to ensure that the best possible settlement agreement is reached. As the above case illustrates, even agreed upon negotiations can be denied by the court system, so having a competent advocate can be indispensable. An attorney can develop a personal injury case to show the basis for the agreement, including witness accounts and mathematical computations.
Have You Been Injured as a Result of Another’s Negligence?
If you have been injured because of the negligence of another individual, you may be able to bring a suit against that party for the damages you incurred. After determining whether negligence can be established, an injured individual may want to encourage a settlement negotiation to avoid the expense and time of a trial. Many times, the defendant will agree to this for the same reasons. An attorney can be especially crucial during this stage because he or she has the ability to determine the best settlement in relation to your injuries. Also, it is highly likely that the other party will have an attorney as well, so it is important that your side is represented adequately. The attorneys at the Dean Law Firm have a significant amount of experience in settling and litigating personal injury lawsuits. You may be entitled to monetary compensation for your past medical bills, future medical expenses, and other damages related to your injuries. Contact one of our personal injury attorneys today at 352-387-8700 to schedule a free initial consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Florida Helicopter Crash Results in $16 Million Verdict, Ocala Injury Lawyers Blog, published October 3, 2014.
Florida Police Patrol Car Gets into Accident with SUV, Ocala Injury Lawyers Blog, published December 13, 2014.