Three lawsuits filed by over 200 retired NHL players over concussion-related injuries have been consolidated and will be heard by a federal judge in Minnesota.
A special panel assigned the cases to U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson of St. Paul because it provides a central location to where the plaintiffs and witnesses live, including those from Canada, the New York Times reported. Nelson is already presiding over one of the concussion lawsuits, The Associated Press notes.
The order says Minnesota provides a central location for parties and witnesses, including those from Canada. It
consolidates lawsuits filed by over 200 former players in Minnesota, New York and Washington. It notes that Nelson is already presiding over one of the cases. The order says two similar cases pending in Minnesota and New York may be added later.
Last fall, NHL players filed the first class-action lawsuit against the NHL. The lawsuit alleges the NHL knew about the dangers of concussions and failed to do enough to reduce the risk of head injuries, as well as educate players about the risk of concussion
The lawsuits are similar to those on behalf of former NFL players, which resulted in an $870 million settlement. The NCAA agreed to a $70 million settlement in another concussion lawsuit.
