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February 11, 2015 |

FORMER PRO WRESTLERS FILE SUIT AGAINST WWE OVER INJURIES CAUSED BY THE LEAGUE’S LAX CONCUSSION POLICY

In a lawsuit filed on January 16, two former professional wrestlers are seeking damages from the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) professional wrestling league. According to an NPR report, the lawsuit claims that the wrestlers Vito LoGrasso and Evan Singleton are suffering from the debilitating effects of permanent brain damage that resulted from the league’s ignorance of the signs of brain injury and their poor response to injuries suffered in the ring. What’s more, the plaintiffs argue that the league has put profits above wrestlers by allowing, and even encouraging, dangerous maneuvers that often lead to concussions and brain injury.

This lawsuit has been filed in step with many other lawsuits relating to brain injury that have recently been filed against league officials by athletes in various high-impact sports. The increase in the number of such lawsuits being filed is likely in part because of the scientific developments in the last 10 years concerning the causes and effects of traumatic brain injuries and concussions on professional athletes. Scientists have discovered a compelling link between brain injury and serious long-term mental and neurological health problems, including depression, loss of coordination, dementia, migraines, and a significantly increased risk of suicide. The plaintiffs in the WWE case are alleging that they suffer from depression, memory loss, tremors, and hearing loss from their brain injuries.

The WWE has changed its policies relating to head injuries and has disallowed several dangerous maneuvers that had become popular in the league over the years in an attempt to address the problems noted in the lawsuit. It appears that significant progress has been made, but the former wrestlers’ lawsuit is based on the league’s prior conduct and policies, and their claim is not affected by policy improvements implemented after the plaintiffs suffered their alleged injuries. The wrestlers are alleging that during their careers, the WWE had knowledge of and deliberately ignored the dangers the wrestlers were facing. The suit also alleges that the WWE didn’t educate wrestlers properly and cleared them to return to action too soon after injuries occurred.

Employer Negligence in Illinois Lawsuits

In Illinois, an employer can be held responsible for work-related chronic medical conditions when the employer’s negligence causes the injury that the employee suffers during the course of the employment, meaning that an employee must be doing what they’re paid for in order to hold the employer responsible for an injury. Also, some jobs like professional wrestling or working on an offshore oil rig are inherently dangerous, and there are risks assumed by employees when they sign up for such jobs. Because of this, all of the circumstances must be considered when determining whether an employer was negligent and therefore responsible for the injuries. If, as the WWE lawsuit alleges, an employer deliberately ignores or deceives employees as to health risks, the employer can be held responsible for injuries suffered on the most dangerous jobs.

Have You Been Injured in an Illinois Workplace Accident?

If you or a loved one has been injured on the job, or as a result of an employer’s negligence, the Chicago personal injury attorneys at the Cavanagh Sorich Law Group can help you hold an employer responsible for your suffering. In workplace injury cases, there are often many parties that could potentially be involved in the case, and it is important for plaintiffs who wish to have a strong case to get things done right from the beginning. At the Cavanagh Sorich Law Group, we represent clients in all types of personal injury and wrongful death cases, including injuries suffered on the job. If you’ve been hurt, give us a call to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

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