Suicide, Concussions, and the NFL

Abstract

This contribution to a FIU Law Review symposium on concussions in the NFL explores the state of the science and the possibility that the family of a former NFL player could recover from the NFL in the event that the former player committed suicide. While the link between brain injury, depression and suicide is both logical and supported by some emerging science, the paper suggests that significant legal obstacles would confront any such claim.

Keywords: concussion, tort, NFL, football, brain injury, suicide, proximate cause