A third lawsuit has been filed in Philadelphia by retired NFL players over brain injuries allegedly caused by on-field concussions, a week before U.S. judges decide whether to consolidate similar cases filed around the country.

At least eight related lawsuits have been filed in New York, New Jersey, Georgia and Florida. The lawsuits claim the National Football League hid evidence linking concussions to permanent brain injuries and seek millions in compensation.

Two-time Super Bowl champion Jim McMahon and hundreds of other players have signed on. Many cite symptoms ranging from occasional memory loss to depression to degenerative brain disease, while others are asymptomatic but want to be monitored for brain-related health problems they fear they will develop.

"Rather than warn players that they risked permanent brain injury if they returned to play too soon after sustaining a concussion, the NFL actively deceived players, by misrepresenting to them that concussions did not present serious, life-altering risks," the suit filed Wednesday charges.

The plaintiffs — former Philadelphia Eagles Ron Solt, Joe Panos and Rich Miano, along with four other players and four spouses — alleges an NFL conspiracy to conceal information and seeks at least $75,000 per person.

A similar lawsuit filed earlier this month in Philadelphia seeks more than $5 million for more than 100 former players.

Labels: brain injuries, concussion, football, lawsuit, NFL

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