(08) 9278 2575The AFL class action involves former players who allege they suffered long-term injuries from concussions or head trauma sustained during training or playing. The claim seeks compensation for neurological injury, pain and suffering, medical costs, loss of income, and psychological harm. The action is brought as a group proceeding on behalf of all eligible players.
AFL $1Billion Class Action Explained
A class action lodged in the Supreme Court of Victoria this week could have massive implications for Aussie Rules as we know it. What happens next?
More than 60 players have joined the class action suit, seeking compensation for injuries sustained while training or playing AFL between 1985 and March 14 2023. According to reports, players are seeking up to $1billion in damages, collectively.
The injuries named in the claim include the impact of concussion, a head injury usually caused by a direct blow to the head, face or neck.
Seeking compensation
The class action states that some players have suffered long-term injuries including various neurological impairments, such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), traumatic brain injury (TBI) and dementia, along with various psychological issues, including depression, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidal ideation.
Players are seeking compensation for pain and suffering, economic loss, and medical expenses.
This is not the first case of its kind.
Concussion cases in other sports
In 2017, former NSW State of Origin player James McManus took legal action against the Newcastle Knights over the club’s handling of his concussions.
Just prior to Mr McManus taking legal action, the National Football League (NFL) in the US was finalising an historic settlement to more than 4500 retired players, for almost $US1 billion, for injuries sustained during play.
James McManus played 166 NRL games for the Knights before retiring on medical grounds at the end of the 2015 season.
His claim alleged that the Knights had breached its duty of care, and also stated that he had missed out more than $700,000 in wages that could have come later in his career, as well as claims for other medical expenses.
Mr McManus asserted that he should have been warned of the risks of playing when concussed or when he was recovering from concussion, and he was not.
His claim detailed a number of ongoing disabilities including cognitive impairment, impairment of memory, mood swings, headaches, anxiety, depression, lethargy and sleep disturbance.
In its defence, the Knights said at the time that the risk to Mr McManus was “obvious” and any claim should be waived. The NSW Supreme Court made a judgment in the Knight’s favour – a decision which was considered to have implications for further cases of this kind against the NRL.
Concussion protocols are quickly changing
In recent days the AFL’s protocols for concussion have been firmly in the spotlight – there is a mandatory 11-day stand down period for concussed players.
The Australian Rugby League Commission has confirmed reports it is now aligned with the AFL and world rugby in introducing the same rule.
What happens next?
The AFL will have to let the case play out. Some have suggested that such a case could financially decimate the game.
Lawyers representing the players have suggested they would be open to negotiation. If mediation and negotiation is successful, the case may never end up in court.
In the meantime,the AFL says it has made at least 30 changes to on-field rules in recent years to make the sport safer. And this is important to ensure the safety of players, and to keep the popularity of the sport alive.
In Western Australia, AFL is the most popular sport in the state.
Class Action lawsuits in Western Australia
Class Action lawsuits are sometimes known as ‘representative proceedings'.
They arise when a large number of people who are affected by alleged similar wrongdoings, such as the AFL players, and youths who spent time in the Banksia Hill detention centre, band together to pursue legal action together, as a group, rather than doing so individually.
Usually one person is nominated to be the ‘lead plaintiff’.
What is a Plaintiff?
Plaintiffs is the name given to the party who initiates the legal action. Defendant is the name given to the party who is defending allegations / a civil suit.
What is the role of the Plaintiff in a civil lawsuit?
In a civil suit, the plaintiff is required to prove their claim with evidence and they bear the “burden or onus of proof”, meaning it is up to the plaintiff to provide the court with sufficient evidence in relation to their claim, in order to substantiate it.
Recent Changes to Civil Procedure in Western Australia
Last year, important changes were made to Western Australia’s Civil Procedure (Representative Proceedings) Act 2022 (Act). This is the Act which governs how class actions are established, and how they proceed through court.
Western Australian Attorney General, John Quigley MLA, says the changes bring Western Australia into line with the regines in operation in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania, as well as the Federal scheme.
While there are concerns that the changes will pave the way for an increase in class action cases, it’s important to remember that people must have equitable and easy access to the courts in any situation where they believe justice needs to be served.
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility generally extends to former or current players who participated in AFL games or training between 1985 and March 14, 2023, and who believe they suffered injury or harm as outlined in the claim. Each person’s circumstances must be assessed, so potential claimants should consult a class action lawyer to determine eligibility.
The claims focus on long-term physical and cognitive effects of repeated concussions or head trauma. This includes neurological injury, cognitive decline, psychological conditions, ongoing pain, reduced earning capacity, and related medical expenses.
A class action allows one or more lead plaintiffs to bring a claim on behalf of a larger group with shared legal or factual issues. It consolidates many similar claims into a single court proceeding, which improves efficiency and reduces cost. Members of the class generally share the risks and potential rewards.
If the claim is successful, compensation could include reimbursement for medical costs, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other economic or non-economic losses related to the injury. A lawyer can provide guidance on how potential compensation is calculated and distributed among class members.
Time limits vary depending on when the injury occurred and the applicable legislation. Courts often set deadlines for registration or opting out. It is important to seek advice promptly to ensure you do not miss any statutory or procedural deadlines.
Potential claimants should gather documentation such as medical records, history of injuries, proof of participation in the AFL, and any correspondence related to their claim. Early legal advice ensures the correct steps are taken to protect rights and maximise the compensation opportunity.
Need Legal Advice?
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This post is informative only. It is not legal advice. If you have a specific legal matter you’d like to discuss, please contact us.
PLEASE NOTE: The material in this blog post is for informational use only and should not be construed as legal advice. For answers to your questions regarding this or other topics, please contact a professional legal representative.
