New DIsability Lawsuit Against NFL Player Retirement Plan

This office has filed a lawsuit against the Bert Bell/Pete Rozelle NFL Player Retirement Plan on behalf of Gaylon Hyder, a former player for the Rams and Browns. Mr. Hyder suffers from a kidney disease that has led to hypertension and congestive heart failure, rendering him disabled. So what is the link to pro football? As alleged in the Complaint, Mr. Hyder injured his knee during a Rams game against the Atlanta Falcons. To quell the pain and reduce inflammation, the team medical staff gave him Vioxx, which Mr. Hyder continued to take through the remainder of the season. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (“NSAIDs”), like Vioxx, are potentially toxic to those with kidney disease. As further alleged in the Complaint, the Rams' medical staff had the results of medical tests that suggested Mr. Hyder had some impairment to his kidney function. Mr. Hyder contends that he is eligible for disability benefits because the Vioxx treatment worsened his kidney problems and prematurely ended his career. Coverage of the lawsuit can be found here.