Ex-NFL Player Sues Lloyds Of London Over Concussion Claim Denial

A former NFL player who suffered a concussion that he says ended his career has sued Lloyds of London for denying his disability claim. Former Carolina Panthers defensive back Haruki Nakamura, like many players, had purchased “Professional Athlete’s Insurance.” His attorney, Reed Smith partner John Schryber, suggested the insurer knows that growing awareness of widespread concussion damage to athletes could lead to more claims. The denial, according to the complaint, “comes down to the opinion of one self-selected medical examiner whose ‘all clear” diagnosis conflicts with determinations —made both by Nakamura’s treating physician and the ‘Medical Advisory Physician’ designated by the NFL Retirement Board —that Nakamura is ‘totally and permanently disabled’ due to chronic post-concussion syndrome.”