NFL & NCAA Concussion Injury Litigation
At Neurocognitive Specialty Group (NSG), our neuropsychologists are highly qualified and approved by the National Football League (NFL) Settlement Program and the Baseline Assessment Program (BAP). Per the strict requirements of the NFL Settlement Agreement and BAP guidelines, each of our neuropsychologists is certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) in the specialty of Clinical Neuropsychology. This certification ensures that our experts meet the highest standards in the field of neuropsychology and are equipped to provide accurate, reliable assessments for former NFL players who are part of the NFL Concussion Settlement.
As BAP-approved examiners, the neuropsychologists at NSG have years of experience working directly with BAP Administrators and attorneys to coordinate and conduct hundreds of neuropsychological evaluations for former NFL players. These evaluations are essential to determining cognitive impairments or neurological issues resulting from repeated concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) sustained during their careers. Our team’s expertise ensures that these assessments are thorough, evidence-based, and conducted in compliance with NFL Settlement requirements.
NSG’s neuropsychologists conduct a variety of evaluations related to the NFL Concussion Settlement. This includes pre-effective evaluations, which are assessments performed before the effective date of the settlement, as well as post-effective BAP evaluations, which are conducted after the settlement went into effect. Additionally, we perform Monetary Award Fund (MAF) evaluations, which are critical for former players seeking compensation for cognitive impairment or neurological damage due to their football career. Our team has successfully completed numerous BAP and MAF evaluations, providing players with the medical documentation they need to qualify for benefits under the settlement.
In addition to our extensive experience working with the NFL BAP, NSG is known for providing clear, comprehensive reports that meet the legal and medical requirements set forth by the NFL Concussion Settlement. Our neuropsychologists are familiar with the intricate details of the settlement process and are dedicated to helping former players and their attorneys navigate the system with ease. We understand that these evaluations play a pivotal role in the lives of former NFL players, offering them a pathway to treatment and compensation for the cognitive and neurological effects of their playing careers.
We are proud to offer BAP and MAF neuropsychological evaluations across multiple states, providing accessible services to former NFL players no matter where they are located. Our team at NSG is well-versed in the requirements of the NFL Settlement and takes a collaborative approach, working closely with BAP Administrators, legal teams, and medical professionals to ensure that each evaluation is conducted efficiently and with the utmost professionalism. Whether you are a former player or an attorney representing a former player, our goal is to provide high-quality neuropsychological services that lead to accurate diagnoses and appropriate recommendations for care.
The neuropsychologists at NSG are leaders in the field of sports-related cognitive impairment, with years of clinical experience in assessing and treating traumatic brain injuries and concussions. Our BAP-approved examiners are equipped with the latest tools and knowledge to evaluate former NFL players’ cognitive functioning, memory, attention, processing speed, and other vital areas of brain health. We are committed to helping players understand their cognitive strengths and weaknesses and providing the medical evidence necessary for securing the benefits and care they deserve.
To learn more about the National Football League Players’ Concussion Injury Litigation, please visit the Official NFL Concussion Settlement Website.
To learn more about the National College Athletic Association (NCAA) Concussion Injury Litigation, please visit the Official NCAA Concussion Settlement Website.
The BAP was established under the official NFL Concussion Settlement Agreement. This program provides baseline cognitive evaluation to determine whether current or former NFL football players are suffering from neurocognitive impairment. Assessments are two-fold and require testing by both a neuropsychologist and a neurologist.
BAP Exams with an NSG neuropsychologist typically include:
- Fixed battery of tests lasting up to six to eight hours
- Approx. 60-65 tests evaluating attention, memory, language, visual and spatial reasoning, processing, speech, executive functioning, and more.
- Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS)
- Attorneys representing the players may request this approx. 40-minute pre-BAP phone screening
- Our psychologists will perform a TICS to get a “snapshot” of the individual’s cognitive functioning in order to determine if full MAF/BAP testing is needed.
- Doctors may also screen for indicators of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease or overall cognitive decline. (Per the NFL Settlement, the actual BAP Exam does not allow for diagnosis of these mental health conditions.)
- A family history and expert Medical Record Review
Many retired players will not meet the established BAP impairment criteria after an initial evaluation. However, it is also important to note that this is a 60 year settlement and many retired players will complete subsequent evaluations through the MAF. In order to provide guidance to retired NFL players and their representatives, we offer an empirically derived cognitive screening assessment with brief interview specifically designed to identify optimal times for re-evaluations.
The length of testing time averages approximately six to eight hours. Testing is usually completed all in one day so you will not have to come to multiple appointments.
During testing, you may become tired or need a break. Please be sure to let the BAP Provider know if you need some time to stretch, use the restroom, have a drink of water or snacks, or if you just need a break. Please note, the BAP also requires players to complete a separate neurological evaluation with an approved provider in addition to the neuropsychological evaluation.
We recommend the following general guidelines:
- Make sure to come for your exam well-rested.
- Arrive early to allow time for finding the location and parking, and filling out required paperwork.
- Make sure you eat something before you arrive so that you are comfortable until the lunch break.
- If you wear hearing aids or eyeglasses, bring them with you.
- Bring a list of all medications you are currently taking.
- Bring a snack, your lunch, or money to buy lunch.
- Bring your insurance card(s) and picture ID.
- Bring medical records that are related to your current illness or injury.
- If able, bring your caregiver, close family member, or friend. Often they can provide direct, personal knowledge of your background and functional abilities. Please note that your representative lawyer (or anyone working for them) may NOT serve in this capacity.
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- Fax: (346) 223-0296
- Email: office@nsghouston.com