Concussion in sport - How employers’ duties compare in the U.K., Ireland & North America

This article examines how player concussions are currently being dealt with by sports and the status of concussion-related litigation. The first half, by Prof. Jack Anderson, looks at the situation in the U.K and Ireland, focusing principally on football and Rugby Union. The second half (by Associate Dean Jon Hehska) gives a comparative perspective from the U.S. and Canada, looking at situation in the National Football League, the Canadian Football League, the National Hockey League and the NCAA. The authors conclude by offering their thoughts on whether we may soon see the “U.S. style” litigation of class action lawsuits closer to home. 

Specifically, this article examines:

• An introduction to concussion issues in 2016/17
  
  
• Rugby Union and concussion
  • The Cillian Willis case
  • The Jamie Cudmore case
    
    
• Summary of key developments in U.K. and Ireland
  
  
• Concussion litigation in the United States and Canada
  • National Football League
  • Canadian Football League
  • National Hockey League
  • National Collegiate Athletic Association
    
    
• Conclusions: will we see U.S.-style concussion litigation in the U.K.?