Brian Namoff, a former Major League Soccer Player, has filed a $12 million lawsuit against his former coach, Tom Soehn.
On Sept. 9th, 2009, the former DC United defender collided with another player mid-game and suffered classic symptoms of a concussion. Despite dizziness and blurred vision, he finished the 90 minute game. That match ended up being his last, as the defender “experienced and exhibited post-concussive symptoms, which were significantly exacerbated by the end of the game.”
Now 33 years old, Namoff claims he has suffered brain damage, including memory,cognitive ability, and sensory loss. He has permanent headaches, constant fatigue, sleep problems, and hypersensitivity to motion. His formal complaint accuses DC United of being “negligent in its management, care and treatment.” He is suing for $10 million for medical negligence, and $2 for the impact on his marriage. His wife Nadine is a co-plaintiff in the suit.
DC law requires some additional defendants to be added to thecase in the next 90 days, so Namoff’s lawyers plan to add former team physician Christopher Annunziata and Commonwealth Orthopaedics – Annunziata’s practice.
Namoff claims that he suffered two previous concussions – one in high school, and one in college – but none in the MLS until the incident in 2009, which forced him into early retirement.
The MLS has just implemented concussion protocols this season.
Concussion lawsuits are rare in professional soccer, but frequent in other contact sports, especially professional football. Threethousand players are currently suing the NFL for an alleged cover-up of headinjuries and their frequency.
The Concussion Lawyers at the Strom Law Firm are currently accepting cases involving brain damage and concussions for former players. Call today for a free consultation. 803.252.4800
