Bill Gibbs, a lawyer for the family of the deceased Derek Boogaard, sent the U.S federal court a letter asking that they hold off on ruling on the NHL’s motion to dismiss the death lawsuit filed against them. Gibbs, a well known lawyer who serves many former NHL players in court, described the evidence as ‘crucial’ to Boogaard’s death lawsuit against the National Hockey League.
Gibbs wrote that he expects the U.S. federal court in the concussion lawsuit will agree to unseal “documentary and testimonial evidence that I intend to utilize in the (Boogaard) action.”
Lawyer Discovers ‘Crucial’ Evidence in Boogaard Case
According to a recent report from TSN, A judge has placed a protective order on evidence in the concussion lawsuit, which will restrict Gibbs from using any information obtained through discovery or depositions in the Boogaard case. This newly found evidence is part of a previous lawsuit against the NHL that involves more than 80 former NHL players, claiming the NHL has been irresponsible in protecting players from the long-term effects of concussions.
His family felt that Boogaard had been given an excess of pain medication to relieve his pain. The medication given to Boogaard was found to be addictive, and ultimately led to his overdose in 2011.
Gibbs is working toward obtaining the necessary documents that will confirm the “NHL’s assumed responsibility for making the game safe for its players and its ability to act unilaterally to eliminate dangerous elements of professional hockey”.
(h/t TSN, FOX Sports)
Main Photo via Getty Images/NHL Collection.
