The National Hockey League announced a non-class settlement with almost 320 retired players after the players sued the league for failing to protect them from head injuries while playing.

Most of the $18.9 million settlement will go towards medical care and monitoring. There were 146 former players who filed as plaintiffs and 172 who retained counsel. If the players accept the settlement they will receive neuropsychological testing and transportation to medical facilities, up to $75,000 in treatment expenses for each player who tests positive on two or more of 13 different cognitive/behavioral assessment exams, as well as cash payments and waived attorney fees. The league will also deposit $2.5 million into a “common good” fund available to all ex-players and not just those involved in this suit. The fund will go towards programs like senior player pensions, emergency assistance and substance abuse programs.

The league did not acknowledge liability for any of the claims but did agree that the settlement was a fair resolution and the best way to avoid further litigation. Since the suit began the league has instituted a new concussion protocol before the 2016-2017 season and updated them before last season. The rules include harsher penalties for hits to the head and the removal of players who exhibit symptoms of a possible concussion.

Before this settlement a judge had ruled that players could not file their case as a class-action lawsuit. That would have opened the case up to every living former player.

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