A Florida jury awarded a former Tampa Bay Buccaneers fullback $3.4 million in connection with a 2009 car accident. B.J. Askew suffered neck injuries in a rear-end collision that forced the NFL franchise to place him on the team’s Non-Football Injured Reserve List. Askew’s car was rear-ended as he drove to practice on Oct. 12, 2009, by the driver of a truck who worked for Encon, Inc., a Tampa-based commercial renovation and repair company.  The Buccaneers released the fullback the following season and he hasn’t played professional football since. The jury took Askew’s lost potential wages as an NFL player into account when determining the damages award.

The defendant, Encon, Inc., is appealing the decision, according to Tampa Bay Online. Askew was a free-agent acquisition for the Buccaneers in 2007. He signed a four-year, $8.6 million contract extension in 2008. At that time, the contract was the largest ever for an NFL fullback. The auto accident occurred just one year into Askew’s record-breaking contract.  There’s a chance a jury or judge could reduce the former player’s compensatory award on appeal. Askew won’t be able to collect on the settlement until a new trial is completed.

Injuries suffered in a car accident can limit your ability to work, perform simple tasks and provide for your family. You have the right to pursue the at-fault party for compensation to pay for your ongoing medical bills, wages lost due to the accident and wages you were likely to earn in the future.  Please contact the Spinner Law Firm if you or someone you love is put into this position.  We’re right here, for you.