Ex-Bulldog denied $600k payout despite eight brain bleeds
A 21-year-old was forced to retire after a severe brain injury. His disability payment was rejected because an AFL assessment rated his injury as 'mild'.
Reported by The Sydney Morning HeraldClaims checked against the source, 8 h ago.
ShareWhy it matters
A young person's life has been derailed by what appears to be a clinical rating error. He has no pathway to the financial support he needs.
In Australia. Raises questions about how the AFL assesses brain injuries and whether its concussion protocols adequately protect players, particularly young prospects.
Key facts
- Eight
- Brain bleeds
- $600,000
- Rejected benefit
- $150,000
- Career-ending payment received
- 18 in May 2024
- O'Driscoll's age at retirement
- Aiden O'Driscoll was forced to retire from the AFL in May 2024 after suffering eight brain bleeds and a fractured skull.
- An AFL-ordered clinical assessment labeled his injury as mild.
- This led to rejection of his $600,000 severe injury benefit claim.
- He received $150,000 as a career-ending injury payment.
- O'Driscoll now struggles with daily memory loss, anxiety, nausea and sleep problems.
- His agent Peter Jess says the mild assessment is flawed.
