Former NHLer Eric Nystrom suing Predators over work-related injuries
Former NHL forward Eric Nystrom is suing the Nashville Predators for medical expenses deriving from multiple injuries he suffered while playing for the team, Adam Tamburin of The Tennessean reports.
Nystrom, who played nine seasons in the NHL - his final three of which in Nashville - filed the lawsuit through an attorney Wednesday in Davidson County Circuit Court.
The lawsuit lists three separate times Nystrom was hurt while playing for the Preds:
- Hip and leg injuries on Sept. 3, 2013.
- Concussion on Nov. 15, 2013.
- Back injury Jan. 12, 2014.
Nystrom has "a permanent partial disability," according to the lawsuit, and each injury left him "temporarily and totally disabled for a period of time."
In addition to seeking lifetime medical benefits and coverage for legal fees, Nystrom is also pursuing a financial settlement to compensate him for the impact the injuries had on his life and his career.
The forward "had to retire in large part because these injuries slowed him down," said Nystrom's attorney Greg Ramos.
In a text message following the filing of the lawsuit, Nystrom claimed he's "just pursuing my rights under the (Tennessee Workers' Compensation) Law."
The Predators opted not to address the lawsuit in a statement, saying, "The team doesn't comment on pending claims."
Nystrom signed a four-year, $10-million deal with the Predators in the 2013 offseason after playing 408 games for Dallas, Minnesota, and Calgary. After three seasons and 185 games in the Music City, the Predators bought-out the final year of his contract, paying him only $2 million of the remaining $3 million originally owed to him. He hasn't played professional hockey since.