The NHL's motion to dismiss class action lawsuits filed by former players dealing with concussions has been denied by U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson, Darren Heitner of Forbes reports.

The league argued that the class action could be preempted by labor law, but this was not accepted by the court. The former players - diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) - can now continue with their lawsuits.

After courts upheld a $1-billion plan to settle concussion lawsuits between the NFL and former players in April, Heitner suggests the NHL may have to begin considering a settlement option of their own.

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