Former NFL receiver sues over surgery that ended career

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 00:44 · Archive

David Bell, a former Cleveland Browns receiver, has sued Dr William Meyers and Jefferson Health for over $300 million, claiming an unnecessary surgery nearly killed him.

David Bell, a 25-year-old former Cleveland Browns wide receiver, has filed a civil lawsuit in Philadelphia County Court seeking more than $300 million in damages against surgeon William Meyers, Jefferson Health and 14 other defendants. The lawsuit claims Bell was misled into undergoing core muscle surgery, commonly known as sports hernia repair, following a hip injury sustained during Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season.

According to the complaint, Meyers and other defendants used misleading pelvic MRI results to convince Bell the surgery was necessary and relatively low-risk. During the procedure, the lawsuit alleges that Dr Meyers cut Bell's femoral artery, the main artery supplying blood to the leg, causing massive internal bleeding. Bell was rushed by ambulance to Thomas Jefferson Hospital, where doctors performed emergency vascular reconstruction to save his leg and prevent fatal blood loss.

The lawsuit states the defendants built their reputation on misrepresented MRI findings to justify surgeries, billing patients for 'fraudulent' scans as cover for 'dubious' procedures in what amounted to a financial scheme prioritising profit over patient health. The litigation claims this pattern targeted professional athletes specifically. Before the incident, Bell had appeared in 32 games over three seasons with the Browns, finishing with 41 catches for 408 yards and three touchdowns. Jefferson Health has not commented on the lawsuit.

How it is being reported

• Former Cleveland Browns WR David Bell seeks $300M after botched surgery allegedly nearly killed himDavid Bell claims Dr. William Meyers cut his femoral artery during a sports hernia repair, ending his NFL career and prompting a $300 million lawsuit.Fox News · 16 Oct, 00:26
• Former NFL receiver files bombshell $300 million lawsuit over alleged surgery scheme that ended his careerA new lawsuit surrounding the NFL has emerged.New York Post · 15 Oct, 18:31

In this story: David Bell · William Meyers · Jefferson Health · Cleveland Browns · Thomas Jefferson Hospital · Philadelphia

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