The NFL’s Head Injury Research and the Law: An Overview of Liability under the Voluntary Undertaking Doctrine

By Brandon Matsnev, Temple University Beasley School of Law   One typically does not have a duty to save a man drowning in a river. However, if the observer begins a rescue—whether it’s throwing the man a rope, swimming out to save him, or even calling 911—negligence liability may attach under the voluntary undertaking doctrine. Thus, one who voluntarily undertakes to help another person and fails may actually become liable to that person.   Can the NFL be liable for negligence u