David Bell Lawsuit Seeks More Than $300 Million Over Alleged Career-Ending Surgery
Merson Law represents former Cleveland Browns wide receiver David Bell in a civil lawsuit alleging that an unnecessary surgery nearly took his life and ended his professional football career. Announced on October 15, 2026, the David Bell lawsuit seeks more than $300 million in damages against surgeon William Meyers, M.D., radiologist Adam Zoga, M.D., and Jefferson and Vincera healthcare entities. Bell’s legal team includes lead attorney Brad Sohn and Merson Law attorneys Nathan Werksman and Noah Werksman.
The action alleges medical negligence, lack of informed consent, corporate negligence, fraud, civil conspiracy, and aiding and abetting fraud. At its center is the allegation that misrepresented pelvic MRI findings induced Bell to undergo a “core muscle repair” procedure that was not medically necessary. The complaint alleges that an injury to Bell’s femoral artery during that procedure required emergency vascular reconstruction and permanently prevented his return to competitive football.
From Recovering Athlete to Surgical Patient
Bell played college football at Purdue University before the Cleveland Browns selected him in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. According to the complaint, he dislocated his right hip during a September 15, 2024 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The lawsuit states that his hip was recovering with nonsurgical treatment, although he continued to experience lingering pain.
The complaint alleges that a May 14, 2025 pelvic MRI at the Cleveland Clinic did not reveal findings warranting the surgery at issue. Bell subsequently consulted with Meyers and underwent another pelvic MRI at Vincera Imaging on May 19, 2025. According to the lawsuit, Bell was told that the imaging showed a core muscle injury and that he needed surgery.
Allegations Concerning the MRI Findings
The David Bell lawsuit alleges that the May 19 MRI did not show the structural injuries used to justify the proposed procedure. Nevertheless, the complaint states that Bell was told he had injuries requiring a “Meyers Repair,” a form of core muscle surgery. Bell alleges that he relied on those representations when agreeing to undergo the operation.
The complaint also questions the timing of the written MRI report. It alleges that Zoga’s report was not reduced to writing until May 21, 2025, the day after the surgery. The lawsuit presents alternative allegations concerning who interpreted the imaging before surgery and how the purported findings were communicated to Bell.
Beyond Bell’s individual treatment, the complaint alleges a broader financial arrangement involving imaging, referrals, and surgical procedures. It claims that the defendants used unsupported MRI findings to generate apparent justification for medically unnecessary surgeries. Those assertions form part of Bell’s fraud and civil conspiracy claims and remain allegations to be resolved through the litigation.
Emergency Treatment After an Alleged Femoral Artery Injury
Bell underwent surgery with Meyers on May 20, 2025. According to the complaint, Meyers injured Bell’s right femoral artery during the procedure and attempted a repair that did not restore adequate blood flow. Bell was then transported by ambulance to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital for emergency vascular treatment.
The complaint states that Bell underwent exploration and reconstruction of the artery using an interposition graft. It alleges that the resulting vascular injury and reconstruction forced him to retire from the NFL on October 14, 2025. Bell seeks compensation for permanent injuries, lost earnings, impaired future earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other losses, as well as punitive damages.
Merson Law’s Role in Representing David Bell
Nathan Werksman, a partner at Merson Law, and Noah Werksman, a trial attorney at the firm, represent Bell alongside Brad Sohn. The legal team’s announcement describes a year-long investigation involving review by surgeons and radiologists. The lawsuit seeks to hold the defendants accountable for the alleged treatment decisions, representations, and institutional conduct that led to Bell’s injuries.
“What happened to David Bell, an elite NFL athlete, is just plain wrong. Even worse, it was totally preventable. We look forward to fighting every step of the way for David and the justice he deserves,” said Nathan Werksman.
The action was announced for the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, and demands a jury trial. The allegations described in this article reflect Bell’s complaint and the legal team’s press release. They have not been adjudicated, and no determination of liability or damages has been made.
Contact Merson Law
Merson Law represents people facing catastrophic injuries and claims involving medical malpractice. If you believe you or a family member suffered serious harm because of negligent medical care, contact the firm to discuss the circumstances. Call (212) 603-9100 or use the website’s contact form to request a consultation.
