Athlete Workers’ Compensation Claims After Retirement in California
The roar of the crowd has faded, the final whistle has blown, and you’ve transitioned from the demanding world of professional sports to retirement. But what happens when the physical toll of your athletic career continues to impact your life years later? Can you still pursue a workers’ compensation claim in California even after you’ve hung up your jersey?
The athlete workers’ comp attorneys at Betts Law Group have years of experience helping former professional athletes like you recover the compensation you’re owed after giving all you’ve got on the field. If you’re experiencing lingering pain or health issues stemming from your time as a professional athlete in California, we can provide the guidance you need to explore your options.
The Statute of Limitations in California Workers’ Compensation Cases
California law has a statute of limitations for filing workers’ compensation claims, much like other states. This is a time limit within which an injured worker must file their claim to be eligible for benefits. Generally, in California, an employee has one year from the date of injury to file a workers’ compensation claim.
However, the concept of “date of injury” can be more nuanced, especially in cases involving:
- Cumulative Trauma: Injuries that develop gradually over time due to repetitive stress or strain, rather than a single, identifiable incident.
- Latent Injuries: Injuries that don’t manifest symptoms until long after the exposure or activity that caused them.
For cumulative trauma injuries, the “date of injury” is typically considered to be the date the employee first suffered disability and either knew, or in the exercise of reasonable diligence should have known, that the disability was caused by their employment. This can be an important distinction for retired professional athletes who may not experience significant symptoms or realize the connection between their past athletic career and their current medical condition until many years after they have stopped playing.
In some instances, former professional athletes in California may suffer from latent injuries (injuries where the symptoms don’t appear until long after the initial injury occurred). For example, a concussion sustained during a game might not manifest its full effects until years later, leading to post-concussion syndrome with symptoms like headaches, dizziness, memory problems, and mood changes.
An athlete workers’ comp attorney can help navigate the complicated pathway of injuries in workers’ compensation claims.
Understanding Cumulative Trauma in Professional Sports
Playing sports professionally can lead to some astronomical highs, but the physical toll the activity takes on your body can be severe. Years of intense training, repetitive motions, and the risk of injury can lead to what’s known as cumulative trauma injuries. Unlike a single injury, cumulative trauma develops gradually over time due to the repetitive stress placed on the body.
Think about the countless pitches thrown by a baseball pitcher or the tackles endured by a professional football player. These repeated stresses can lead to conditions like:
- Chronic pain in joints (knees, shoulders, back, hips)
- Arthritis
- Tendonitis
- Nerve damage
- Other musculoskeletal issues
One of the most difficult parts is that these conditions may not manifest immediately upon retirement. In fact, it’s common for the symptoms of cumulative trauma to emerge or get worse years after an athlete’s career has ended. This is where understanding your rights under California workers’ compensation law becomes critical.
Betts Law Group Is On Your Side
We never lose sight of the person suffering at the heart of the case.
Potential Benefits of an Athlete’s Workers’ Compensation Claim in California
If a former professional athlete in California is successful in their workers’ compensation claim, they may be entitled to benefits, including:
- Medical Treatment: Coverage for medical expenses related to the work-related injury or condition, including:
- Doctor’s visits
- Physical therapy
- Medication
- Surgery (if necessary)
- Temporary Disability Benefits: Payments to replace lost wages if the injury temporarily prevents the former athlete from working. While a retired athlete may not be actively employed in the same way, this could apply if their injury prevents them from pursuing other forms of gainful activity.
- Permanent Disability Benefits: Payments to compensate for any permanent impairment resulting from the work-related injury. The amount of these benefits depends on the severity of the disability and the former athlete’s earning capacity.
- Vocational Rehabilitation: Services to help the former athlete return to work if they are unable to continue in their previous occupation due to their injury. This may be less relevant for retired athletes but could still provide options for new career paths if desired.
Having a workers’ comp attorney advocate on your behalf can significantly increase your chances of receiving the full range of benefits you are entitled to under California law.
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How Betts Law Group Can Help
Step 1:
Contact our team for an initial consultation to discuss your experience and legal options.
Step 2:
Our compassionate attorneys will carefully listen to your story and assess the strength of your case.
Step 3:
If we believe we can help, we’ll begin working with you to build a strong legal strategy.
Step 4:
Our team will work tirelessly on your behalf, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the justice you deserve.
Contact Betts Law Group Today
The experienced attorneys at Betts Law Group in California can provide you with valuable insights into your situation and the potential for pursuing a claim, even if many years have passed since your retirement. Contact us today for a consultation!