Injuries can leave even the most skilled professional athletes feeling uncertain about their future. The intense physical demands of sports make injuries almost inevitable, whether it’s a torn ligament, broken bone, or a more severe, career-ending condition.
At Betts Law Group, our team of advocates understands the unique challenges that athletes face when dealing with injuries. With years of experience representing professional athletes in workers’ compensation cases, Thomas Betts and Whitney Betts are dedicated to guiding you through the legal process, ensuring you secure the compensation you deserve.
Workers’ Compensation in California: The Basics
In California, workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system that provides benefits to employees who are injured at work. Under California Labor Code § 3600, nearly all employees are covered, and benefits typically include:
Medical treatment
Lost wages
Compensation for permanent disability
Professional athletes, like other employees, are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits under California law. However, the process can be more complex due to their unique circumstances, including traveling for games and playing for out-of-state teams while competing in California.
Why Professional Athletes Are Eligible for Workers’ Compensation
Professional athletes are considered employees of the teams they play for, which makes them eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
If a professional athlete is injured while performing job duties—whether during a game, practice, or training session—they may be entitled to workers’ compensation. This applies to athletes in major leagues like the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL, as well as minor league players.
However, professional athletes face unique challenges when filing workers’ compensation claims, such as:
Jurisdictional issues from playing in multiple states.
Agreements between leagues and players’ unions that may affect compensation.
High earnings that can complicate the calculation of lost wage benefits.
Navigating these complexities requires the help of an attorney experienced in representing professional and retired athletes. At Betts Law Group, we help athletes understand their rights and guide them through the claim process.
Common Injuries Covered by Workers’ Compensation for Professional Athletes
The physical demands of professional sports expose athletes to a wide variety of injuries. Some common injuries that may be covered under workers’ compensation include:
Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Torn ligaments, such as ACL or MCL injuries
Fractures and broken bones
Chronic conditions like tendinitis or arthritis caused by overuse
Soft tissue injuries, including sprains, strains, and muscle tears
These injuries can result in temporary or permanent disability, impacting a professional athlete’s career and future earning potential. Workers’ compensation can provide benefits to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs, giving injured athletes much-needed financial relief.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim as a Professional Athlete
Filing a workers’ compensation claim as a professional athlete follows a similar process to that of other employees but with additional complexities. To successfully file a claim, it’s important to speak to an: experienced and reliable athlete workers’ compensation attorney who advocates for injured professional athletes to assist you with the necessary paperwork and ensure your claim is filed properly and on time.
Can Retired Athletes File for Workers’ Compensation?
Yes, retired athletes may still be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if they continue to experience injuries sustained during their playing career. California law, under Labor Code § 5412, allows claims for injuries that have resulted in ongoing medical issues, such as degenerative joint diseases, arthritis, or conditions related to concussions. If you’re a retired athlete dealing with long-term injury effects, speaking with a workers’ compensation attorney is essential to understand your rights.
Contact Our San Diego Athlete Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today
Navigating a workers’ compensation claim as a professional athlete is more complex than it is for the average worker. They require an attorney who understands workers’ compensation laws and the unique challenges faced by athletes.
At Betts Law Group, we have years of experience representing professional athletes throughout San Diego and across California. Our legal team is dedicated to helping athletes secure the compensation they need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Contact us so we can discuss your rights and legal options.
Sports are a significant part of life for many in San Diego, from professional athletes to students and weekend warriors. However, sports (professional sports in particular) also come with the risk of injury. Pro athletes can spend years of their lives dedicated to their careers, but the injuries they sustain can last long after they leave the field.
At Betts Law Group, we understand the complexities involved in workers’ comp lawsuits related to sports injuries. Our dedicated team has extensive experience with professional athlete injury cases, and we are committed to helping injured professional athletes and their families navigate the workers’ comp process to get the compensation they deserve.
What Are Sports Injuries and Their Legal Implications?
Sports injuries can vary greatly, from minor sprains to life-altering brain injuries. While some injuries are an inherent risk of sports participation, professional athletes need to prioritize their long-term health by seeking proper medical care and rehabilitation to address underlying injuries and prevent lasting consequences. Ignoring pain can have serious repercussions, impacting their quality of life beyond their athletic career.
Who Qualifies for Professional Athlete Workers’ Comp Benefits?
As a current or former professional athlete, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if you meet either of the following criteria:
Played for a California Team: This includes any professional sport at any level.
Signed a Contract in California: Even if you didn’t play for a California team, if you signed your contract or had an oral agreement while physically present in California, you may qualify for pro athlete workers’ compensation.
The demanding nature of professional sports exposes athletes to a wide spectrum of injuries. These can range from minor ailments like sprains and strains, which may require rest and rehabilitation, to severe injuries such as fractures, dislocations, and concussions, potentially requiring surgery and extensive recovery periods. Here are some of the most common sports-related injuries:
Sprains and Strains: These injuries are often caused by overuse or improper technique. They can be minor or serious injuries for professional athletes.
Knee Injuries: Tears to ligaments in the knee (like the anterior cruciate ligament or medial collateral ligament) can end a professional sports career and require extensive rehabilitation.
Fractures: Broken bones can result from contact sports or accidents during training and games.
Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries: Head injuries frequently occur in high-impact sports like football, soccer, and hockey. The long-term effects of concussions can be serious and life-threatening.
Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries are among the most dangerous and can result in partial or complete paralysis. The spinal cord serves as the primary communication pathway between the brain and the rest of the body. Damage to this vital structure can lead to devastating and often irreversible consequences.
Contact Betts Law Group Professional Athletes Injuries Attorney in San Diego
Sports injuries can have effects that last a lifetime and significantly hinder quality of life. Understanding your legal rights as a professional athlete is of the utmost importance in these situations. With Betts Law Group, you’ll receive personalized attention and dedicated legal support throughout your case. Contact us today at (858) 201-2424 for a consultation, and let us help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Professional sports are often seen as a lucrative career path. Unfortunately, the physical demands placed on athletes can be incredibly strenuous and lead to long-term health consequences. Even seemingly minor injuries can get worse over time, leading to chronic pain and disability that can significantly impact an athlete’s quality of life after their playing days are over.
Are You Eligible for a California Sports-Related Injury Claim?
The physical demands of professional sports take a toll on the body, and even with the best medical care, years of high-impact collisions, repetitive movements, and strenuous training can lead to pain that lasts after you leave the field.
If you’re a current or former pro athlete who signed a written or verbal contract in California, played for a California-based team, or played for a California affiliate of a team based elsewhere, you may be eligible for compensation.
There are two types of sports injuries that are eligible:
Specific Injuries: These are the result of a single incident during a practice or game, like a broken bone from a tackle or a torn ligament from a sudden movement.
Cumulative Traumas: These injuries develop gradually over time due to the repetitive stress and strain of playing professional sports. The damage may not be noticeable immediately or even during your career, but symptoms like chronic pain, limited mobility, or memory issues can surface years later.
If you’re not sure if you’re eligible, you can fill out our athlete injury qualification form so we can review your case and let you know if you have a case.
Most Common Types of Sports-Related Injuries
Being a professional athlete is exciting, but years of games and practices can take a toll on the body. These can often lead to injuries, whether right away or later in life. Some of the most common injuries include:
Sprains and strains: These are the most frequent types of sports injuries, affecting ligaments and muscles due to overstretching or tearing. Ankles, knees, and hamstrings are particularly susceptible.
Fractures: Broken bones can occur from impacts or falls. They commonly affect wrists, ankles, and fingers, but can happen on many different parts of the body.
Knee injuries: ACL tears, meniscus tears, and patellar tendinitis are prevalent due to the knee’s complex structure and the demands placed on it.
Concussions: These brain injuries can have long-term effects and are particularly common in contact sports.
Shoulder injuries: Rotator cuff tears and dislocations are common, particularly in sports involving throwing or overhead movements.
Long-term sports-related injuries, also known as chronic injuries, are a significant concern for athletes. These injuries typically develop gradually over time due to repetitive stress rather than a single traumatic event. Common examples include osteoarthritis, tendonitis, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and chronic back pain.
These types of injuries can manifest long after an athlete’s career ends, which can impact their quality of life and overall well-being. It’s crucial for athletes to prioritize proper training, rest, and rehabilitation to minimize the risk of developing long-term sports-related injuries. If an injury persists, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation for your pain and suffering.
Get In Touch With Betts Law Group
Betts Law Group focuses our efforts in helping pro athletes get compensation for career-related injuries by securing workers’ compensation benefits, something many athletes aren’t aware they’re entitled to. We can file with the California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board on your behalf. You could receive benefits like temporary/permanent disability payments, medical care coverage, and even vocational rehabilitation.
