California
Professional
Hockey Injury Lawyers
If you played professional hockey, you played through pain. With blistering checks, board collisions, stick impacts, fights, and grueling travel schedules, injuries weren’t just likely – they were unavoidable. What many players don’t realize is that even years after retirement, you may still be entitled to compensation for the physical toll your hockey career had on your body.
At Betts Law Group, our professional hockey injury lawyer Thomas Betts helps former NHL and other pro league players access workers’ compensation benefits for injuries that built up over time.
A Workers’ Compensation Claim Built for Professional Hockey Athletes
The toughness you showed on the ice doesn’t have to carry into retirement. Teams rely on professional athletes to push through pain, and under California law, they now have a responsibility to help you recover from it.
This isn’t a lawsuit. It’s a no-fault workers’ compensation claim that teams and leagues already understand and expect.
You may qualify for benefits even if:
- You never missed a shift
- You never filed an injury report
- You retired seasons ago
- You assumed your injuries were “just part of the game”
You sacrificed for the sport. Now it’s time to prioritize your health.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
The Hidden Toll of a Professional Hockey Career
Hockey is one of the most physically demanding sports in existence. Even if you finished your career without a single major injury, the repetitive hits, checks, fights, and impacts add up, and the symptoms often show up years later.
We work with former players dealing with issues such as:
- Concussions and repeated head impacts
- Post-concussive disorders
- Neck, back, and spinal degeneration
- Chronic shoulder, hip, and knee damage
- Joint deterioration and mobility loss
- Vision or hearing complications from repeated trauma
- Nerve injuries
- Balance, cognitive, or mood changes tied to head trauma
You don’t need a record of one massive injury; cumulative trauma alone may qualify you.
- Concussions and repeated head impacts
- Post-concussive disorders
- Neck, back, and spinal degeneration
- Chronic shoulder, hip, and knee damage
- Joint deterioration and mobility loss
- Vision or hearing complications from repeated trauma
- Nerve injuries
- Balance, cognitive, or mood changes tied to head trauma
You don’t need a record of one massive injury; cumulative trauma alone may qualify you.
Do You Meet the Requirements for a California Hockey Injury Claim?
You may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if:
- You played for a California-based team
- You signed a contract in California
- You trained, practiced, or spent time in California as part of your career
We’ll review your playing history and quickly determine if your case fits California’s criteria.
What Compensation Can Former Hockey Players Receive?
Most players receive a tax-free lump sum settlement, which may include:
- Access to future medical treatment
- Compensation for long-term, cumulative injuries
- Job retraining benefits (when appropriate)
Our team manages everything: reviewing your history, filing your claim, negotiating your settlement, and handling all communication so you can focus entirely on your health.
Why Betts Law Group?
- Privacy throughout the process
- Clear, honest communication
- Someone who handles the paperwork so you don’t have to
- A team familiar with the unique injuries hockey players face
You gave years to the game. We’re here to help you move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for a professional hockey workers’ comp claim in California?
Former professional hockey players may qualify if they played for a California-based team, signed a contract in California, or spent part of their playing career training or competing in the state. Eligibility is based on your work history, not where you live now.
What types of injuries count as cumulative trauma?
Cumulative trauma includes damage that builds up over years of repetitive hits, practices, games, and physical stress. Common examples include joint degeneration, spine injuries, concussions, nerve damage, and chronic pain conditions.
What kind of settlement should I expect?
Most cases result in a tax-free lump sum payment that reflects the severity of your injuries and their impact on your long-term health. The amount varies widely, but our team will estimate your case value once we review your history and medical records.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Workers’ compensation cases have strict deadlines, but former athletes often qualify under rules that extend the filing period for cumulative trauma. The sooner you start, the better your chances of preserving your rights.
Can I file if I never reported injuries during my career?
Yes. Many players never filed reports or sought treatment while playing, and that does not prevent you from pursuing a claim now. Cumulative trauma injuries often appear years later.
Will this require suing my former team?
No. This is a workers’ compensation claim, not a lawsuit. Your team and the league are already familiar with this process and expect these claims.
Do I need to currently live in California?
No, you do not have to live in California to file. Eligibility is based on where you played, signed, or trained, not where you live today.
What are the fees?
There are no upfront costs. Our fee is a small percentage approved by the court and only collected if we win your case.
Can I still file if I retired a long time ago?
In many cases, yes. Cumulative trauma claims often remain valid even years after retirement, as long as certain California criteria are met.
How do I get started?
Fill out our qualification form or give us a call today, and we’ll review your playing history and injuries to confirm eligibility. Once you’re ready, we handle the entire process from filing to settlement.
You gave everything on the field. Now it’s time to take care of your future.
Let Betts Law Group help you access the compensation you’ve earned.