Resources for Professional Athletes

1. Am I eligible to file a claim in California if I never played for a California team?

• Possibly. You may be eligible if any of the following apply:
• You signed a contract while physically present in California
• You verbally agreed to a contract while physically present in California
• You played for a California team or affiliate in your final season

If none of these apply, we’ll ask a few follow-up questions and escalate your file for attorney review to confirm eligibility.

2. What if I never filed an injury report or missed a game during my career?

That’s completely fine, you can still qualify. Many of our clients never reported an injury or missed a game. Wear and tear from a professional sports career can cause damage that shows up years later. That’s called a cumulative trauma injury, and California law allows you to file a claim for it.

3. I never was on the injured list during my career. Can I still file?

Yes. The claim is for wear and tear; the cumulative effects of your career on your body, and you are eligible even if you never missed a game. We’ve never sent a professional athlete to a doctor who didn’t find some evidence of injury.

4. I retired a long time ago. How can I still file?

California’s statute of limitations is favorable to injured workers. For a wear and tear claim, the clock doesn’t start until you:

• Know your right to file (i.e., talk to an attorney)
• Are told by a doctor that you have disability from a cumulative trauma injury

Once both happen, you have one year to file. We’ve helped players from as far back as the 1970s.

5. What injuries are eligible?

There are two types of injuries that may qualify:

• Specific injuries caused by a single incident during a game or practice
• Cumulative trauma injuries that develop over time from daily wear and tear

Cumulative trauma may not be apparent until years after retirement.

6 . What is a cumulative trauma injury?

A cumulative trauma injury is caused by the repetitive physical stress of playing professional sports over time. It’s not tied to a single incident but develops gradually and may only become noticeable after retirement. Common examples include joint degeneration, arthritis, tears, and loss of range of motion.

1. How do I start the claim?

To begin, we’ll ask for:

• The start and end dates of your pro career
• Your current mailing address
• Your date of birth
• Your Social Security Number (optional at first, required later)

If you’re unsure about dates, don’t worry, we can amend the claim later.

2. What happens after I sign the paperwork

Once you sign and return your Application and DWC-1 Claim Form, we’ll file the claim. The insurance company has 90 days to respond. Most claims are initially denied, but don’t worry, we keep pushing forward.

3. What if I’m not ready to talk about my injury history right now?

No problem. If you’re short on time or not ready to go into detail, we can schedule that conversation later. We want you to feel comfortable and supported throughout the process.

1. Am I suing my former team if I file a claim?

No. This is not a lawsuit. You’re filing a workers’ compensation claim against an insurance policy, not your former team. The process does not go through civil court, and your team will not be surprised by it.

2. What does the claim process look like?

The process is designed to be straightforward on your end, our team handles the heavy lifting while keeping you informed at every step.

• We file the claim with the California Workers’ Compensation Board
• You’re scheduled for a doctor’s evaluation
• The doctor identifies signs of impairment
• We determine your permanent disability rating
• We factor in your future medical needs and submit a settlement demand
• The insurance company typically denies the claim initially (this is standard)
• We continue pushing forward and negotiate on your behalf

Throughout the process, our goal is to protect your rights, minimize your stress, and work toward the best possible outcome for your claim.

3. What kind of evidence are doctors looking for?

Doctors assess:

• Loss of range of motion or grip strength
• Altered gait or visible instability
• X-rays or MRIs showing tears, arthritis, degeneration, etc.

These findings help determine your impairment rating and the value of your claim.

4. Do I have to come to California?

Yes. The medical evaluation must follow California Labor Code, so it needs to be done in California. However, the insurance company is required to pay for your travel, there’s no cost to you.

1. Will this cost me anything?

No. We work on a contingency fee basis, so there is no fee to you unless we obtain benefits via an award and/or a cash settlement. In California, attorney fees for workers’ compensation claims range from 15% to 18%. If we do not recover any benefits or a cash settlement, there is no cost to you. Additionally, the medical exam, including any diagnostic tests and travel-related expenses, is covered by the insurance company.

2. What is your attorney fee?

Our fee ranges from 15% to 18%, and must be approved by a judge. We typically ask for 15% unless your case requires extensive work such as trial or legal briefs.

3. How long does the process take?

Most cases take 12–18 months, but you won’t need to be involved daily. Your main responsibilities include:

• Attending a medical exam
• Joining a deposition (usually via Zoom)

If you need to see multiple specialists (neuro, psych, dental, internal), the process could take longer.

3. What kind of evidence are doctors looking for4. What kind of compensation could I receive?

Most claims result in a lump-sum cash settlement based on:

• Your permanent disability rating
• The projected cost of future medical care related to your injuries

Our legal team will evaluate your medical records, calculate the full value of your claim, and negotiate aggressively on your behalf to secure the maximum compensation available under California law.

5. Why should I file a claim?

Because you’re entitled to compensation for injuries that occurred during your pro career. Teams are legally required to carry insurance for this purpose.

In most cases, the team already paid for the coverage, and the insurance company pays the claim, not the team. You should’ve been notified of your right to file, but most players weren’t.