Professional athletes in California push their bodies to the absolute limit. Whether it’s the high-impact collisions of football, the repetitive strain of baseball, or the explosive movements of basketball, the risk of injury is always there. Many times, there is not an isolated incident that leads to these injuries. The long-term wear and tear on an athlete’s body can get worse over time.
The athlete workers’ compensation attorneys at Betts Law Group understand the complexities of these cases. Even if you didn’t have a contract with a California team, you may still be eligible for benefits from the state if you signed your contract or played in California. Reach out to us and we’ll help you get the compensation you deserve after all the hard work you put in for your team.
Common Types of Injuries That May Qualify for Workers’ Compensation in California
In California, workers’ compensation covers injuries that occur in the course of employment. For professional athletes, this can include many different types of sports-related injuries that are unique to this line of work.
Traumatic Injuries
These are often the most visible and dramatic. These types of injuries are typically easier to document, as they often result from a specific, identifiable incident. Examples include:
- Fractures and Dislocations: Broken bones, such as leg fractures in football or wrist fractures in baseball, are common.
- Ligament Tears: Knee injuries (including tears of the ACL and MCL) are prevalent in sports involving sudden changes in direction.
- Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries: Contact sports like football and hockey carry a high risk of head injuries.
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)
These injuries usually develop over time due to repeated motions in the sport. Some examples include
- Tendonitis and Bursitis: Inflammation of tendons or bursae, often affecting shoulders, elbows, and knees.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve in the wrist, common in sports with repetitive hand movements.
- Stress Fractures: Tiny cracks in bones caused by repetitive impact.
Proving these types of injuries can be challenging as they may not have a single, definitive cause. This is where detailed medical records and an attorney with experience in athlete workers’ compensation can be invaluable resources to help you get the compensation you are entitled to.
Chronic Injuries
Chronic injuries are ongoing injuries that may result from previous acute injuries or repetitive strain. Some of the most common examples include:
- Chronic pain (persistent pain in joints or muscles)
- Degenerative joint disease (wear and tear of cartilage in joints)
- Post-concussion syndrome (ongoing symptoms following a concussion)
These injuries can significantly impact an athlete’s ability to perform and may require long-term medical care, which can be costly. Seeking workers’ compensation benefits can help alleviate the financial burden of the continued medical care of these injuries.
Important Factors in Determining Eligibility for Workers’ Compensation
To qualify for workers’ compensation in California, a professional or retired athlete must demonstrate that their injury:
- Arose out of employment: The injury must have occurred as a direct result of their athletic activities.
- Occurred in the course of employment: The injury must have happened while the athlete was performing their job duties.
- Is supported by medical evidence: Thorough medical documentation is essential to substantiate the claim.
Seeking medical treatment immediately after you are injured is very important. This not only ensures you receive proper care for your injury, but also creates a record. Detailed medical records, including diagnoses, treatment plans, and prognoses, are important for a successful workers’ compensation claim.
The Long-Term Impact of Sports Injuries
Professional sports injuries can have long-lasting consequences, even if they initially don’t feel any pain or discomfort. These types of injuries can be cumulative and may not be immediately apparent, but they can significantly affect an athlete’s career, finances, and quality of life. Workers’ compensation benefits can provide the support that athletes deserve, including:
- Medical treatment: Coverage for necessary medical care.
- Temporary disability benefits: Payments to replace disability payments while recovering.
- Permanent disability benefits: Payments for permanent impairment.
- Vocational rehabilitation: Assistance with retraining for a new career if necessary.
Professional athletes dedicate their lives to their sport. Protecting their health and financial well-being is paramount. Understanding your rights under California workers’ compensation law and seeking experienced legal representation can help ensure you receive the support you need to recover and move forward. Having an attorney who understands the system can allow the injured party to focus on what is most important, their health.
Contact Betts Law Group Today
If you’re a professional athlete in California who has suffered a work-related injury, don’t hesitate to seek legal counsel. Contact Betts Law Group today to discuss your case and learn how we can get you the compensation you’ve earned.
