New legislation restricts the ability of most professional athletes and former athletes seeking to file injury claims in California, including former NFL players suffering brain injuries. California Gov. Jerry Brown in October signed legislation that severely restricts workers’ compensation claims by pro athletes. It’s a big win for the National Football League; it reduces the league’s exposure to thousands of claims by out-of-state players who are now ineligible to file in California.
Supporters of the new law said greedy athletes were taking advantage of California’s workers’ compensation system. Critics, however, charge that the new law lets affluent teams and their insurers avoid responsibility for those hurt on the job. Melissa Brown, a Sacramento attorney, told the Los Angeles Times, “It’s a sellout to the billionaire owners.”
Over 3,400 workers’ compensation claims have been filed in California by retired NFL players since 2006. Many are claims for head injuries, brain injuries, and associated neurological conditions. Some of football’s biggest names – Earl Campbell and Deion Sanders, for example – are among those who have claimed head injuries.
How California Restricts Certain Workers’ Comp Claims
In California, specific rules limit workers’ compensation claims for certain professional athletes. Under current law, an athlete must have played for a California team for at least two full seasons to qualify for benefits. In addition, athletes with seven or more full seasons played outside California may be barred from filing a claim, even if they meet the in-state requirement.
For most workers, however, these restrictions do not apply. If you are injured in a workplace accident in California, the process for filing a workers’ compensation claim is generally more straightforward, provided your injury is work-related and properly documented.
If you are dealing with a work injury, it is important to act quickly. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help evaluate your case, explain your rights, and guide you through the claims process.
A skilled workers’ comp lawyer can also help you handle disputes and work toward securing the benefits you may be entitled to. If you’ve been injured on the job, getting legal advice early can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your claim.