Specific Injuries
A specific injury is an injury that is received and immediately diagnosed and treated. This can be a hyperflexion of the knee, a twisted ankle, broken finger, or concussion. The injury is received and is basically a one-time event. The injury is treated and once it has healed, the player returns to the playing field.

Cumulative Trauma Injuries

Cumulative trauma injuries are those that accumulate over time. Repeated hits, stressing the joints, and pulling muscles, can cause permanent damage to the body that may not show significant signs until the athlete has retired. Because the injuries accumulate over time, there is no specific date for the injury. Instead, when a worker’s compensation claim is filed for this type of injury, the date of diagnosis is used.

California Law

While many states do not recognize cumulative trauma claims, California does and will provide benefits to professional athletes who file claims and can prove their injuries within the legal scope of the law. Attorneys in California are well-versed in worker’s compensation laws and can offer sound legal advice.

NFL players are employees much like every other worker. They’re entitled to the same worker’s compensation benefits as others. It’s important to hire an attorney who knows and understands the law for both professional athletes as well as individuals in other industries.

Does Worker’s Compensation for NFL Players Cover Medical Bills?

Professional athletes who receive injuries while playing for their professional sports team may be entitled to get their medical expenses reimbursed. Benefits could include a total coverage of medical treatment for a lifetime, as well as coverage related to the injuries suffered or caused by your employment with a sports team.

How Long Can Injured Pro Athletes Get Workers Comp?

This may differ state-wise. States restrict the length of time that you may receive the temporary benefits for the injury suffered. These limitations could range from two to seven years. In case of permanent disability benefits, there is no limit on the duration; exceptions could be that some states may terminate the weekly benefits when the injured NFL player reaches the age of 65. Also, not every state provides for partial disability benefits permanently.