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The National Basketball Association is a league comprising 30 teams in North America. When they think of the NBA, many people recall the thrill of the game, the skills of the professional athletes, and the glitz and glamor of major league soccer. However, few stop to wonder what happens when an athlete is injured. Do NBA players get workers' comp. benefits?
Workers' compensation is a type of employee insurance that provides payouts to cover expenses when a staff member is injured on the job.
This article will provide some insight to help injured workers understand their rights and answer any questions that fans or budding basketball players may have about playing professionally.
Basketball Is a Dangerous Sport
There's no doubt that basketball can be dangerous. From torn muscles to head injuries, there are a number of ways that athletes can be injured. Because it is a high-intensity, fast-paced sport, basketball players can collide with each other, fall over, or injure muscles because of quick movements.
Common Injuries Sustained in NBA Games and Training Sessions
The reality is that most professional athletes are exposed to a number of risks when playing basketball. Their careers are physically demanding, and they could experience a wide range of injuries, which include the following:
Ankle sprains
ACL injuries
Concussions
Torn meniscus
In extreme cases, NBA players may be left with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and more that could affect the quality of their lives.
A Guide to Workers Compensation in Ohio
Employees who are ill or injured at work and require medical attention can get benefits under the state-regulated workers' compensation program. It is managed in Ohio by the Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC).
The truth is that most employers in the state are required by law to have workers' compensation insurance. It can be beneficial for both employees and employers because it pays for medical expenses related to accidents at work, rehabilitation, and, in certain situations, permanent disability.
Are Professional Athletes Considered Employees?
In order for anyone to claim workers' compensation benefits, they must be an employee. The good news is that NBA players whose teams are based in Ohio are generally considered employees and are subject to the state's workers' compensation laws.
This means that, like any other employer, basketball teams are required to provide workers' comp. insurance for their players.
So, Do NBA Players Get Workers' Compensation Benefits?
Well, since NBA athletes are employees, they are eligible for workers' compensation. However, it's important to remember that the player will only receive compensation if they sustain minor to serious injuries while performing duties pertaining to their jobs.
This will likely include training activities and playing in games. If the injury occurs outside of these activities, they may have to use their own health insurance to cover their medical expenses or pay for their treatment out-of-pocket.
However, it's crucial to note here that filing successful workers' compensation claims can be more difficult for a professional athlete than it is for a regular employee.
Challenges That Pro Athletes Face When Pursuing Benefits
There are several reasons why it is harder for NBA players to receive workers' compensation benefits, including the following:
They Have Unique Contracts
NBA players often have contracts that are different from that of the average worker. In many cases, basketball teams will pay their players, even if they are injured and are unable to play. This throws a spanner in the works and prevents them from obtaining workers' compensation benefits.
They Earn High Salaries
The truth is that NBA players are professional athletes, which means that they are often highly paid and receive many perks and benefits. Workers' comp. would only provide a fraction of their earnings, resulting in disputes about whether it's a good idea to file a claim at all.
They Often Suffer from Repetitive Strain Injuries
In many cases, athletes suffer from injuries caused by repetitive strain, and the reality is that they can be a lot harder to prove. Workers' compensation benefits are typically awarded for acute injuries where a single event resulted in harm.
Why It's Important for NBA Players to Pursue Workers' Compensation Benefits
Although it may seem unnecessary to world-class players who likely earn a lot, major injuries can affect their ability to play. In some cases, it could destroy their career, leaving them with no income or ability to resume their place on the team.
What's more, permanent disability and other serious injuries often require ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation, which can result in hefty medical bills.
Obtaining workers' compensation benefits can provide peace of mind that healthcare expenses are taken care of, allowing players to focus on their healing.
How a Lawyer Can Help
Because workers' compensation claims for NBA players are often more complex, it's critical that they seek legal advice from our workers comp lawyers in Columbus. The reality is that Ohio workers' compensation laws are complex, and navigating them can be incredibly difficult.
A legal representative can help players understand their rights. They understand that even the smallest error on an application can result in a denial of a workers' compensation claim, and will go the extra mile to ensure that there are no hiccups.
If the application is denied, an attorney will file an appeal and fight for the rights of their client. They can also answer questions like Do NFL players get workers' comp?
Larrimer & Larrimer Is Here to Help
When a player faces a serious injury that could change their career, a lot is at stake. In such cases, they cannot afford to receive substandard legal guidance and representation. At Larrimer & Larrimer, helping players navigate the law is what we do best.
From assisting with the application process to filing appeals, we can help professional athletes get the workers' comp. benefits they rightly deserve. With over 90 years of experience in the industry, we are confident that we can add insight and help to ensure a favorable outcome.
To learn more, injured players are encouraged to get in touch with us.
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