Do NFL Players Get Workers' Comp. Benefits? | Ohio Law

Football players are often at risk of physical injuries. Although they are well-trained, a lot can go wrong on the field. The reality is that a serious injury can be a life-changing event for professional athletes, so it helps to know the options available when something goes wrong.

Workers comp. is available for covered employees who are injured on the job. This means that in order to claim workers' compensation benefits, an employee must have been hurt while engaged in work-related activities.

Since playing football is part of their job description, do NFL players get workers comp. benefits? This article will shed some light on the topic and offer insight into the world of professional sports and workers' compensation in Ohio. Our team can also answer questions such as Do NBA players get workers' comp?

Why Is Football Such a Dangerous Sport?

Football is often considered a high-risk sport. That's because players are constantly colliding with, tackling, and blocking each other, and this generally occurs at high speeds. This can expose even the most highly trained player to a number of risks.

Common Injuries Suffered in NFL Games

The reality is that a professional athlete can experience one of many different injuries. Some of the most common are:

• Concussions

• Head trauma

• Knee injuries

• Torn ACLs and MCLs

• Spinal cord damage

• Elbow and shoulder injuries

• Broken bones

• Fractures

Moreover, repetitive strain injuries, such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy, could also occur as a result of playing pro football.

Because the risks of injury are often far greater than in most other professions, workers comp. can be particularly needful for professional football players, ensuring that they are able to get the medical treatment they need.

What Is Workers' Compensation?

Workers' compensation is a program that offers financial payouts to employees who have suffered injury because of their jobs. It is run by the state and offers coverage for:

• Medical expenses,

• Rehabilitation,

• Lost wages, and

• Disability.

Employers in Ohio are required to have workers' compensation to protect both themselves and their employees against financial losses that might occur because of job-related activities.

For regular workers, the claims process is fairly straightforward. When an employee is hurt while performing their day-to-day activities, they file a claim with their employer’s workers' compensation insurance provider. However, for NFL athletes, the process can be more challenging.

Do NFL Players Qualify for Workers' Compensation?

Yes, they do. That's because NFL players are considered the employees of their respective teams and will, therefore, be eligible to receive workers' comp. benefits. Just like any worker, if they are hurt on the job, which in this case could be practicing or playing football, they have the right to file a claim for benefits.

The truth is that most NFL teams are required to have workers' compensation insurance to cover their players. It will offer financial protection to ensure that their athletes are able to get the healthcare they need and will also replace a portion of their income.

That said, acquiring compensation as a National Football League player can be incredibly difficult.

Why Obtaining Benefits Is So Challenging

There are a number of reasons why a professional athlete may find it harder to obtain compensation for injuries sustained while playing football. Larrimer & Larrimer can also provide insight on Do college athletes get workers' comp?

Navigating State-specific Laws Isn't Easy

Athletes often play games across different states, which means that different workers' compensation laws may apply. Navigating these regulations in order to obtain compensation is challenging, which is why many pro sports players abandon their efforts.

Their Salaries May Not Be Cut

Unlike other employees who often get a pay cut when they are unable to show up to work, NFL players often still receive an income, even when injured. This can make obtaining benefits harder.

Pressure to Return to Play

The reality is that football players are often pressured to return to the field as quickly as possible. This leads them to settle for low amounts.

Repetitive Strain Injuries

Because football players are often doing the same things over and over on the field, they can develop what is called repetitive strain injuries, over time. Unlike acute injuries, which occur as a result of a single event, it can be more challenging to win a claim for chronic injuries.

The Role of a Law Firm in Workers' Compensation Claims for NFL Players

Understanding the law and navigating the challenges mentioned above can be incredibly difficult. The good news is that a reliable workers' compensation lawyer can assist, ensuring that professional athletes receive the amounts they are rightly due.

They assist players by:

• Filing claims. A single error can cause delays or result in a denied claim. An attorney will go through everything meticulously to ensure that there are no mistakes.

• Protecting the player's legal rights. Insurance companies are businesses, and to ensure that they are paying the minimum amount, they will go to great lengths. Lawyers will fight for the rights of their clients, ensuring that get fair settlements.

• Advocating for long-term benefits. If a player has a permanent disability, their attorney will provide evidence to prove that they require these benefits.

• Providing guidance throughout the claims process. Filing a workers' compensation claim can be daunting. A lawyer will streamline the process and ensure that players understand their rights and receive the help they need.

Larrimer & Larrimer Offers Expert Guidance for Professional Athletes

Although it is available, obtaining workers' compensation benefits can be incredibly difficult for those in the National Football League. To ensure that they stand a chance at gaining access to these benefits, it's important that players work with our Columbus workers comp lawyers with many years of experience.

While many players will not pursue the healthcare and disability benefits provided by the workers' compensation program, it's important that they remember that being a professional football player has a lot to do with having a clean bill of health.

An injury can be life-changing, resulting in an athlete losing their ability to play. Larrier & Larrimer will stand in the gap, fighting for their rights and ensuring that they receive the compensation they need.

To learn more about the services we offer, athletes are encouraged to contact us.