NFL Players and Workers’ Compensation | The California Dispute
Workers’ compensation laws are designed to cover medical costs and lost wages when employees are injured on the job. For professional athletes, these laws have become the center of a legal battle between the National Football League (NFL), its teams, and former players.
The Falcons Lawsuit
In 2013, the NFL and the Atlanta Falcons filed suit against nine former players, seeking to prevent them from pursuing workers’ compensation claims in California. The league argued that player contracts required such claims to be filed in the team’s home state of Georgia.
The lawsuit followed a ruling from an arbitrator in New York, who ordered the players to stop pursuing claims in California. Despite this, the players had cases pending before California’s Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board at the time.
Why California?
California law allows professional athletes to file workers’ compensation claims if they played even a single game in the state. This has led many current and former players — from multiple NFL teams — to file in California for long-term injuries sustained throughout their careers.
According to a 2010 New York Times investigation, California also bars employees from signing away certain workers’ rights, and unions cannot bargain them away. As a result, some argue that contract provisions requiring players to file only in their team’s home state may not be enforceable.
Broader Impact on the NFL
The Falcons case is not isolated. Players from the Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos, Tennessee Titans, Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints, and Atlanta Falcons have also filed claims in California.
The dispute reflects a broader conflict:
-
Players argue they should be entitled to benefits in states where the law permits.
-
Teams and the league aim to control costs and maintain consistency by requiring claims in the team’s home state.
Why This Matters
For athletes, workers’ compensation can be critical. According to the NFL Players Association, filing a claim is often the only way to ensure medical expenses related to football injuries are covered once a player retires. Without a claim, teams are not obligated to pay for care after a player leaves the game.
The outcome of these disputes may shape how and where professional athletes can seek benefits for injuries sustained during their careers — and could influence future collective bargaining agreements.
FAQs
Why do players file in California?
Because California law allows claims if a player participated in just one game in the state, even years earlier.
Can contracts override California’s workers’ comp laws?
California law prohibits waiving certain workers’ rights, which has led to disputes over whether player contracts requiring home-state filings are enforceable.
Why does this matter for athletes?
Workers’ compensation claims may be the way retired players can have their injury-related medical costs covered.
Request an Appointment
If you have been injured at work, we can help connect you with a trusted provider in your area. Request an appointment today, and our team will connect you directly with the provider’s office.
This blog from Pain and Injury is intended for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Recovery is not guaranteed, and each patient’s results may vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for a personalized care plan.