Pro Athlete Injury Compensation Lawyers Palm Beach County
Professional athletes are subjected to some of the most intense and brutal bodily damage in any field of employment. We represent many professional or semi-professional athletes. These athletes are constantly at risk for injuries, accidents, and repetitive trauma. Some of these athletes play for the following:
- MLB (Major League Baseball)
- MLL (Major League Lacrosse)
- NBA (National Basketball Association)
- NFL (National Football League)
- NHL (National Hockey League)
If you have sustained an injury while playing a sport professionally or semi-professionally, you are not alone. Statistics reveal that in early September 2013, almost 600 workers’ compensation claims were filed against NFL franchises, almost 300 claims against Major League Baseball, more than 100 clams against National Hockey League teams, and 79 against NBA teams.
Prior to changes made in the law by Florida Gov. Rick Scott, professional athletes employed by a Florida team, but who played games in other states, could file claims in other states that had more favorable laws than Florida. Since those changes went into effect, Florida players are restricted to filing workers’ compensation claims in Florida. Further, in 2013 California approved a law that prevents workers’ compensation claims made by players who play for non-California teams, but happen to play a game or limited games in California. However, labor unions, collective bargaining agreements and proactive players associations have created coverage for injured professional athletes.
At the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt we have had the privilege of representing many professional athletes who live in Florida and who have played for Florida’s best major league teams. We invite you to contact us if you believe you or a loved one has suffered an injury while employed with any of Florida’s professional or semi-professional sports teams, and you wish to receive the workers’ compensation benefits available to you under the law.
Specific sports accidents include many well know and infamously gruesome and jaw dropping injuries. NFL fans recall one of the most horrific injuries seen on Monday Night Football when Washington Redskin’s quarterback Joe Theismann suffered a career ending leg injury at the hands of New York Giants’ Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor. Hockey fans can still recall the gruesome sight of witnessing Buffalo Sabres goalie Clint Malarchuk’s jugular being sliced open by the blade of St. Louis Blues defenseman Uwe Krupp. There are many many more sports injuries that cause fans to cover their eyes and divert their heads.
Reeling From an Overlooked Sports Injury
There is another class of sports injuries that won’t make any worst-of lists, be seen in flashback clips or recounted by commentators and announcers in the years to come. Repetitive injuries do not have the flash, pizzazz, or level of interest that draws fans in like rubberneckers on a highway following a 10 car pileup, but they are the types of injuries that don’t just end a career, they end lives. They are called repetitive trauma injuries.
Repetitive trauma injuries result from factors including:
- Applied force
- Repeated impact
- Continued use
- Sustained damage
These injuries do not suddenly happen because of one big hit. Rather, these injuries happen microscopically, getting worse after every hit, every tackle, every slide or every throw. These injuries can be found in the arms, shoulders, elbows, knees and back of athletes in every type of sport. Another subset of repetitive trauma injuries making its way to the spotlight, despite the fact that its dangers have been known since the 1920’s, is repetitive brain trauma or traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Studies show that on an annual basis there are between 1.6 million AND 3.8 million traumatic brain injury accidents resulting from sports and recreation activities in the U.S. alone. Over the past decade, many retired professional football and hockey players are breaking their silence and the world is gaining insight on how these warriors’ final days are playing out. In many cases, these former gladiators’ final battle is not with another opponent, but rather with the damage done to their brain.
Both current and retired NFL football and NHL hockey players have reported symptoms associated with concussions and TBI’s. TBI’S have been found to occur when an outside force impacts the body and causes the brain to strike the skull. Following an impact which jostles the brain, often called a concussion, symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, loss of coordination, headaches, vision problems and nausea will develop. Long terms effects of multiple blows to the head include neurodegeneration, memory loss, cognitive problems, severe depression and dementia.
Many retired football players, and other professional and semi-professional athletes, are now discussing their injuries and resulting debilitating conditions such as dementia. Dementia is a loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. It affects memory, thinking, language, judgment, and behavior. Rayfield Wright, a 68 year old Dallas Cowboys Hall of Famer, was part of a New York Times article where he revealed that he is one of more than 4,500 players suing the NFL for concealing what the league knew about the dangers of repetitive head trauma. Wright stated in the article that he incurred so many concussions that he couldn’t even count them.
Even local Florida sports heroes have filed workers’ compensation claims, including Miami Dolphins former quarterback Dan Marino. Other well known athletes to make claims under workers’ compensation laws include NFL greats Boomer Esiason, Lynn Swann and Thurman Thomas, MLB stars Randy Johnson and Willie McCovey, and NBA legends Clyde Drexler and Gus Williams. Almost 70% of workers’ compensation claims filed against the MLB, NBA, NFl, and NHL included brain or head injuries due to repetitive trauma injuries or accidents.
If you or a loved one play, or played, professional or semi-professional sports and have suffered an injury, including a traumatic brain injury, or are now experiencing the symptoms of a TBI, call one of our workers’ compensation attorneys today. Our dedicated professional athlete attorneys are experienced in handling repetitive trauma injuries, including traumatic brain injury cases. We understand the devastating impact an injury of this nature can have and are ready and willing to fight for the medical and lost wage benefits that are available under Florida’s workers’ compensation laws.
Palm Beach Professional Athletes FAQs
Our experienced Palm Beach, FL professional athletes lawyers regularly work with professional athletes who have suffered injuries tied to their careers. Whether the injury happened during practice, a game, or as part of ongoing team responsibilities, many athletes face challenges when seeking compensation. Our team has recovered over $300 million for our clients and has over 200 years of combined experience. If you are a professional athlete in need of assistance with a claim, contact the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt today.
What Is The Process For Filing A Workers’ Compensation Claim As A Professional Athlete In Florida?
Filing a claim starts by reporting the injury to your team or employer as soon as possible. This step must be done within 30 days of the injury or when you first notice symptoms. After that, your employer should report the claim to their insurance carrier. From there, medical evaluations and treatment will be scheduled. You’ll need to attend those appointments and follow the assigned care plan. If your claim is delayed or denied, we help you move forward with the dispute process, including hearings if needed.
What Types Of Compensation Can Athletes Claim?
Athletes may be eligible for several types of compensation, including payment for medical treatment, lost wages, temporary or permanent disability, and vocational rehabilitation if the injury affects long-term career potential. In some cases, a third-party claim may also be available, depending on the source of the injury. If unlawful employer practices played a role in your injury, you may be eligible for further compensation. We help clients pursue all benefits available under Florida law, tailored to their unique situation and athletic career.
How Do I Know If My Injury Qualifies For A Legal Claim In Florida?
If your injury occurred while performing job-related duties—whether during training, competition, travel, or team-related obligations—it may qualify for a legal claim. The injury does not have to be sudden; it can also result from repetitive stress or overuse. Our Palm Beach professional athletes attorneys review all facts around your case to determine whether your injury fits within Florida’s workers’ compensation or personal injury guidelines.
What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Sports Injuries Claims?
For workers’ compensation claims, the statute of limitations in Florida is typically two years from the date of the injury. For personal injury claims, such as those against third parties, you generally have four years. However, there are exceptions and situations that may shorten or extend these timelines, which is why acting quickly matters. We help ensure our clients meet the necessary deadlines to protect their rights.
What Evidence Is Needed To Support My Sports Injury Claim?
Strong evidence can include medical records, team or employer reports, eyewitness statements, photographs, training logs, and any communication that shows how and when the injury occurred. In some cases, expert medical opinions can help support the extent of the injury and how it impacts your ability to perform. Our Florida professional athletes lawyers guide clients through collecting and organizing the information needed to build a solid case.
Our team is committed to supporting professional athletes through every step of the injury claim process. Contact the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt today to schedule a consultation.
Injury Caused by Professional Sports? Give Us A Call!
Call an attorney at the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt for a free and confidential consultation today.
(561) 616-3800
Client Review
“I want to thank Lisa, Kim and Eric for their great work in getting my settlememt completed. They where always there if I needed anything or had a question. I would highly recommend them if you need help with a Workers Comp Case. Again thanks for your professionalism and hard work. “
Kevin Clark
