Los Angeles Sports Injury Attorney

Los Angeles Sports Injury Lawyers Who Know This Complex Area Of Law

The California workers’ compensation system is designed to provide relief to injured workers, including professional athletes who suffer sports-related injuries. These individuals often face complex challenges when seeking compensation. Like any other employee, professional athletes are eligible to receive temporary and permanent disability benefits through their team’s insurance provider.

If you are a professional athlete and sustained serious injuries while training, practicing, or competing in a sporting event, the Los Angeles sports injury attorneys at Hinden & Breslavsky can help. We have the combined legal experience needed to guide injured athletes through the intricacies of personal injury law and workers’ compensation. This complex process requires the insight of an experienced legal team. Contact us online or call 323-954-1800 to speak to a member of our legal team. Your initial consultation is entirely free and confidential.

Common Sports Injuries Among Professional Athletes

Athletes are uniquely vulnerable to sports injuries due to the physical demands of their careers. These injuries can be acute, like a sudden rotator cuff tear, or cumulative, developing over time through repetitive motions.

• Muscle strains and sprains caused by overuse
• ACL strains and tears
• Broken bones
• Concussions and other head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (CTE)
• Spinal cord injuries, which can lead to paralysis
• Hip flexor strains
• Shin splints
• Hamstring strains
• Tennis or golf elbow
• Shoulder, neck, and back injuries
• Dislocations
• Joint problems

Such injuries can leave you unable to compete temporarily or, in severe cases, permanently. Additionally, it is not at all uncommon for professional athletes to experience the effects of cumulative injuries long after they have retired. Athletes across many of the largest sports organizations including MLB, NFL, NBA, WNBA, NHL, MLS, NWSL, UFC, USFL, XFL, and USL can seek compensation for injuries they experienced during their careers in this way.

Workers’ Compensation For Professional Athletes

In California, professional athletes are considered “employees” and, just like any other employee, they are entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits when they are injured on the job.

Depending on the nature of your injuries, in addition to other relevant factors, you may be able to receive the following types of compensation:

• Temporary disability benefits
• Permanent disability benefits
• Life pension (for athletes rated 70% or more disabled)

Though somewhat more difficult, you may still be able to recover benefits if you are already retired. You will need to show that you were not informed of your right to workers’ compensation and that you were not otherwise aware of these rights. Additionally, you may be able to recover workers’ compensation benefits if you played for a team outside of the state of California.

Workers’ Compensation for Professional Athletes

Eligibility for Workers’ Compensation Benefits

In California, professional athletes are considered employees, which makes them eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Whether you’re a current or retired athlete, you may qualify for compensation, including:

1. Temporary disability benefits to cover lost wages while you recover.
2. Permanent disability benefits if your injury causes lasting impairments.
3. A life pension for those rated 70% or more disabled.

Complexities of Sports Injury Cases

Recovering compensation as an athlete often involves proving that your injuries occurred during a sporting event, practice, or other work-related activities. Injuries may also stem from defective sports equipment or dangerous conditions at a training facility. Retired athletes face additional challenges in demonstrating their injuries were sustained during their professional careers.

Liability in Sports Injury Cases

Identifying responsible parties is crucial in sports injury lawsuits. Liability may fall on:

• Team management or league officials
• Manufacturers of sports equipment
• Facility owners for dangerous conditions at a sports event
• Coaches, trainers, or other personnel

Examples of Negligence in Sports-Related Injuries

1. Failing to provide safe equipment or gear.
2. Ignoring signs of a head injury or concussion.
3. Allowing athletes to compete under unsafe conditions.
4. Overtraining athletes, leading to severe injuries like stress fractures or ligament tears.

When negligence leads to injuries suffered during training or competition, victims can pursue personal injury cases to recover damages for medical expenses and emotional distress.

Addressing School District Negligence in Student-Athlete Injuries

Common Risks for Student Athletes

Students participating in organized sports often face risks like knee injuries, dislocations, and shoulder injuries. Schools are responsible for ensuring that proper safety measures are in place during practices and games.

Liability Waivers and School District Accountability

Although many schools require liability waivers, these do not absolve them of responsibility for injuries caused by negligence. School officials can be held accountable for:

• Failing to maintain safe facilities.
• Neglecting proper medical care during emergencies.
• Using substandard or outdated equipment.

In such cases, injury victims and their families may have legal options to pursue compensation.

Injuries at Sports Camps and Recreational Activities

Athletes of all levels attend sports camps to enhance their skills. Unfortunately, sports camps sometimes expose participants to unsafe environments. Injuries sustained at camps can arise from:

• Improper supervision by staff.
• Unsafe playing fields or equipment.
• Intense training regimens without proper rest.

Recreational accidents during non-professional sports activities can also result in claims if negligence or unsafe conditions were involved. Injured parties should consult an experienced personal injury attorney to determine liability.

Handling Complex Sports Injury Lawsuits

The Legal Process

Pursuing a sports injury lawsuit involves several steps:

1. Documenting the injury occurred during a sanctioned event or related activity.
2. Evaluating the role of multiple parties, such as equipment manufacturers, trainers, or facility operators.
3. Filing a personal injury claim within the statute of limitations in Los Angeles.

With the support of an injury lawyer, victims can pursue damages for medical care, physical therapy, and other costs associated with their recovery.

Injuries from Defective Sports Equipment

Faulty or poorly designed sports equipment can lead to severe injuries. Examples include helmets that fail to prevent concussions or defective cleats that cause falls.

Determining Liability in Equipment-Related Claims

• Manufacturers can be held accountable for product defects.
• Retailers may be liable for selling unsafe equipment.
• Coaches or organizations may share blame if faulty equipment was knowingly used.

Athletes injured by defective gear should seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.

Severe Injuries and Their Long-Term Effects

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Traumatic brain injuries are among the most devastating outcomes for athletes. TBIs can result from concussions sustained in sports like football, soccer, and boxing. Symptoms often include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and mood changes.

Spinal Cord and Paralysis Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, drastically affecting an athlete’s life. Victims require extensive medical treatment and ongoing physical therapy, which may cost millions over a lifetime.

Chronic Pain and Emotional Distress

Many athletes face chronic pain and psychological challenges after retiring. Dealing with these long-term effects often necessitates significant medical and emotional support.

Legal Options for Amateur and Professional Athletes

Whether you’re a professional athlete or participate in recreational sports, your rights depend on the circumstances of the accident. Amateur athletes may face unique challenges, especially when signing waivers for events or camps.

Speak With Our Los Angeles Sports Injury Attorney

It is important that you contact a knowledgeable attorney for help with your injury claims. The Los Angeles sports injury attorneys at Hinden & Breslavsky understand the numerous complexities involved in this area of law, including cases involving sports-related injuries, knee injuries, and shoulder injuries. Our team is committed to helping injured athletes, whether professionals or amateurs, navigate the legal process and recover the maximum compensation they deserve.

In addition to addressing sports activities and sporting event accidents, we represent injury victims dealing with chronic pain, rotator cuff tears, and other serious injuries caused during sports events. Whether you or a family member sustained injuries while participating in a sporting event, our firm is here to provide the legal services you need.

There are no fees unless we recover compensation for you; call 323-954-1800 or contact us online to learn more. Your free consultation is completely confidential.