Professional athletes face a higher risk of injury than workers in almost any other field, and these injuries can prevent them from doing their job. While high-impact sports like football and hockey come with obvious risks, dancers, circus performers, and even golfers can suffer serious injuries that may permanently impact their careers. While these high-risk employees are usually covered by worker’s compensation, variations in state law can affect your ability to collect benefits for your injury. Below, learn about athlete coverage under worker’s compensation. 

Who Is Covered by Worker’s Compensation?

Most state worker’s comp statutes don’t specifically mention athletes, so they’re usually treated like any other employee. However, California and some other states specifically exempt some athletes from the coverage requirements. This can make filing a claim complicated for athletes who suffered an injury while playing in another state and may even leave you without coverage entirely.

Almost every state requires most employers to participate in some sort of worker’s compensation program. In Georgia, for example, any business with more than three employees, including regular part-time workers, must carry worker’s compensation insurance. However, independent contractors are not covered, which means athletes who work on a contract may have to file a personal injury suit to get the medical treatment they need.

What Does Worker’s Compensation Cover?

In addition to injuries caused by an accident on the stage or the field, athletes are also susceptible to microfractures, joint damage, and other cumulative medical conditions. Worker’s compensation should provide health care and wage replacement benefits for both types of injury until you’re able to go back to work. This support can be essential for athletes who suffer a career-ending injury that leaves them permanently disabled.

Navigating the worker’s compensation system can be confusing and overwhelming, especially for athletes whose careers may be on the line. If you’ve been injured on the job in Gainesville, GA, the attorneys at Stow Garvin & Glenn have the experience and expertise to help you receive the benefits you deserve and get back to work. Visit their website for more on their worker’s compensation services, or call (770) 534-5265 to arrange a consultation today.