NFL kickers file for workers’ comp

New York football fans may not realize the risks that kickers and punters take on the field. The players may be at risk to sustain brain injuries, according to claims by NFL kickers and punters in another state. In California alone, there have been almost 3,500 head trauma claims filed by California football players. About 75 percent of the claims brought by football players in the state are regarding brain injuries.

One analysis of California workers’ compensation data said that 64 former kickers and punters have filed claims against their former NFL team for head or brain injuries since 2007. The number grows to 109 claims when calculated from 1990, including 82 placekickers and punters. Kickers and punters may be specifically hunted down during punts. However, being aggressively knocked down may lead to brain injuries, which can in turn lead to dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

The NFL has already agreed to pay $765 million in order to settle existing lawsuits. These lawsuits stem from allegations from 4,500 former players and their families who claim that the league hid information regarding their risk for sustaining brain damage by playing the sport.

A physician error could cause a patient to have insufficient oxygen and lead to a brain injury. Brain injuries can also be caused by trauma. They can be quite significant and may lead to permanent disability and the need for long-term care. A medical malpractice attorney may be able to file a complaint against the negligent physician or healthcare provider. They may be able to pursue compensation on behalf of the victim to cover the extensive medical expenses that are often related to these claims.

Source: Los Angeles Times, “Kickers, punters file brain injury claims against NFL in California“, Ken Bensinger, August 31, 2013