Mesothelioma

According to a new bill, athletes who spent the majority of their careers playing for teams in states other than California are no longer eligible to file workers’ compensation claims in California. The bill passed state Assembly on Thursday.

According to the bill, which came from Assemblyman Henry Perea, out of state players should not be eligible to file claims involving non-specific cumulative injuries in California. California is one of nine states to allow workers’ compensation claims to be filed for cumulative trauma injuries.

The new bill also puts a deadline on when an athlete must file a workers’ compensation claim. Under Perea’s bill, claims must be filed within one year of the athlete’s last game or one of year of the diagnosis, whichever comes later.

Supporters of the bill say athletes should not be allowed to file these claims if they haven’t played the majority of their careers in California because they can increase insurance costs and add pressure to the state’s workers’ compensation system.

Those in opposition argue that athletes who play in California should be treated as any other worker in the state, regardless of where their home team is. Several professional athletes in opposition to the bill attended a news conference in Sacramento last month to speak out about the matter.

The bill applies to professional football, baseball, basketball, hockey and soccer players as well as those who played for the minor league.

As a San Diego personal injury law firm, The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock A.P.C. represents injured workers in workers’ compensation claims. To learn more about the bill or to speak with a San Diego personal injury lawyer about your circumstances, contact our law office today.